#carpetstyling

Many Australian homes, both new and old, still feature wall-to-wall carpeting. While a soft, plush carpet provides warmth and comfort, it can sometimes feel a little flat or outdated. You may love your carpet but wish you could give your space a fresh new look, add a pop of personality, or create a more defined living area without the hassle and expense of a full flooring renovation.

The solution is simpler than you might think: the humble floor rug. Placing a rug on top of an existing carpet is a modern design trick that adds layers, style, and structure to your space. It's the perfect way to breathe new life into a room, update your decor, and create a focal point with a minimal amount of effort.

Why Put a Rug on Top of Carpet?

Layering a rug on a carpeted floor may seem counterintuitive, but it's a powerful design choice with a host of benefits.

Define a Space: In a large, open-plan room, a rug on top of carpet can create a clear, intimate seating area or anchor a dining table. It visually separates the space, making it feel more intentional and less like a single, sprawling room.

Add Style & Personality: A single-tone carpet can be a blank canvas. By adding a rug with a bold colour, a striking pattern, or a contrasting texture, you can instantly infuse the room with your personality and keep it from feeling monotonous.

Create Visual Interest & Texture: A rug introduces a new material and pile height, which adds a tactile dimension and depth to the room. A flat-weave jute rug on a plush carpet, for example, creates a beautiful contrast that is visually dynamic and appealing.

Conceal Imperfections: A well-placed rug is a great way to cover up a stubborn stain, a worn-out patch, or a blemish on your carpet, saving you from a costly replacement.

The Rules of Rugs on Carpet: What to Look for

While layering is an excellent design hack, there are a few key principles to follow to ensure your rug looks polished and intentional.

Texture is Key: For your rug to stand out, it needs to contrast with the carpet underneath. A flat-weave, low-pile, or smooth wool rug looks great on a shag or plush carpet. Conversely, a plush, high-pile rug can add a luxurious texture to a flat-weave carpet. Avoid matching the textures too closely.

Go Big! Size Matters: A common mistake is choosing a rug that is too small. A small rug on top of a carpet will look like a "mat" and can feel awkward. The rug should be large enough to anchor all the key furniture pieces, with at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sitting on top of it. This will create a unified, cohesive zone.

Choose a Contrasting Colour or Pattern: The rug should not blend in with the carpet. Look for a pattern that is bold enough to make a statement or a colour that provides a clear contrast to the carpet's tone.

The Practicalities: How to Keep It in Place

A rug on carpet can be prone to bunching and shifting. To ensure your layered rug is safe and stays put, a special rug pad for carpet-on-carpet use is essential. These pads are designed with a specific texture that grips the fibres of the carpet, preventing the rug from moving and also providing an extra layer of cushioning.

THE RUG COLLECTIVE's Solution for Carpeted Homes

If you are looking to revitalise your carpeted space, you don't have to look far for the perfect rug.

At THE RUG COLLECTIVE AU, we understand the unique design challenges of Australian homes. Our collection of rugs is curated to provide a wide variety of styles, textures, and patterns that are perfect for layering on top of existing carpet. Our low-pile and flat-weave designs are ideal for creating that beautiful contrast, and our bold patterns are designed to stand out.

What's more, for those areas where spills are a concern—like under a dining table on a carpeted floor—our innovative washable rugs are a perfect, stress-free solution. They allow you to add a stylish, easy-to-clean layer without any worry of staining the underlying carpet.

Explore our collection today and discover the perfect rug to transform your carpeted room from ordinary to extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it a good idea to put a rug on top of carpet?

A: Yes, it's a fantastic design technique. It adds texture, defines a space, and introduces colour, all without the cost of a major renovation.

2. What kind of rug pad do I need for carpet?

A: You need a specific rug pad that is designed for use on carpet. These pads have a rough or grippy texture that grabs the fibres of the carpet to prevent the rug from shifting.

3. Will a rug damage my carpet underneath?

A: No, a rug with a proper pad should not damage the carpet. It can actually protect the carpet underneath from heavy foot traffic and wear and tear.

4. Can I layer multiple rugs on carpet?

A: Yes, you can. This is a great way to create a bohemian or eclectic look. Just be mindful of tripping hazards and ensure each rug is secured with a proper pad.

5. How do I make sure the rug stays in place?