Can You Put a Rug on a Carpet?

Putting a rug on top of a carpet may sound silly at first, but it’s not at all strange. Yes, you can place a beautiful rug on a carpet, and there are many reasons to do so. When you’ve planned it well, it can look amazing and take a room’s decor to a whole new level.

Why Do People Place Rugs on Carpets?

Area rugs placed on carpets have many benefits, in addition to looking great. They can bring complementary colors into a room and make the overall decor more cohesive and attractive, offering a nice ambiance.

But, there are also several practical reasons to use rugs on carpets, such as covering up wear and tear or stains that are difficult to remove. The carpet beneath a rug is also protected and won’t wear down as quickly.

Rugs can add warmth to a room, soften a space, and go a long way toward muffling sounds. Additionally, it can be a great way to make use of a small rug that you simply can't part with.

How to Layer a Rug Over a Carpet

When it comes to layering a rug over your carpet, there are three basic rules to keep in mind. These rules can be broken, of course, but keep them in mind for the most attractive and satisfying decor results.

1. Size matters Don’t let the rug ‘float’ in the middle of the room
2. Texture is key The rug and carpet should complement each other
3. Color coordinate Don't let the colors clash

Read our guide to placing your bedroom rug to learn more.