A home is rarely finished all at once. It grows over time, shaped by the things we collect and the stories we bring into our rooms.
For us, rug making has always been about resilience and the art of hands, and we find that layering rugs is one of the most beautiful ways to continue that narrative in your own space.
When you layer, you aren't just placing one rug on top of another. You are creating a conversation between textures, patterns, and stories.
Rug Layering is a simple way to:
- Add warmth
- Define a zone in an open-plan room
- Bring character to a quiet corner
- Make a space feel intentional and lived-in
Table of contents
Why We Love Layering Rugs
There is a practical side to layering, of course. It can anchor a large, open-plan room, but the real magic is in the atmosphere it creates.
A layered room feels lived-in and intentional.
Finding The Right Balance
While there are no strict rules to layering, we find that the most successful pairings play with contrast.
Contrast might come through:
- Colour
- Texture
- Size
- Shape
- Pattern
The key is balance.
Contrast Through Texture
Try starting with a larger, neutral base, such as:
- A flat-weave Kilim
- A low-pile wool rug
On top, place something with more depth and plushness:
This creates a softness that makes a room feel instantly more inviting.
Have Fun With Colour
You don’t need to find a "perfect" match. Instead, look for combinations that bring a sense of joy.
We love:
- Soft butter yellow layered under muted duck-egg blue
- Pale blue paired with deep burgundy
- Earthy brown against dusty green
Often, the best inspiration comes from noticing the small pairings we see in real life. Like the way a rich brown sits against a dusty green leaf.
Bringing these natural observations home is what makes a space feel grounded.
Playing With Scale and Shape
Beyond colour, the most effective layering comes down to how you balance the "visual noise" of your rugs and how they interact with other objects in your space.
Think of your rugs as a composition. If one rug has a bold, busy pattern, let the other be quieter. A large, understated base in a neutral tone or a simple weave allows a smaller, more expressive piece to really shine.
Layering isn't just about stacking similar shapes. A round rug placed artfully over the corner of a large rectangular one can completely change the energy of a space. It’s a simple way to soften the sharp edges of a room.
Trust Your Eye
At the end of the day, the rugs in your home should reflect your own journey. The goal isn’t a magazine-perfect spread; it’s about a space that feels right to you.
Each rug we source is one-of-a-kind, ready to find its place in your home and start a new conversation.
Start with a larger neutral base rug to ground the space.
Add a smaller, more expressive rug on top for depth and character.
Play with contrast through texture, colour, or pattern.
Experiment with shape. A round rug can soften a rectangular room.
Trust your eye. A layered space should feel collected, not styled.
What size rug should go on the bottom when layering?
The bottom rug should generally be larger. It acts as the foundation of the room and should extend under key furniture pieces where possible. The top rug can be smaller and slightly offset to create a relaxed, collected feel.
Can you layer two patterned rugs?
Yes, but balance is key. If both rugs have patterns, allow one to feel visually quieter. This might mean choosing a softer colour palette or a more subtle motif for the base rug so the top piece can stand out without overwhelming the space.
