We spoke with three top interior designers about their rules for rug layering and how to make this trend work for your space. UK-based designer Dee Campling agrees. But along with allowing the rugs to add texture to the room, you should also consider the textures of the rugs themselves–especially if you’re layering rugs over carpet. When it comes to layering, combining textures is key. “Use a mix of textures with your rugs,” Dee explained. “[Like] one jute rug and one wool rug, to add interest.” Rug layering can also work in outdoor spaces, by using thin outdoor rugs for layering on your stoop, porch, or terrace. “A lot of antique rugs aren’t necessarily the right size, but you love the colors, and you love everything else [about it],” said Chris. Instead of resigning yourself to a rug that is too small for the space, layer it! “[Use] a sisal rug that’s fairly inexpensive, and then put the antique rug on top… it adds so much.” Dee agrees. “My favorite way to layer rugs is to take a large bottom rug to ‘anchor’ the scheme and then layer vintage Persians and sheepskins on top. The Persians [add] pattern and color and the sheepskins for softness and texture.” Another trendy pick is to layer a smaller cowhide on top of wall-to-wall carpeting. Layering this way can also help if your rug of choice is worn––just be sure you’re not making the problem worse. “If it’s an old rug, and it’s thin and worn [with a] great patina, you just want to make sure you’re not putting the worn area in a place that’s going to get a lot of traffic,” Chris advised. The same goes for patterns, Dee explained. “If you like patterns, then rug layering can be a great place to play with them. Use the largest pattern on the bottom rug and smaller patterns in the top rugs.” The real issue is with the pile, or the depth, of your rugs. “It gets too chunky pretty quickly,” said Chris. “You have to think about what’s going to happen on the rug. If it’s, say, a rug in your office and you’re rolling your chair around, you don’t want to layer a rug on top and then have to layer a big plastic piece on top of that. That’s pretty ugly.” Emma agrees. “Try to avoid designs which are very thick when layering,” she said. “This can create an unsightly bulge or even a trip hazard which is best avoided.” “A nice linen border looks great on a sisal or jute rug, finishing the design nicely,” said Emma. “But in terms of coverage, placing a patterned off-center rug over a more neutral design adds interest to a space, and allows the design of both rugs to be visible and appreciated for their respective beauty.”
