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How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer – 10 Steps

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps
How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe. 

 

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How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

Layering Rugs Like a Pro – Introduction Video

Have you ever walked into a room with layered rugs and felt an instant sense of warmth? The combination of colors, textures, and patterns is captivating. Layering rugs has quickly become one of the most popular items on interior designers’ to-do lists. But why layer rugs in the first place? What advantages can it offer to your space? 

Benefits of Layering Rugs

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come with layering rugs. For starters, it adds an aesthetic appeal to your space that simply can’t be achieved with a single rug. The combination of different styles and colors creates something unique and eye-catching. Secondly, adding layers of rugs helps define separate areas in larger rooms. Suppose you have an open floor plan but need individual spaces for different activities, such as dining or living rooms. In that case, rug layering is an easy way to do this. 

It’s not just about looks either – layering carpets can also help reduce noise levels in space by absorbing sound waves more effectively than one single rug could do alone. Having two carpets overlapping will create more cushioning, resulting in less echo when people talk, or music plays in the background. 

Layering rugs is also a great way to show off older rugs that may be worn but still hold sentimental value for you. Positioning them underneath a newer rug helps preserve them while still showcasing their beauty in your home decor. And lastly, if you’re looking for a great way to add some color and vibrancy to your living room without completely changing everything around, layering two or more area rugs is an easy solution! Use complementary colors and patterns to brighten up any dull corner in your living space without having to revamp everything else too much. 

Read on to find out the 10 steps for layering rugs like a pro interior designer!

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

1.- Select one patterned and one solid rug to create balance, creating a dynamic blend of colors and shapes.

It’s no secret that layering rugs are a great way to transform the look of any room. But do you know how to layer rugs like a pro? Selecting the perfect combination of patterned and solid rugs is key to creating the perfect dynamic blend of colors and shapes for your interior space.

Select one patterned and one solid rug for balance, ensuring high quality of both the design and impact. By blending an interesting patterned rug with its solid counterpart, you’ll be able to create unique designs with an upscale twist. This will be sure to bring life into any room and create an entirely new experience when designing your home.

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

2.- Start by selecting the larger rug – this will usually be the base layer and should be neutral in color and texture to complement other elements of your room’s decor.

Start off on the right foot by selecting the larger rug – this will likely be the base layer of your multiple-rug layering project. Choose a neutral color that complements other elements in the room for a cohesive look that pulls everything together.

Your base rug should have both texture and interest to carry these layered rugs—select something with a tightly woven pattern that is not too ornate, as you’ll want enough space to introduce more intricate rug textures later. After selecting your base rug, let the fun begin experimenting with smaller rugs to form an amazing style statement!

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

3.- Select the smaller rug for the top layer – this one will be more decorative in nature and should stand out from the base layer without clashing.

Then, move to the smaller rug as the top layer. This rug should be more decorative and stand out from the base layer at first glance. Experimentation is key, so don’t be afraid to try different colors, patterns, and textures in order to find something that complements the surrounding pieces without dominating them or clashing too harshly. Make sure you measure your space before layering rugs and remember to invest in good-quality materials. If you have pets, look for pet-friendly rug fabrics that can easily withstand wear and tear. 

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

4.- Make sure the sizes of your two rugs are different so that the patterned one stands out.

When it comes to size, make sure you pick one large rug and a smaller one. Make sure the sizes of your two rugs are different so that the patterned one stands out against the larger plain rug on the bottom.

Make sure to think carefully about textures, too – a soft woven cover with a fluffy shaggy beneath, for example, or a low pile and flat weave combination will look stunning and luxurious.

For extra polish, use rug stoppers under each one to keep them from slipping around. Layering rugs like a pro is easier than it looks so far, right?

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

5.- Find something you can use to bring your room together – for example, choose a color from another core element from the room, such as wall color, to bring together your layered rugs.

To tie up the room, find something you can use as a bridge, such as a color from another core element of the room. For example, if you have a blue carpet or walls, choose one of those colors for one of your layers.

Then, pick another color that goes with it – be sure to consider texture, style, and materials in addition to colors when you make your selection and layer your rugs like an interior designer and transform any space into something special.

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

6.- Play with texture and pattern to create a unique look that speaks to your style and the room’s decor.

To achieve perfect harmony, the key is mixing different textures and patterns. Play around with the combination of materials such as wool and cotton or jute with sisal – everything is possible!

To get the most out of rug layering professionally, start looking at color combinations that blend well together while making sure they bring out even more charm and character amidst your setup.

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

7.- Tonal is tried and tested, so maintaining a consistent palette is the best option when you’re mixing patterns. You can always add pops of color later on with accent accessories and furniture.

The tonal decor is tried and tested, so it’s wise to play by the rule book when layering up – keep a consistent palette in mind, and you’ll have a beautifully finished space without breaking any rules. Lighter base shades can create extra depth as well as allow for pops of color later on if you dare to get creative with accessorizing.

To achieve the look of an interior designer, simply stick to soft tonal furnishings and don’t be afraid to experiment with different hues within that tonal family. Layer those rugs like there’s no tomorrow, and you won’t just impress your friends and family but also yourself! Here are some color palettes you can try!  

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

8.- When mixing variations of the same pattern, the rule of thumb is to play with proportion. 

The old rule of thumb still applies when layering rugs like a pro– play with proportion. When you are mixing variations of the same pattern, try adding rugs that fit together in terms of color and style but vary in size.

A large rug will easily anchor a room, while one or two smaller rugs layered on top add depth and dimension to the look. Mixing textures also work well when layering, as long pile and low pile rugs help create interesting contrasts.

Of course, the unique shapes and sizes of area rugs you choose can also contribute to this aesthetic – think round shapes to break up sharp angles or similarly sized rectangles for an infinite effect that creates harmony in your room! 

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

9.- Use the same color family rugs or share at least one color to tie the two rugs together.

If you want to play it safe, one of the most important things to know when planning to layer rugs is that it’s best to use rugs in the same color family. This creates a cohesive look throughout the room and instantly makes any space appear more luxurious.

Even if you don’t want to commit to having two monochromatic rugs, sticking with colors from the same family helps bring together the two different styles. Alternatively, selecting two near-matching colors helps link them while still allowing some individuality in each pattern or texture.

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

10.- If you want to mix more than 2 patterns, choose one small, one medium, and one large bold pattern.

If you want to take a bolder approach, layering more than two rugs can be a great way to inject an interesting spin into your space. To make sure it works, choose sizes and colors that are balanced and complementary – one small rug, one medium size, and one large bold pattern should do the trick.

However, not all of these patterns have to be present in your rug; you can also add a throw blanket or pillow nearby or add wallpaper to the wall that reflects one of the colors or patterns in your rug.

The possibilities with rug overlays are endless! You can embrace this trend like a pro interior designer by selecting textures, materials, and sizes and deciding where they should go to achieve the perfect look for each room. No matter what kind of style you want for your house; classic, Scandinavian, modern, or anything else –rug layering might just be the best choice for making it even cozier!

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

Layer Rugs Like a Pro – FAQ

Is layering rugs a good idea?

Yes! Layering rugs is a great way to add color and texture to any room. It can also help reduce noise levels in space by absorbing sound waves more effectively than one rug could.

What is the best approach to layer rugs?

The best approach is to select one patterned and one solid rug to create balance, creating a dynamic blend of colors and shapes. Start by selecting the larger rug – this will usually be the base layer and should be neutral in color and texture to complement other elements of your room’s decor.

Can I place a rug over a carpet?

Yes – as long as the rug is not too heavy or bulky, you can certainly layer it on top of a carpet. Just be sure to use an anti-slip pad beneath the rug so that it does not move around, and this will help protect your underlying carpet from any wear and tear.

What are the best 3 ideas to layer my home with rugs like a pro?

First, select one patterned and one solid rug to create balance, creating a dynamic blend of colors and shapes. Then, lay with texture and pattern to create a unique look – opt for more subtle patterns and textures in neutral colors if you are going for a classic, timeless feel, or use brighter colors and bolder patterns for an eclectic look. Finally, use the same color family rugs or share at least one color to tie the two rugs together. This will help create harmony and cohesion throughout your space.

Should I use the same color family for my rugs when I layer them?

Yes, using the same color family will help create harmony and cohesion throughout your space. This can be done by picking a base rug in neutral colors, then adding another rug with pops of complementary colors or patterns to make it stand out.

How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro Interior Designer - 10 Steps

Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly

There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home. 

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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