Layering and Overlapping Rugs

At Habitar Design we’ve seen not all rooms fit the proportions of standard rug sizes. Having a rug custom-created is a pricy solution. One current trend that provides a great solution is laying and overlapping rugs. Not only does this look add a playful, relaxed feel to any room, but it can come in handy hiding imperfections such as scratches or stains in hardwood. Here are 7 tips to keep in mind while utilizing this look:
1. To Create an interesting effect, play with angles, textures, and different piles of rug. Here a neutral, regular rug anchors the irregularity of the shape and pattern of a hide rug.
2. When a bold patterned rug is too busy, it can be moderated by placing a solid rug on top of it, allowing at least 12”-18” of space on all sides to reveal the contrast between the rugs.

3. To gain strength and vitality rugs can overlap each other.
4. Overlapping rugs need not match, rather they can “go” together when they share a common detail, color, material, or motif.
5. To help reduce cost, consider several small rugs, which often cost less than one large rug.
6.Children’s rooms are perfect for layering rugs on top of carpet, adding extra cushions for first steps and falls.
7. For extra comfort and warmth try layering a sheepskin rug on top of a lower pile rug.
Hannah Tindall is a senior associate interior kitchen and bathroom designer in Chicago at Habitar Design. Mitchell Newman is principal at Stratagem Construction, a leading residential Chicago construction company focused on luxury home, kitchen and bathroom renovations in Chicago as well as custom built-ins and cabinetry in Chicago.