If there is one trend that has proved that it’s not going anywhere, it is the layered rug look. Layering area rugs adds dimension and interest in any space, and it just so happens to be one of the focal points of none other than Gray’s new master bedroomand living room. Not to mention, now that fall is officially here we’re always looking for ways to cozy up our space, and layering area rugs is the perfect way to do just that. With that said, getting the look can be easier said than done… but don’t fret! We’ve put together your go-to guide on how to layer rugs like a pro, so read on for our tips on everything from size, to texture, to shapes, and more…
Pay Close Attention to Dimensions
No matter how well two rugs coordinate, they won’t complement each other unless the dimensions of both are right. This can be tricky since there really isn’t a hard and fast rule on rug sizes when you’re creatively layering up, but there are certainly guidelines that can help! When in doubt, make sure your top rug is about 2/3 the size of your base rug. (Note: The exception here is hides and sheepskins. These types of rugs can be on the smaller side, as long as they feel proportional to the other furniture elements in the room.)
Coordinate (But Don’t Copy) Textures and Patterns
When combining two rug textures in one space, it’s important to select fibers that complement each other, instead of competing. For instance, if you’re placing a plush area rug in the center of a room, anchor it with a flat-weave rug underneath for contrast. (Hi, layering jute rugs!) Two textures that are too similar in pile height (or length of rug fibers) will visually compete for attention and look mismatched. The same goes for pattern—if you want to play up a wildly printed rug, layer with solid neutral for max impact. Or, when layering pattern on pattern, make sure to play with scale! Try a base rug with a simple, large-scale pattern (like a neutral Moroccan diamond motif) and layer with a smaller-scale complementary pattern in a similar style.
Here are some of our favorite combinations, but stay tuned because there are more tips to follow…
- Rouen Wool Rug + Serabi Rug | 2. Selma Jute Rug + Graham Woven Cotton Rug | 3. Tattersal Cotton Woven Rug + Austin Hide | 4. Pasadena Hand-Woven Rug + Capetown Cotton & Jute Rug | 5. Diamond Jute Rug + Barcelona Hand-Knotted Rug | 6. Indio Dhurrie + Alma Sheepskin Rug
Mix and Match Shapes
Of course, most rugs come in rectangular dimensions, but don’t let that deter you from getting creative with your shapes. If you want to branch out and try something sans 90-degree angles, try layering an organic shape over a simple rectangular rug. This is where options like cowhides and sheepskins come into play—not only is it a foolproof way to nail the layered rug look, but they are also perfect for anchoring furniture pieces like a lounge chair or coffee table. (Pro Tip: When layering with hair-on-hide rugs, choose a rug with low pile as your foundation, or a woven option such as a jute, sisal, or kilim rug.)
Image from Studio Mcgee
Layer Over Existing Carpet
Yes, you read that right! The beauty of layering rugs is that no type of flooring is out of the question. In fact, a layered rug look can be the perfect solution for distracting the eye and hiding carpeting that you aren’t particularly crazy about. Just make sure to pay extra close attention to your rug textures when layering over wall-to-wall carpeting—make sure the texture of your rug is different enough from the existing carpet so as to stand out as an intentional feature of the room (think flat-weave and natural fiber rugs). It’s also a good idea to steer clear of something too plush, like a shag rug, as this can translate as texture overload.
What are your top tips for layering area rugs?
Get more décor inspiration by taking a sneak peek into the rest of Gray’s home, and shout out to us @GrayMalin on social media to tell us what topic you want to see us cover next on the blog…
Xx Team GM
Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com, Studio Mcgee