A Beginner’s Guide to Layering Rugs for Depth and Style

If you have never thought about layering area rugs, give this trend some thought! Not only does it add depth, it can refresh your style while nurturing a relaxed vibe in your home. So, here’s a beginner’s guide to layering rugs. See what might work for you in your bedroom, great room, office, bonus room, rec room, or other area of your home.

Why Layer Rugs?

Layering rugs freshens the look of a room while adding coziness and minimizing sound transfer. Bedrooms, great rooms, and living rooms are all outstanding places to consider layering area rugs. Rug layering can update your home in the following ways:

• Adds texture and color
• Adds depth and width under an existing rug
• Hides stains and wear on an older rug
• Minimizes echoes and sound transfer
• Looks warmer
• Feels luxurious
• Helps define the spaces 

Area Rug Layering Examples

In the bedroom, a thin neutral rug under the bed can serve as a base for a colorful, thicker rug on top for softness underfoot. Think of it as adding anchors to define the space. In a master suite, fuzzy or high pile rugs layered on top of thinner rugs not only look great but also add a luxurious feel underfoot. And since the bedroom is your personal space, you can really have fun choosing rugs that you love!

In a large area like a rec room or great room, make a big splash with a large scale patterned rug on top of a traditional area rug. This looks cool and injects the space with active energy. If your style is more subdued, neutral rugs can be layered to create a unique textural element and enhance a quiet, inviting ambience.

Rug Layering Guidelines

The guidelines for layering area rugs are relatively loose, as there are so many rug options available, from thin woven rugs to thick wool and faux fur. Just one spin through the Dwell Home Furnishings showroom can give you an idea how varied and fun area rugs are today!

One beginner’s tip on rug layering is to not have too big of a difference between the size of rugs. Most layered designs will look best if rugs are one size different, allowing 8-12 inches of a border when layered. Remember to measure your room and any existing rugs you want to layer.

For example, by centering a 10×14 rug under an 8×10 rug or an 8×10 under a 5×8, the larger rug will create a border on all sides. Place a thinner rug on the bottom, perhaps one with natural texture and color. On top, place a thicker rug in a complementary color and style.

• Here’s an overview of rug layering guidelines:
• Keep rugs within one or two sizes of each other
• Place thinner rugs on the bottom
• Mix textures
• Try an odd shape on top
• Ensure functionality of chairs and pathways
• Retain pathways without trip hazards

Do you have existing rugs and want to try layering it with a smaller or larger rug? The staff in the Dwell showroom would love to help! Measure your rugs and your room, take pictures, and visit us to explore your options. We specialize in one-of-a-kind area rugs and can work with you to find rugs that you’ll love!