Layering rugs is one of the hottest design trends for 2020 and I love it! Rugs are often used to define the living space and it can sometime be overwhelming to choose the right one(s). This is where you can have fun with layering rugs. You may want to better define a space, use a pop of color or texture or combine any or all of these! It's not as hard as you think and here are some tips.
Playing with Pattern and Color. If you want to add a pop of color or pattern to your room, but are hesitant with adding too much, then layering a smaller rug on top of a more plain one can work wonders. You can also mix and match colors bu using two colorful rugs, as long as they are the same hue. You don't need to be "matchy-mathcy", but they do need to compliment each other. Think about how you add pillows to a couch. Same goes for rugs. Check out the first and second photos below!
Define the space. Using a rug, especially over existing carpet, can help to define your living space. You should avoid "floating furniture" and by placing a smaller rug on top of a larger one can help to ground your furniture. Also, a rug under a bed in a bedroom with carpet can achieve this same goal. Look at the third photo from Studio Mcgee and read her guide here. It's excellent!
Monochromatic Color Scheme. If you love a monochromatic color scheme and want to add some interest and depth to your room, you can layer rugs to add pattern and texture. Enter photo 3! A smaller sheepskin or cowhide rug under your favorite chair is another way to achieve this goal (photo 5).
What size?? If you are using the same shape of rugs for the top and bottom, you will want to go 1-2 sizes smaller for your rug on top. If you are using a rug as an accent, like under a chair or coffee table, be sure to use a rug large enough to ground the furniture. All legs of the coffee table on the rug with at least 10" around. For a chair, there is more flexibility. You can just have the front legs on the rug or all four.