How To Use Area Rugs Over Carpet

Rugs should always be anchored whether used on a hardwood floor or on top of carpet.

How to use area rugs over carpet.

Area rugs make nice accents to a room setting off a coffee table or entry point. This is because the underside of the rug is smooth and glides over the carpet underneath. But whether the rug is a large oriental rug or a small round area rug it can bunch up when walked on. When laying the rug over carpet however the concern is more about the rug wrinkling or rippling which presents a big tripping hazard wrinkling will occur because as one area of the rug is stepped on it will shift assuming it is not properly.

Choose something with a different texture and or fiber like jute sisal silk high low or a flat weave with color and pattern in order for the rug to distinguish itself as a new and important component in the room. In those cases laying a thick luxurious shag rug adds a wonderful sense of softness and elegance to the space. When laying an area rug over a hard surface such as hardwood flooring the biggest concern about the rug s movement is that it will slide around. Use area rugs to define spaces in addition to using area rugs to enhance the space you can also use them to divide a larger room into two sections.

Use the straightedge to guide your carpet knife as you cut the carpet to ensure a clean straight cut. Use of area rug will make the room cozier and will anchor the furniture. For example the entryway from the living room and the hallway from the dining space. Full coverage photography by emmy lowe.

Area rugs generally work best over short pile or looped carpet. The key to layering rugs over carpet is to vary the texture. Trim the carpet edges using a straightedge and carpet knife to make all the sides perfectly straight. This masculine combination will turn any room into an ultra sophisticated space.

If you really hate your carpet situation and simply have to live with it there s a solution. Likewise if you have a plush style of carpet installed choosing a low profile berber or woven rug is your best bet. On a hard floor an untethered rug is more likely to slide or slip but when layering area rugs over carpet the rug is more likely to wrinkle or ripple. The key to layering carpet over carpet is to vary the texture.

You want the rug to bring life to the floor like in laura s adorable melbourne home shown above where she layered a graphic flat weave over beige carpet and a basic tiled hearth. In order to stop this natural rug migration you need a non skid rug pad. Although placing rugs on carpeted areas is generally considered a design faux pas there are many reasons to put an area rug over your carpet and many ways to do this in a pleasing stylish way. Make sure to protect the surface beneath the remnant the knife may cut through and scratch the surface beneath.

In those cases laying a thick luxurious shag rug can add a softness and elegance to the space.