Would you like to change the look of your carpeting? Is it old, tired or boring? You could rip it out and replace it, but there’s an alternative that’s easier and less costly. What’s more, you can do it right now! Lay some area rugs on top of that carpet!

Can you put a rug on carpet? Maybe you’ve heard that rugs on carpet is a no-no. Well, you can just throw that old rule right out the window! Rugs layered on carpet is a hot trend this year, and many designers are giving it a big thumbs-up.

To give your home some fresh personality, take the rug-on-carpet plunge. Add a few area rugs to give your home an easy and affordable makeover.

Why Would I Put a Rug on a Carpet?

Whether you do it for style, convenience or affordability, there are lots of reasons to hop on board with this trend:

• If you can’t change the carpet, because you’re renting or because it just doesn’t fit your budget right now, a rug might be the room brightener you’re looking for.
• Want to make a new splash in a room? Try a rug with a forward color or a catchy new pattern. Carpeting tends to be functional, but area rugs are artwork that emphasize the tone of a room or set a whole new tone.
• Who doesn’t want additional comfort? The extra thickness makes your floor cushier. It means more warmth and insulation, both for grown-ups in a living room and children in a playroom.
• You get results right now! Replacing carpeting can be costly and time-consuming, but a new area rug means an affordable updated look that happens immediately.
• Does your carpet have a stain or wear spot? Don’t rip out carpeting that’s 97 percent gorgeous and 3 percent blemished. Cover up with a rug instead.

How Do I Match a Rug with Carpet?

Most of the time the rug should contrast with the carpet in either color, pattern or texture. Rugs are most commonly placed atop carpeting that has short pile and a neutral color. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Color and Pattern

Many designers choose a rug that adds color to a room. If there’s a theme color in furniture and decor, the new rug can echo it. If the room’s shades are all neutrals, you can use rugs for a new color statement. Then bring in vases, wall art and other decor that takes its cue from the rug.

Don’t forget to consider the walls. You can choose a rug that compliments the walls, or you can repaint the walls to show off the area rug.

Pattern is a hot trend in carpet these days, but you can be even bolder in rug patterns with flowers, geometrics, prints and paisleys. If you’ve considered a flashier look for your floor, here’s a way to give that look an audition.

Rugs can complement carpets as well as contrast with them. Different shades of blue or gray, for example, are always in style. Monochromatic or analogous (next to each other on the color wheel) hues work especially well if the rug is patterned or has a different texture from the carpet.

Size and Position

A big rug brings more warmth to the space and fills a living room with charm. Large area rugs also work in dens and dining rooms. Just make sure all the dining chairs fit on the rug with space to maneuver in and out. No one wants to be half on, half off!

But that doesn’t mean a small rug can’t accent a living room nicely, for example, under the coffee table or near a window. Smaller rugs are also right at home in front of a fireplace or in a hallway or entry. For a rug on carpet bedroom look, place one at the side or the foot of the bed.

If you have more than one area rug in a room, should you match them or contrast them? Either works! It’s your style, your home, your choice. Just make sure the rugs share some similar elements, so you achieve a cohesive look. For instance, if you choose contrasting colors, you should have similar patterns and materials.

Material and Texture

Low pile, even-height carpeting is just waiting for you to lay a rug on it. Contrasting texture is always a winner. For example, a plush rug brings softness and warmth to a flat, practical carpet.

It’s easy to vary styles because there are so many area rug styles to choose from. Natural materials are a great choice for rugs that serve as carpet toppers. There’s lush, sumptuous wool, there’s jute, sisal, and, for a special touch in just the right spot, there’s even the sophisticated elegance of silk.

You can also choose from a variety of synthetic materials, which may offer high performance and low maintenance, as well as cost benefits. Some of the lower cost options allow you to try out bold statements without a major investment, or even switch out your rugs with the seasons.

Don’t Leave Out the Rug Pad!

You wouldn’t put a rug on a hard floor without a rug pad, and carpeting doesn’t change that. Make sure your pad is designed for carpet. A pad preserves the life of the area rug, makes vacuuming easier and keeps the rug from slipping or bunching up. It ensures safety as well; you’re much less likely to slip on a rug with a pad.

Rugs and Carpets: Best Friends Forever?

Somewhere out there is the rug that your carpet’s just been dying to meet. There’s no reason to keep them apart any longer. Folks have long felt that it’s okay to put an area rug on carpet, and now the fashion gurus agree. Maybe it’s time for you to join the rug-on-carpet adventure.