How to Layer Rugs on Carpet

One of the keys to getting a layered ruglook right is texture. Start by considering the texture of the carpet and go for contrast in the rugs you select. A looped or low-nap carpet will provide an unfussy base for a thick-pile or shag rug. This can warm up a space and add softness. Alternatively, a more plush carpet will be grounded by a low-profile rug.

A jute rug makes a great base rug to start layering. These sisal rugs are usually a reasonably priced choice and highly durable. The texture of jute also feels good underfoot and offers an interesting contrast with the softness of carpet fibers. Further, its naturally neutral color works as a bridge to tie the carpet together with the other layered rugs, as well as other elements in the room.

Even if jute specifically is not a favorite, the bottom rug in the layer should be a solid color or in a pattern that leaves a lot of open areas. The anchoring rug should not be too busy so that the other rugs in the layers can pop more effectively.

If the carpet has a distinctive pattern, it is best to choose area rugs without patterns in colors that pick up tones in the carpet design, or perhaps other objects in the room. Pattern-mixing can be difficult, and layering rugs that clash will leave you with decor that feels cluttered rather than eclectic.

Varying tones and shades of the same color is an easy way to create a cohesive monochromatic look. But remember that complementary colors can allow you to bring more color variation to your room.

In rooms where you want to cover up the carpeted floor as much as possible, go big with a room-size area rug. If you want to give a living room, home office area or other gathering space added definition, use multiple rugs that complement or play off one another. Mixing a large rug with a smaller rug in the same carpeted room feels more cohesive when the color or pattern go together.

When layering rugs, you get to decide what placement is going to look best to you, but there are a few design guidelines that experts agree are great to keep in mind as you start to experiment:

• Either all or at least the front two legs of the room furniture should rest on the rug.
• In bedrooms, at least the bottom two-thirds of the bed should rest on the rug. The top of the bed and nightstands can remain on the floor.
• Leave 18 inches of space between the rug and baseboards.
• Under a dining table, the rug's edge should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table's edge.
• The top rug does not have to be parallel to the bottom rug; offsetting the rug can allow both patterns equal weight.

Tip: Don't forget to measure the carpeted area to determine what rug size works best for your layered look.

Rugs should always be anchored, whether used on a hardwood floor or on top of carpet. Use double-sided tape, a rug pad or heavy furniture to hold the rug in place.

On a hard floor, an untethered rug is more likely to slide or slip, but when layering area rugs over carpet, the rug is more likely to wrinkle or ripple. The resistance it meets from the underlying carpet or rug causes a speed bump in the rug that has the potential to trip you if you aren’t paying attention.

With a few precautions, you can be sure that your rug layers remain safe as well as beautiful.

• Place a non-slip, rug-to-carpet gripper or rug pads under the base rug to keep the rug in place and protect the carpet underneath.
• Use double-sided rug tape on upper rug layers to help keep them from moving.
• Anchor area rugs by placing their edges under heavier furniture pieces.

Tip: Frieze carpet and extra-soft, long strand carpets are not recommended for layering rugs. These carpet types don’t offer enough support, making it more likely that the rug will shift and buckle.