If youve ever walked into a beautifully decorated room and felt an instant sense of warmth and comfort, chances are layering rugs played a big role in creating that inviting atmosphere. Its one of those design tricks that can elevate a space, making it feel lived-in, stylish, and effortlessly cozy.But if youre new to the idea, it can feel a little intimidating. Where do you start? How do you choose the right rugs? And how do you make sure they work together without clashing? Dont worry, we have got you covered. Heres a simple guide to help you master the art of layering rugs so your home can feel warm, textured, and uniquely yours.1. Start with the Right Base RugImage Source: Rebecca and GenevieThink of your base rug as the foundation of your layered look. Its the anchor that holds everything together, so its important to choose wisely. A good base rug is usually neutral in color and pattern. Natural fiber rugs, like jute, sisal, or seagrass, are fantastic options because theyre durable, timeless, and add a subtle texture to the room. Plus, theyre often more affordable, which is a win if youre working with a budget.When picking a base rug, think about the size of your room and where your furniture sits. In a living room, for example, the base rug should be large enough to fit under your sofa and coffee table. In a bedroom, it should extend beyond the sides of your bed.2. Properly Position Your RugsImage Source: One King LaneWhen it comes to layering rugs, positioning is everything. Even the most beautiful rugs can look awkward if theyre not placed correctly. The way you position your rugs can make or break the entire look, so its worth taking the time to get it right.The most common and foolproof way to layer rugs is to center the top rug over the base rug. This creates a balanced, symmetrical look that feels intentional and polished. For example, in a living room, place the top rug directly in the middle of the seating area, making sure its aligned with the furniture.In a bedroom, center the top rug at the foot of the bed or under the lower two-thirds of the bed for a cozy, layered effect. If youre going for a more relaxed, eclectic vibe, try positioning the top rug slightly off-center. This works especially well in bohemian or casual spaces where a perfectly symmetrical look might feel too formal.3. Mix and Match Patterns Like a ProImage Source: One King LaneOne of the most fun parts of layering rugs is playing with patterns. But if youre not careful, it can quickly go from stylish to chaotic. The trick is to balance bold patterns with more subdued ones. For example, if your base rug has a subtle geometric design, you can layer a top rug with a bold, colorful pattern. Or, if your base rug is solid or neutral, you can go all out with a vibrant, patterned top rug.When mixing patterns, pay attention to scale. Pairing a large-scale pattern with a smaller one creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye. For instance, a rug with a big, bold floral print could be layered over one with a delicate stripe or herringbone pattern. And dont forget about colorchoosing rugs that share at least one common hue will help tie the look together seamlessly.4. Experiment with Rug ShapesImage Source: One King LaneWho says rugs have to be rectangular? One of the most fun ways to layer rugs is to mix and match different shapes. For example, you could layer a round rug over a rectangular base rug to create a soft, organic look. This works particularly well in living rooms or bedrooms, where a round rug can add a touch of whimsy and break up the straight lines of furniture.Alternatively, you could layer a sheepskin or hide rug over a larger, more structured base rug. This adds a luxurious, tactile element to the space and works beautifully in cozy reading nooks or beside the bed. Dont be afraid to think outside the boxlayering rugs is all about creativity, so let your imagination run wild.5. Pay Attention to Size and ScaleImage Source: The SpruceSize really does matter when it comes to layering rugs. The top rug should always be smaller than the base rug, but not so small that it looks out of place. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 12 to 18 inches of the base rug visible around the edges of the top rug. This creates a balanced, intentional look rather than one that feels haphazard.In terms of scale, think about the size of your furniture and the room itself. In a large living room, you might opt for a generously sized base rug with a medium-sized top rug layered in the center.In the bedroom, the base rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, creating a soft landing for your feet when you get out of bed. In the dining room, the base rug should be large enough to accommodate the dining table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. In the entryway, layering rugs can create a warm and welcoming first impression. The base rug should be durable and easy to clean, as it will bear the brunt of foot traffic.6. Play with Texture for Added DepthImage Source: The SpruceTexture is a powerful tool in interior design, and layering rugs is a great way to incorporate it into your space. Mixing different textures adds depth and interest, making the room feel more dynamic and inviting. For example, you could pair a flat-weave jute rug with a plush, shaggy top rug for a contrast thats both visually and tactilely appealing.Dont limit yourself to just two texturesfeel free to layer multiple rugs with varying textures for a rich, layered effect. A sheepskin rug over a woven kilim, for example, creates a luxurious, bohemian vibe. The key is to balance the textures so they complement rather than compete with each other.7. Harmonize ColorsImage Source: Country LivingWhen layering rugs, colour harmony is key. You dont want your rugs to feel like theyre competing for attention. Start by looking at the existing colours in your roomyour walls, furniture, and decor. Choose a base rug that complements these tones, then pick a top rug that either matches or contrasts in a way that feels intentional.For example, if your room has a lot of neutral tones, a top rug with a pop of colour (like mustard yellow or deep green) can add life without overwhelming the space. If your room is already colourful, go for a top rug that ties those colours together, like one with a pattern that incorporates multiple shades from the room. The goal is to create a cohesive look that feels balanced and thoughtful.8. Define Spaces and ZonesImage Source: One King LaneIn open-concept homes, layering rugs can be a game-changer for defining different areas. For example, in a combined living and dining room, you could use a large base rug to anchor the living area and a smaller, patterned rug to define the dining space. This creates a visual separation between the two zones while maintaining a cohesive look.You can also use layered rugs to highlight specific areas within a room. For instance, in a bedroom, you could layer a plush, soft rug at the foot of the bed to create a cozy spot for stepping out of bed in the morning. In a home office, a layered rug under your desk can add warmth and personality to your workspace.9. Anchor with FurnitureImage Source: The SpruceLayering rugs isnt just about the floorits about how the rugs interact with your furniture. A well-layered rug should anchor your furniture, making the space feel grounded and intentional. In a living room, for example, your base rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of your sofa and chairs, while the top rug can sit slightly off-center to create a focal point. In a bedroom, layer a smaller rug at the foot of the bed or under a bench to add warmth and define the space. The key is to make sure your furniture feels connected to the rugs, not like its floating awkwardly above them.9. Trust Your Instincts and Have FunImage Source: Rebecca and GenevieAt the end of the day, layering rugs is all about expressing your personal style and creating a space that feels like home. Dont be afraid to trust your instincts and take risks. If you love a particular rug but arent sure how to layer it, just go for ityou might be surprised at how well it works. And remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to design. The most important thing is that you love the result.Mistakes to Avoid While Layering Rugs: Designer TipsLayering rugs can be a game-changer for your space, but there are a few common mistakes that can make the whole look fall flat. Heres what to watch out for, so you can avoid those oops moments and create a layered rug setup that feels intentional and stylish.Choosing the Wrong Sizes :One of the biggest mistakes is picking rugs that are too close in size. If the top rug almost matches the bottom one, the layering effect gets lost. The base rug should be significantly larger to create a well-balanced look.Not Securing the Rugs Properly: If the rugs slip and slide, they not only look messy but can also become a safety hazard. Use rug pads or double-sided tape to keep them in place.Overcrowding the Space: Too many layers in a small area can make the space feel heavy and cramped. If your room is on the smaller side, opt for just two layers and keep the rest of the decor light and airy.Being Too Matchy-Matchy: While its important to create harmony, being too matchy-matchy can make the space feel flat and uninspired. For example, pairing a beige base rug with a beige top rug might feel safe, but it wont add much visual interest.Ignoring Texture and Material Contrast: Layering two rugs with similar textures can feel redundant. Mix different materialslike a soft wool rug over a natural jute or sisal baseto create contrast and visual interest.Using Rugs That Are Too Thin or Slippery:Functionality matters just as much as aesthetics. If your rugs are too thin or slippery, they can slide around or bunch up, creating a tripping hazard and ruining the look. To avoid this, invest in a good-quality rug pad for both the base and top rugs.Finishing NotesIf youre looking for more inspiration or want to explore other home design ideas, be sure to check out Home Designing. Its a treasure trove of tips, trends, and stunning visuals that can help you take your space to the next level. From rug layering to furniture arrangement and beyond, youll find everything you need to create a home thats as functional as it is beautiful.So go aheadgrab a few rugs, experiment with different combinations, and see what works for your space. With a little creativity and these tips in mind, youll be layering rugs like a pro in no time. Happy decorating!