How do you use two rugs in a living room? Experts on how to make the layering trend work best

1. LAYER TWO RUGS ON TOP OF EACH OTHER

Styling two rugs on top of each other is big in current living room trends. 'Layering rugs is something I do often to add richness, depth and texture to a room,' says Marie Flanigan, of Marie Flanigan Interiors, adding: 'Plus, it gives homeowners the ability to swap out accent rugs as needed.'

Tiffany Leigh, of Tiffany Leigh Design, agrees: ‘I often put two rugs on top of each other,' she says. 'When you have a large room, patterned rugs often aren't big enough (or are extremely costly).

2. CREATE A BASE LAYER

To layer living room rugs, start by creating the base layer with a large area rug to anchor the look. 'First, create a base layer for your rug,' says Marie Flanigan. 'I like to use a large flatweave rug. My go-to base layer is typically a subdued natural fiber rug, like a jute.'

3. ADD THE ACCENT LAYER ON TOP

The top rug can be a little more playful if you want to add a pattern into the space. Or, if you lean more towards minimalism in interior design, you can simply use a complementary color in a different texture to add depth and interest. See how the main image at the top of the articles uses a grey accent rug to tie in with the concrete floor and define the seating area, while the jute base rug adds warmth and interest. 'The next layer is the accent layer, and should be a slightly smaller rug, where you can add personality and introduce more palette colors,' suggests Marie. 'This layer should be more of the focal point.' Marie adds: 'I love using layered rugs in a large room. I find that the base layer is great to add warmth, then the top layer should anchor your furniture grouping like a seating area or desk.'

4. USE TWO RUGS TO ZONE A LIVING ROOM

Using two rugs separately in your living room can serve to create a cozy nook or delineate spaces and functions of the area. If your living room is open plan, or has a unique layout, you can use rugs to define the space and add coziness, as seen in the chic space above, where a round rug adds warmth and definition to the 'relaxing' nook while echoing the form of the curved sofa, and a rectangular rug injects comfort to the open area next to it.

Channel a boho vibe:

A tasselled top rug with a geometric pattern will add a laidback, welcoming and informal feel to your living room; indicating it's a space where you're invited to relax and also work as an anchor for a artwork and other colors and prints in the room.

Work the vintage aesthetic:

Vintage or vintage-style rugs work really well to add pattern to a neutral space, and fit perfectly with mid-century modern living room ideas for extra dimension.

Go for faux:

Want to up the cozy factor in your living room? A faux fur rug as a top accent layer will instantly elevate your hygge game.

Choose an abstract print:

Abstract patterns and prints can add a retro vibe to your living room ideas. It's a great way to add interest if you don't want to go mad with color, too, as shown in the tasteful room by Marie Flanigan Interiors below.

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