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  !

Magic Carpet

All About Area Rugs - shopping, sizing and arranging tips

1.  To figure out your ideal rug size, measure the room's width and length and subtract 2 or 3 feet from each dimension.  The result is what you should aim for.

 

2.  A good rule of thumb when deciding where to put a rug; make sure at least the front 2 legs of each piece of furniture in the space sit on the rug.  Otherwise, it will just look like a floating piece of fabric in the space and the room will feel cluttered and small.

3.  Nothing beats the quality of a wool rug and yes, it is the most expensive kind but it also feels the softest, has the richest colours and wears (over time) the best.  If wool just isn't in your price range try a nylon or synthetic blend for a similar look for less.

 
4.  Natural materials such as sisal, jute and sea grass work with any colour scheme but keep in mind they have a casual look and can feel a bit scratchy.  A wool or nylon rug that mimics the nubby texture of a natural fiber will feel better on your feet.

5.  Flat-women kilim and dhurrie rugs, which are usual made of cotton or wool, are a fun way to add pattern to a room (I have one in my from entry).  But they do not hold up as well as rugs with a pile.

 

6.  Standard rug sizes range from 3 feet by 5 feet to 9 feet by 12 feet.  If you need a larger one or have an oddly shaped room consider getting a piece of carpet cut to size and bound (I did that in my kids' bedrooms)

7.  Don't forget a rug pad!  It will prolong the life of your rug and the floor underneath.