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The Art of Layering Rugs

March 14, 2023

No matter your style - minimalist or boho chic - layering rugs is an effective way to define your space and add visual interest.

To achieve a uniform feel on your rug, maintain its pile heights so it feels flat and even when standing on it. This also prevents it from feeling lumpy or bumpy when walking over it, making it easy to walk over with ease.

The base

The base of a rug is an essential step in the layering process. It provides a secure platform for other rugs to adhere to and shields the floor beneath from damage.

For optimal results, a natural fiber base is recommended. Sisal rugs and low-pile wool rugs can be great choices, as do jute rugs in warm earthy colors.

Another option is a flat weave rug. These can be great for layering because they won't compete with the design of a smaller, decorative top rug.

For optimal stability, the bottom rug should be at least 12 inches smaller than the top one. This will enable you to use a non-slip rug-to-carpet gripper under the base and secure it firmly in place. Similarly, use double-sided rug tape on all upper layers for additional holddown.

The top

One of the most crucial parts of a rug is its top. This portion will be seen by visitors entering your home most frequently.

Showing off your style in a bedroom or living room is easy with layering rugs. Layering rugs is an incredible way to add visual interest in areas that may not have much furniture, such as bedrooms or living rooms.

Layering rugs is a cost-effective and subtle way to make an impact without breaking the bank! Start by placing one large rug at the bottom, then top it off with another smaller one. This method creates visual interest without breaking your budget!

Layering carpet or hardwood floors? There are a few rules to help you achieve the desired effect. Pattern on pattern is currently a major trend in interior design, and can easily be achieved with layered rugs!

The middle

The center of a rug is the starting point for its entire weave. It consists of vertical threads known as warp and horizontal ones called weft, which are used to form knots.

The warp and weft of a rug are woven through the yarn fibers to form its finished product - which can be an elegant solid color or an eclectic mix of colors, patterns, and textures. Not only that, but these same warp and weft elements also serve to define how a rug will appear when layered with other rugs.

Layering rugs is an easy way to add extra texture, pattern and color to any room. By selecting different hues or materials for each rug, the layering effect becomes much more eye-catching and visually appealing.

The bottom

When layering rugs, the bottom rug plays an integral role. Its color and pattern should complement those above it and help them shine more effectively.

Typically, the bottom layer is a solid-colored or neutral-patterned rug. This ensures that your top layers can stand out more effectively against it.

Houston-based designer Katie Davis recommends jute as a popular base layer material due to its sisal fibers which are both durable and soft underfoot.

She suggests starting with a neutral-colored jute rug, such as this White 9'x12' Hand Braided Jute Rug, for your base layer. Its neutral hue makes it compatible with many design styles.

Jute or sisal bottom layers make an excellent foundation for layering rugs, but designers have plenty of other options to choose from. Flat weave rugs with patterns, higher pile solid rugs, as well as oddly shaped items like cow hides or sheepskins can all be used in layering designs.

Jason

Author
I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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