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Studio L Interiors is a Houston-based (and beyond) boutique residential interior design firm. Owner and founder Lauren Simmons is inspired by all of her favorite creative outlets—fashion, architecture, travel, and music—but most of all, she's inspired by her clients' unique tastes and lives.

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Layering Rugs Like a Boss

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I know you’re here for design tips and inspiration, but you’ll have to forgive me – this post might contain a few equations.  Luckily, these equations will be a great foundation in teaching you how to layer rugs in your home!  I’m sure you’ve seen the look popping up on Instagram, design blogs, magazines, and in people’s homes – the ones that have it all figured out 😉 

The key to pulling off this look is making it look effortless – but we all know effortless never comes without some effort.  So I’ve put together some tried-and-true rug layering equations and examples of each equation pulled off to a “T”.

SHAG + FLATWEAVE

The combination of a flatweave rug with a smaller shaggy rug is a great way to incorporate the fluffy yummy texture you crave without having an entire room filled with hard-to-clean shag. A shaggy hide shaped rug (there are tons of great faux options out there) pairs well with a sisal/jute natural fiber rug, a flatweave patterned rug, or really any rug with a bit of pattern. This equation works so well in a bohemian styled space, or where you want a bit of glam. 

ASYMMETRICAL

This one has to be my favorite variation of rug layering because it’s the most quirky and playful.  Stacks on stacks on stacks.  You can layer rugs asymmetrically by going diagonal with the top rug layer, or use straight rectangular layers.  How to choose these 2 rugs, you might ask?  I would recommend choosing rugs that complement each other in texture.  For example, a graphic stripe natural fiber rug could be layered asymmetrically with a solid colored natural fiber rug.  The photo examples of asymmetrical rug layering below will speak for themselves.

PATTERNED RUG + NATURAL FIBER

This equation can be translated to absolutely any style:  traditional, modern, California casual, bohemian, etc.  This style of rug layering works so well because, let’s be honest – many times natural fiber rugs are not super comfy underfoot.  Sisal, jute, etc. are often scratchy and stiff, but have that gorgeous natural look at a great price point. If you need to cover a large floor area, start with a natural fiber rug first – to achieve a lot of floor coverage for not a lot of coin.  Then, layer a softer flatweave rug on top, which will add softness underfoot, and any pattern that your little heart desires!

AREA RUG + WALL TO WALL CARPET

Now this next equation is truly a genius design trick.  Wall to wall carpet is a wonderful flooring option for bedrooms (especially) – for the comfort factor.  There’s nothing like stepping out of bed in the morning onto plush cushy comfy carpet.  However, a sea of gray or beige or tan carpet is visually not so lovely.  There are plenty of good looking carpets on the market, but a sea of carpet alone can look too expansive and not cozy, especially in a large room.  So instead of ripping out your beloved carpeting, just layer a beautiful area rug right on top of it!  In exactly the same way you would on wood or tile flooring.  It sounds like an odd solution, but in real life, it really works!  If you don’t believe me, take a look at the gorgeous examples below.

HIDE + NATURAL FIBER

Our final equation for rug layering is perfect for the lover of all things natural….with a rustic/masculine twist!  Like the other example above, start with a base layer natural fiber area rug.  And then on top, a cowhide or hair on hide accent rug!  And bam.  You are now cool.  Some might think that cowhides could only translate as very western or Texan or cowboy.  But as you will see in the rooms below, a bit o’ cow looks suuuuper chic in a clean and modern space (no tumbleweeds in sight).

So if any of these tips helped you out, and you would love more design info in your life – your wish is my command!  A weekly newsletter can be delivered straight to your inbox every Tuesday morning.  Just sign up for the newsletter below.  See you next time!