Decorating your space with area rugs is an excellent way to define it and add a unique texture and colour. However, many homeowners ask, “Is placing rugs over carpet a better option?” After thorough research and expert consultation, we have concluded that placing the rugs over the carpet is a great choice not only for aesthetic appeal, but also to hide its imperfections
Layering a rug over carpet also adds warmth, safety, and stability to your flooring. However, placing area rugs over the carpet can be challenging. Not to fear, though; we’ve got some professional pointers and techniques to help you make it work and design a room that’s equally elegant and comfortable.
Rugs Placement and Layering Tips Over Carpet
After selecting the rugs for your carpet, the primary consideration is to place or layer them in your space. Here are some tips to help you in this regard:
Centring Rugs in Seating Areas
Enhance the comfort and style of your seating or dining areas by considering centering the rugs. This layering of rugs will anchor your furniture and add character to your space. You must ensure that while layering the carpet, your dining furniture can move smoothly over the flooring.
Aligning With Furniture
When layering your carpet, it is essential to align the rugs with your furniture. If you are placing the rug in your dining area, make sure all the legs of the sofas, chairs, and the coffee table are on the rug. Additionally, your rug should be positioned according to your furniture, not along the carpet seams. This will create a polished look in your space.
Avoid Overlapping Too Many Rugs
Placing too many rugs in your living space can make it feel cluttered and busy. If you are using too many rugs in your room, make sure they define your space rather than overwhelm it. Additionally, clean the layout of your area to make it more open and eye-catching.
Adjusting for Door Swing and Room Flow
Properly positioning rugs to account for door swing and room flow is crucial to prevent obstructions or tripping hazards. Before placing the rug, it is recommended to open the door completely to ensure it clears the edges of the rug and pile height. For your doorways or entryways, consider the low-pile or the flat-weave rugs to slide the doors over them smoothly.
Benefits of Layering an Area Rug Over Carpet
Besides the aesthetic appeal, the layering of rugs over the carpet also provides some other benefits, including:
- Adds Visual Interest and Style: Placing the rugs, such as sisal or jute, over the carpet adds visual interest and a multi-dimensional style to your carpet.
- Extra Cushioning and Comfort: Layering an area rug over the carpet helps you to amplify the cosiness of your space, making it more comfortable and luxurious.
- Protects High-traffic Areas: Placing rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways, hallways, or under heavy furniture, enhances the durability of your carpet flooring.
- Noise Reduction and Insulation: Layering the rugs over carpet also enhances the noise-reduction and insulation properties, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
- Covers Imperfections: Properly placed rugs also cover the imperfections in your carpet by hiding stains, scratches, and wear.
What to Consider Before Adding a Rug Over Carpet
Before layering the rugs over the carpet, consider the following tips to make an informed decision.
1. Carpet Pile and Density
When using a rug instead of a carpet, the rug’s material needs to be considered. A high-pile rug placed over a low-pile carpet, for instance, could pose a tripping danger. It’s crucial to pick a rug material that won’t move on the carpet.
2. Rug Size
Choosing the proper size is one of the most crucial factors to consider when using an area rug instead of a carpet. Pick a rug that is appropriate for the room’s size and the furniture. Make sure the carpet you use underneath a coffee table is big enough to extend past the table’s edges. Make sure the rug you use to designate a seating area is big enough to accommodate all of the furniture.
3. Rug Material and Backing
Use a rug pad when laying an area rug over the carpet to increase cushioning and avoid slippage. Additionally, a rug pad will protect your rug from potential damage caused by its weight and movement. To keep the edges from curling, choose a rug pad that is just a little bit smaller than your rug.
4.Colour and Pattern
The colour and design of your current décor must be taken into account when selecting a rug to place over your carpet in Dubai. Your rug should enhance rather than contrast with your furniture and decorations. Use a bold rug to add colour and interest to a room with neutral furniture. To balance the room, if your furniture is already patterned, use a solid-hued rug.
5. Room Function and Traffic
The room function and traffic must also be considered when choosing the rugs for your carpet. If you plan to layer rugs over carpet in high-traffic areas such as hallways, entryways, and living rooms, consider durable materials. You can opt for the low-pile rugs, such as wool or nylon, which are a great choice for resisting wear and scratches. On the other side, you can select the high-pile rugs, such as chenille or velvet, for your low-traffic areas, like bedrooms. These rugs will enhance the luxury and elegance of your space.
Maintenance & Safety Considerations
When layering the rugs over your carpet, it is important to take into account some maintenance and safety considerations, including:
- Use Rug Pads: Using the rug pads will help to prevent your rugs from bunching, wrinkling, or creating any tripping hazard. Additionally, they also ensure your safety by providing an anti-slip surface. Further, they also help distribute the furniture’s weight evenly on your rugs. It is recommended to choose the rug pad slightly smaller than your area rug.
- Regular vacuuming: Vacuum both rugs and rug pads regularly to remove accumulated dust from the carpet. This will prevent the dust buildup and any wear on your floor covering.
- Watch out for bunching or edges curling: Check your area rugs for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any imperfection, consider treating it immediately. This will help you to refresh the look of your area rugs and flooring.
- Avoid moisture buildup: If spills occur on your area rugs, clean them up quickly. Avoid moisture buildup on your flooring as it can disrupt its overall appearance.
Perfect Spaces to Layer Rug Over Carpet
Here, we have mentioned some perfect spaces for layering the rugs over your carpet:
Bedroom: Layering rugs in your bedroom carpet is an excellent way to add comfort, cosiness, and depth to your space. Consider placing the large rugs near your bed to enhance comfort and small rugs under your chairs to add depth to your space.
Living Room: With its larger layout, the living room is the perfect space for layering rugs. Place the large rug beneath the sofas, tables, or decorative stands, and then zone the seating area with a small rug.
Rental Apartments: If you live in a rental apartment, make a smart investment by placing the rugs. Layering the rugs will help you to enhance the temporary decor of your space without replacing the carpet.
Kids’ rooms: The kids’ rooms are often nasty and messy with spills, food crumbs, and toys. This mess creates an unpleasant environment and makes your carpet dull. Therefore, placing the rugs over there will preserve the elegant look of your carpet.
Quick Checklist Before Buying a Rug Over Carpet
Before buying the rugs to place over carpeting, consider the following guidelines for better decision-making:
Check Carpet Pile and Density:
Before buying the rugs, it is essential to consider the carpet pile and density. Opt for the low-pile rugs for low-pile carpets, such as berber, and high-pile rugs, such as wool, and shaggy rugs for the high-pile carpets. This consideration plays a vital role in the durability and visual appeal of your flooring.
Choose Appropriate Rug Size and Shape:
The rug size and symmetry also contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of your space. Pick a rug that is appropriate for the room’s size and the furniture. Make sure the rug you use underneath a coffee table is big enough to extend past the table’s edges.
Get Non-slip Pads:
The rugs can be damaged over time due to consistent foot traffic. Therefore, get the non-slip pads that not only provide you with safety but also help to anchor your flooring. Additionally, these pads also prevent your carpet from moisture and stains.
Consider Material, Colour, and Design:
When selecting the rugs for your space, consider the material, colour, and design to get a perfect balance of elegance and functionality. You can choose any material or style, but ensure your rugs align with your functional needs and the decor of your space.
Think About Room Use and Maintenance:
You should also take out the room use and maintenance requirements before buying the rugs. If you are looking for rugs for high-traffic areas such as hallways or entryways, consider the low-pile, synthetic rugs. These rugs are stain-resistant and remain pristine for many years. For the low-traffic areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, consider the plush fabrics like silk and chenille.
Conclusion
Choosing an area rug instead of a carpet can be a stylish and practical way to enhance the appearance of your home. But it necessitates careful planning and execution. You may make your home look unified and attractive by following these eight tips for using an area rug over a carpet.
Remember to pick a rug whose texture contrasts with your carpet, pick the appropriate size for your room, take colour and pattern into consideration, use a rug pad, layer rugs, attach with tape, vacuum frequently, and use rugs to demarcate distinct areas. These suggestions can help you improve your area and make it more pleasant and cosy.
