Area rugs commonly decorate flooring such as hardwood, laminate, or tile. But did you know you can lay it over wall-to-wall carpet? At first you may be wondering, “why would I want to cover up my beautiful carpet with a rug?” With proper selection and placement, an area rug on top of carpet can definitely work to enhance a space. Consider the following tips to help you make your decision.
Area Rug: Yes or No?
How do you decide if you should put an area rug over your broadloom? Some reasons are compelling: you’re renting and don’t like the carpet in your apartment; you currently can’t afford to change your carpet; or your carpet is showing signs of wear in areas that you can easily cover up. But another reason people often overlook is that an area rug can can add new color and texture to a space without requiring a complete redesign.
Vary Texture
The key to layering rugs over carpet is to vary the texture. Area rugs generally work best over short-pile or looped carpet. In those cases, laying a thick, luxurious shag rug can add a softness and elegance to the space. Likewise, if you have a plush style of carpet installed, choosing a low-profile berber or woven rug is your best bet.
Size Matters
A small rug that appears to “float” in the middle of a space, without touching any furniture, can look awkward. Your rug should be scaled to the size of the room, regardless of what is under the rug. Follow these guidelines to help choose the right size area rug for your room.
Consider Color
Make sure that the color of the rug complements the color of the carpet. You may be laying down an area rug because you aren’t fond of the color of the existing wall-to-wall carpet (such as in a rental unit), but if the color of the rug clashes harshly with the carpet, you’re as likely to create an equally unappealing look.
One Pattern Only
In general, when using an area rug over broadloom, patterns don’t mix well. If you have a plain broadloom, then you can use a patterned rug. But if your broadloom has any kind of pattern, whether it’s printed (designs made of different colors) or cut and loop (the pattern is made from looping some fibers and leaving others long), then it’s best to go with an area rug with a solid color.
Get Professional Advice
At Dover Rug & Home, we are more than happy to help you find the right area rug to enhance your wall-to-wall carpeting. With traditional, transitional, and contemporary designs to choose from in both bright and neutral tones, our selection is a broad as your imagination.