rug on carpet

CAN YOU PUT A RUG ON CARPET - Rug Layering Tips

Can You Put A Rug On Carpet? Layering rugs on carpet is not the new fashion in town. It is a beautiful style of rug layering; an art on art. It is the practice where you can put a rug on top of carpet.

In the next few minutes, you will learn the basics and effective ways on how to overlap rugs, how to layer rugs on carpet, the placing of a rug on top of rug and rug layering sizes, and all its styles.

How To Layer Rugs In Any Space

For many, this may sound something unknown, but it’s a fabulous way of decorating a floor in an entirely different method. Now still wondering what does layer rugs mean in the world of floor covering!

Well, before we get into knowing the right techniques of how to layer area rugs for indoor or outdoor, let us first understand what the team ‘layer rugs’ mean. Also, how they can turn any room/space a lot more unusual yet adorable in altogether a newly added style.

Layer rugs are a beautiful add-on way of putting or laying an area rug on top of another larger area rug or carpet.

How To Layer Rug Over Carpet Living Room

Whether planning for layering a rug on carpet in bedroom or layering rugs in the living room, they follow the same technique of layering. 

You can for sure go with layering area rugs over carpets. Many interior decorators love doing it by bringing an area rug on top of a larger one. It adds a lot of coziness and texture, and it’s an easy way to change up space with a significant difference. There are some things to consider, though.

To layer a rug over a wall-to-wall carpet, one has to assure that it is a lower pile one. Otherwise, it will be a bit strange, and it won’t work the way it should.

Pile refers to the thickness, so from the very bottom to the very top how thick and plush it is, is the pile.

Then you want to consider the rug that you will be layering on the top. You reasonably must choose one that is not too thick or heavy because it can also result in a tripping hazard. In most cases, you can prefer, a overdyed rug or a Berber rug over sisal or sea-grass or any other natural material carpeting.

Something else you must watch out for is the rug does not shift or move around when layered on top of the carpeting. The way to avoid this is you use a rubber pad to create a bit more friction between the rug and the area rug so that it doesn’t move around. The other easy way out to this is that you anchor the rug with heavy furniture on it.

Next, you also have to think about the placement. You also must see to it that the rug on top of the carpet isn’t nodding off on the corner on its own in relation to your furniture so either underneath the furniture or at the foot of the bed. They are a great way to add a little bit of an accent. 

One thing you need to try and avoid in this is that you need to plan it out while layering multiple rugs on top of carpets. Else, this can sometimes look a bit too much or like as though selling rugs on the street.

How To Anchor A Rug On Carpet

The easiest, the simplest, the best, and the apparent way to stop a rug from moving or slipping on the floor is ideal to use a rug pad. Isn’t it? Did you give a thought on how to anchor a rug on the carpet! Before that, know what makes rugs on top on a carpet slip.

Some of the reasons that make rugs move about on carpet are:

  • The silky texture of the carpet’s fiber placed under the rug. Silk rugs made in bamboo silk and viscose have very silky and slippery properties.
  • A smooth and slippery backing texture of the area rug, ex. Plastic backing.

Solution To Anchoring Rug Over Carpet

  • Place heavy furniture on the rug layered on the carpets.
  • Stick rubber stripes to the back of the rug to prevent it from moving.

To learn more, here is a detailed guide to how to secure area rug on top of carpet.

How To Layer Rugs Like A Pro

You might be wondering why layer your rugs and how might it look. The reason why you want to do this is that it makes a difference and defines the space. In this way, you can bring out the colors and provide a texture over your hard-floor or tile. Believe it or not, you can also save huge money in the process by doing so.

Have you been thinking about getting that designer rug in your home by the method of overlapping rugs? Well, then this article is for you. So no more guesswork next time you think of attempting it. Dive in and know how you can do this in 7 simple ways.

1. Appropriate Size

First of all, pick the right size of the base rug for your space. When you are running to get your rugs you want to know what size you need. The idea behind layering rugs is that the base rug size is always more massive than the face rug.

2. Material

For the foundation, select a natural fibre rug made of jute or sisal. On the other hand, for the top-up, you can prefer Persian rug animal hide or vintage kilim rug.

3. Top Rug

Make sure your face rug is smaller than the below one. it must at least leave 10 12 inches of the border around the base rug.

4. Pile Height

Choose a proper pile size. For a rug beside your bed, you can choose a thick sheepskin or a Moroccan rug.

6. Pattern

Go with a single design at a time; otherwise, they don’t interact well. For example, if your base rug has a pattern already, weather loop cut or printed then go with a plain area rug for the top. Choose a plain base rug or broadloom if the top carpet has a pattern.

7. Rug Pad

Make use of a rubber pad to restrain the rug from slipping. Consider anchoring it with a large sofa or any wooden furniture.

8. Colour

Choose the right color for both the layered rugs that go matching with each other and compliments your space as well.

The Art Of Layering Rugs

Always remember that the best way to go about overlapping rugs is that both rugs, the top and the base need to be of low profile. A thick base rug or carpet can get damaged due to its getting pressed overtime.

  • To get started, you need to get a measuring tape and measure the place of the installation. Then mark up the four corners with tape. In this way, you can imagine the rug size you need in your particular area. So basically what you want to make sure here is that your bed or your table, the chairs all fit in well on your base rug.
    If you are going to arrange the dining room, you would want the table as well as the chairs to fill in it. The technique is so that when you drag them to sit, you are half on the rug and half on the rug.
  • Now that you have decided and figured out the size of your rug. It’s time you choose the base rug. For this purpose, you can best pick a low profile natural fibre rugs like a jute rug sisal rug or a seagrass rug.
  • Choosing a more neutral base allows you to go a little bolder or another pattern on top. These natural fibre rugs are inexpensive and can save money in the process. So the idea is that you spend less money on the bottom rug and little more for the face rug. For the top rug, you can choose a smaller piece, a vintage rug or kilim any that you like.

  • Also, keep in mind that for the base, you do not select a very thick rug. A thick rug will make the layering style look swollen up and instead harm the real purpose of putting a rug(s) on top of the carpet. When choosing the top layer rug, you can have a lot more plan with this. You can combine with color or pattern. You can choose a cowhide zebra-hide or a very soft fluffy sheepskin. Have fun and play around with the top rug with their different types and designs.
  • Don’t be afraid to try placing it in new angels. While doing this do make sure the rug is a low profile one. Keep in mind that your top rug is appropriately smaller than your base rug. It must at least be 10 to 12 inches around on the base rug edges so that it looks like a border that was made by purpose and not a mistake. This does not necessarily apply for animal skins on top because they have irregular shapes.

Layering Round Rugs

Well, round rugs in itself are an excellent shape to install as a flooring. It gives a more striking look. People often tend to get confused while layering a round rug as to whether or not it must be to the base or on top. Secondly, whether the shape of the rug is the same or not.

Of course, you can layer a round rug over a square or rectangle-shaped rugs/carpets. There is no explicit rule to this. Whatever that catches the eyes and so long as the overall look makes you feel good is the right choice.

How To Layer Cowhide Rugs

A cowhide rug is a gorgeous and commonly used rug for layering it over an area rug and on a carpet as well. The combination of layering cowhide rug over a large area rug or carpet is very stylish and unique floor decor. Other animal skins like deerskin, sheepskin, zebra hide rugs also are cool rugs for layering on top of a carpet or an area rug.

Make sure the cowhide fits well with the base rug. The rules of layering a cowhide are no different from others. When placing the cowhide over the rug/carpet, it must leave space for the base rug to expose itself.

What Size Rug To Layer Over 9x12

When a room has an enormous carpet or rug like 9×12 ft., the size for the top rug layering turns a lot more confusing. Here what you also have to see is the location area if it’s going to be for an empty space or a room with furniture on them.

The idea is simply to coordinate different rugs splendidly. Try with sizes and various rugs. For carpet sizing 8 x 100 you can very intelligently opt for layering two or more rugs at the top. We suggest you go for runner rugs.

Double Layer Rug Vs Multiple Rug Layering

Well, carried away by the charm of double-layer rugs and looking to go beyond that! Well, then how about multiple rug layering!

In this way, you can layer a double rug or more than two rugs on top of each other in a stylish manner.

You may try adding all the rugs of the same pattern, color or all different. There is no fixed rule as long as it works for your space’s taste. By the way, a circle rug also would be great for multiple rug settings. Well, remember, the rest depends on the size of your space and the room you are working to define.

How To Layer Doormats

Hey, do you have a doormat or a porch mat? If not, then it’s time now to think of it. A door front is a place that every home decor begins. Nowadays, layer door mats have become a spicy trend.

The combination of two beautiful rugs, one on top of the other can give a great chance at the door front. Do not fear to add odd or irregular shapes and sizes, this can turn a more exciting floor covering decor.

Consider two essential points while purchasing the rugs—first, the size and second, the style. The benefit of layered doormats is not just that they are eye-catching but also that they luckily let’s update old and dirty rugs easily with a new pair.

How To Layer Outdoor Rugs

Do not panic when it becomes layering rugs outdoors. It is as easy as done for the indoor. It’s the same as rugs layered in a living room. The only thing that differs is the type of material/fiber for outdoor rugs. Thus for the outdoor, plan to go with a sisal rug for the base layer.

Why not jute? Layering rugs over jute for outdoor is a bad idea. It’s because layered jute rugs outdoors will get damaged and weaken when exposed to moisture and direct sunlight. The sisal fibre can endure outside exposure better compared to jute.

For the upper layer, choose any other rug that is in nylon or polyester. Synthetics are UV resistant and can easily last for long. In most cases, there is no need for a rug pad between or below the base rug. One crucial point to remember is to store both the rugs back to the dry when it is not in use.

The DO'S And DON'TS

This technique also provides a focal point and helps to define a space. Ready to try the trend in your home?
A jute rug or a solid wool rug in a neutral color is a good base.  Layer smaller antique rugs over a dining table for a luxurious.

DO'S

  • Do layer rugs with small color patterns.
  • Do use large and smaller-scale patterns.
  • Do place rugs on angles.
  • Do use similar pile height.
  • Do use a top rug that’s 12 to 32 inches smaller than the bottom rug.
  • Do use thin rug pads or double-sided tape to hold rugs in place.

DON'TS

  • Don’t use thick rugs with a thin nap or flat-weave carpet. They will not lay properly when overlapped.
  • Don’t layer rugs in high-traffic areas or in hallways where they could be a tripping hazard.
  • Don’t layer more than two rugs.
  • Don’t layer rugs on a wall to wall carpeting.

Layered Rugs Pinterest

There are plenty of area rugs on carpet pictures flourishing all across the internet. The best ones are right here. Follow our board on Pinterest for pins of some elegant inspirational layered area rugs ideas. Come and check out the board and send us a request to join the board to share similar home decor ideas. To join the board, do follow our board and send a ‘Join’ request. Email us your request at faisalinternationalrugs@gmail.com

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We hope our “can you put a rug on carpet” article helps you layer rugs for your home at its best. If there is any questions, please do write to us.