We Answer Wednesday - How to Layer your rugs

"I see cowhide rugs everywhere.  I purchased one but it's too small for my living room.  How can I use it ?"

Cowhide (real or faux) is a great way to add some natural animal elements to a room and also some texture.  We love how every cowhide is unique - it's adds a cool and organic element to a room.  But you are right the size can be tricky especially in a larger room. 

Try this - it's actually a great trick for any area rug that you want to use that's too small.

Layer it!

Yes, that's right - layer it!  OK let us explain.  The cowhide is going to add a great graphic pop or natural texture to your space.  Underneath the cowhide use another rug in the correct size - in a neutral tone (we highly recommend a rug that is close in tone to the wall to wall flooring).  We love the look of another natural textured rug like a sea grass or sisal or recycled leather but it doesn't have to be. 

Here are some examples:



Here the black and white cowhide is layered over a natural sisal - the mix of textures adds an extra element to the room.  Also the black and white pillows add even more visual interest in the space.

 Try layering multiple rugs in one room.  Keep the largest one in a neutral and then the medium one is next and lat the smallest.  Feel free to lay them in an off set manner.  They don't need to be completely centered and perfect. We like the look in this clean and modern space.  The walls being white allow for a 'busier' floor.  Notice the cream rug is layered with a black and white stripe and a cow hide.  It adds such a sophisticated feel to the space.




This is also a great way to update a space that has wall to wall carpet

 

You might think that this technique doesn't make a difference but it does!  The larger rug pulls the eye out and wide and the smaller rug adds a pop of colour/print so the room still looks big and spacious whereas just having an area rug that's too small will make the room appear small as well. In order for this to be effective - the largest rug must be of the proper size for the room.



You can also angle the rugs - they don't have to be straight on and centered. This can work in any room, too! 



This is a great way to still use your favourite area rugs even though they are too small  !

I've got your number!

When it comes to certain decor questions (like height or size) it really is a numbers game, sometimes you can get away with winging it but when you use correct measurements the space looks so much better.

How high should I put the....

 

ART  60" to 66" measured from the floor to the centre of the art piece

SCONCES 68" measured from the floor to the bulb

CHAIR RAIL 30" measured from the floor

The right Size of Area RUG

 

For the living room....

IDEAL : Aim for 10" of bare floor between the rug and the walls of the room

BETTER : every leg on every piece of furniture sits easily and comfortably on the rug

GOOD:  the front legs of the sofa (or entire sofa) and armchairs on the rug, end tables partially on and accent tables are off the rug

For the dining room....

 Rug should be at least 24" wider and longer than the backs of the chairs when they are pulled up to the table, so they don't go beyond the rug when they are pulled out

For the bedroom...

Rug should extend at least 18" - 24" beyond all sides of the bed, so that it covers the footpath around the bed

Choosing a dining table that fits....



Round tables are best for square rooms, 36" seats 4 and 54" seats 6

Rectangle tables are good for most rooms 40"x72" seats 6 and 44" x 80" seats 8

Oval tables are good for wide rooms 47 3/4" x 78" seats 6

Some numbers to keep in mind -
- Allow 24" of space for each person seated at the table
- Leave at least 2' to 3' between the backs of chairs and a wall (or piece of furniture) so the chair can be comfortably moved in and out