There are many reasons to add area rugs to your home. Area rugs bring comfort and warmth to a room. When done right, they can help ground your furniture and home décor, adding a finished, designer-approved look to your room. And if your space is in need of an update, rugs are an easy way to add new texture, style and pattern into your space. With all these benefits, why stop at just one? Read on to learn how you can double the style by layering area rugs in your home.

Layering Area Rugs

You have an area rug in your room, or you plan to buy a new rug to update your space. Why do you need another? Well, there are several reasons to layer area rugs. Here are a few:

• Get the textured look. Layering multiple area rugs is a great way to achieve a soft, textured and unique look in your space that’s perfect for a variety of design styles, such as casual farmhouse looks and cozy Scandinavian designs. Pair natural materials and soft fabrics and it’s a look that’s ideal for comfortable Hygge-inspired spaces as well.
• Add softness. Another reason to layer area rugs is to add extra cushion to a room, which is perfect for a nursery or child’s room, or even your own bedroom so you can step onto a warm and padded surface every morning after you wake.
• Use a small area rug. For an area rug to look like it fits in a space and complement the design, it’s important to use a rug that’s the right size for your space. In fact, many people use an area rug that’s too small, and it can result in the space looking disjointed. A good rule of thumb: at least two of the feet of all pieces of furniture in your living room’s conversation area should be positioned on your area rug. If you have a small area rug that you love but isn’t big enough to display in a large space, consider using it as the top layer over a larger rug base.
• Save money. You may also choose to layer rugs for budget reasons, using a less expensive rug as the larger base layer and a more expensive, hand-knotted wool rug as a focal piece on the top layer.
• Switch up your design. With a layered rug design, it’s easy to keep your base layer and switch up the smaller, top area rug as you feel the need for a design update, maybe seasonally or just when your space needs a refresh.

If you are sold on the layered look, there are a few design considerations that you’ll want to keep in mind. First, some spaces are better set up for layered area rugs that others. In general, layered area rugs work best in larger spaces, such as large or open concept living rooms and spacious family rooms. However, you can also choose a layered look for smaller rooms such as bedrooms, just make sure the overall space doesn’t seem to overstuffed. For instance, layered area rugs can work best in rooms that aren’t overcrowded with furniture, and spaces that are low on other patterns. For rooms with lots of patterns, such as rooms with wallpaper and patterned curtains, you may choose a single area rug or two more neutral rugs to layer.

Once you’re set on the space, you should have an idea of the size rug you need for the bottom layer. If you need help, read our guide to determine the ideal size rug for your room here. For the top layer, you can choose a smaller rug or rugs that will act as accents.

Are you still stuck for ideas? Here are some great layering options:

• Mix up the textures. Generally speaking, you’ll choose a neutral area rug for the larger bottom rug, and a colored and/or patterned rug for your smaller rug on top. Choose different textures to add visual interest, such as a natural-fiber-inspired rug on the bottom and a soft wool rug or a cozy shag rug as the top layer.
• Coordinate colors OR patterns. Rules are meant to be broken! If you do choose to layer different colors and/or patterns instead of going with a neutral rug on the bottom, make sure to coordinate the colors and/or patterns so that there is still an element tying the rugs together. For instance, you can choose rugs with different patterns, such as a geometric print paired with a floral rug, as long as the colors fall on the same palette. On the other side, you can vary colors (try complementary tones) if the patterns coordinate.
• Buy from the same line. An easy way to achieve a mixed yet matched look is to choose two rugs from the same line, allowing you to have variety yet stick with a similar color palette, pattern and/or texture. You’ll still want to buy a larger rug for the bottom layer, and a smaller rug to place on top.
• Avoid odd bumps. The goal here is to create a comfortable and stylish look—not too trip your guests. Be aware of any bumps the layered rugs create and make sure overlaps are located in places where they won’t get in the way of your house traffic.
• Consider cowhides. Beautiful cowhide rugs are one of a kind pieces that never go out of style. However, the unique shape and design can sometimes look a little bare when they are placed alone. Try layering a cowhide rug over a neutral jute or sisal rug for a layered look that’s stylish and natural looking.

Layering Area Rugs Over Carpet

Another way to achieve a cozy layered look is to position area rugs in a room with wall-to-wall carpet. Again, you’ll want to consider the same layering guidelines, such as layering a more dynamic rug over a more neutral carpet base, and switching up the textures for an attractive appearance.

Whether you are layering multiple rugs on a hard floor or layering one or more rugs on carpet, have fun with it and don’t be afraid to add your own personality. From layered looks that reflect your boho design style to sleek looks that feature tone on tone rugs, there’s room for your personal design preferences. And if you don’t like something, just change it up! You can try moving rugs to different rooms, moving them around within a room, rearranging your furniture to make the layered look work better, or even adding new rugs to your design. Get creative and get layering!