5 Tips for Decorating with Area Rugs Over Carpet

Rugs are such a versatile home decorating item that bring much more than just a layer of comfort to your floor.

In fact, many people decorate with area rugs over carpet because they love the effect that rugs bring to the home.

But how can you layer a rug over your carpet without it looking out of place?

This article will reveal how:

1. Match But Not Perfectly

When choosing a rug, you need to have the idea that you will match your carpet in color but not perfectly.

There needs to be some contrast in pattern and color between your rug and carpet or you risk losing the rug in your sea of carpet.

For example, if your carpet is a solid grey color, you would want to choose a rug with a pattern containing that color or a rug with the same hue but a different shade like a lighter grey or dark grey.

Of course, you can always go bold and choose a color that isn’t in the same family but it should ‘t clash with the carpet color but compliment it.

Again, to use the grey carpet as an example, a deep purple or slate blue rug could be pulled off as long as you use these colors in your accents to bring the room together.

One word of caution: If your carpet has a pattern, it would be tricky to find a patterned rug that could fit. Try to stick with a solid colored rug.

Rugs come in all different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. You just need to search for that perfect one. Here’s a good place to start looking.

2. Add Texture

One reason carpeted homeowners choose to add a rug to their floor is because they want to add texture to their floor.

To add visual interest, you would want to choose a rug that has the opposite texture than your carpet.

If the carpet is thin, choose a plush rug with a high pile. If the carpet has some substance to it, choose a flat rug.

You can also choose the material of your rug to match the style you want in your home. For example, you would choose natural fibers for a boho vibe.

3. Scale Your Rug to the Room

Just because your floors are already covered with carpet, that doesn’t mean that the standard rules for rug placement go out the window.

A big rule for rugs that still apply when layering over carpet is to scale your rug to your room.

You don’t want to place a rug in the middle of the room, floating. This rug should be big enough to incorporate the major pieces of furniture.

The rug can either be used as a space divider, designating one area of the room for one purpose, or it can be used to pull together the entire room.

A rug should never be left to fend for itself with no purpose.

4. Lock It Down

Since your rugs will be set on a different material than normal, you need to take steps to ensure that it doesn’t move around or that the ends don’t roll back causing someone to trip.

To do this effectively, you can simply anchor the rug with a few pieces of heavy furniture. You can also add a non-slip pad under the rug that will cling to both the carpet and the bottom surface of the rug.

5. Place Your Rug in High Traffic Areas

You will want to place your rug in high traffic areas for two reasons.

First, you’ll want to appreciate the style and beauty of your rug. You won’t be able to do that if it’s hiding in a corner.

Second, this rug can fulfill the purpose of protecting your carpet underneath from the constant wear and tear that comes with foot traffic.

A rug is much easier and cheaper to replace than a whole room of carpet.

Conclusion

There’s no mistake. Rugs can work over carpet.

In fact, layering a rug over your carpet isn’t just stylish, but it protects your carpet, can cover any stains or damages already done, and it adds an even thicker layer of comfort to your home.

If you follow these five tips, you can enjoy the benefits of having a rug over your carpet and do it with style!