Layering Rugs for a Uniform Look

In the past when we've featured layered rugs of different patterns and textures, the response has most definitely been mixed. But what do you think of using several of the same small rugs to create one uniform, larger version?

This is a great solution if you're trying to cover an area with unique dimensions. Get a few inexpensive, small rugs (we think these are an old style from Ikea) and layer them up to fit the space. The thinner the better, so as to minimize the chance of tripping on the overlapping edges. The crisscrossing bright yellow stripes used in this room styled by Margot Austin add such a cheerful touch to the space, don't you think?

(Image: Margot Austin)

Comments (16)

If you're going to do this, I suggest stitching them together to reduce the tripping factor. The rugs in the picture actually look pretty nice. But I believe "piecing", not layering, is the appropriate term.

posted by mirandabee on August 17th 2009 at 7:56pm
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Don't care for the look, especially not when I can see they're all a bit loose in the picture. I have a pretty tragic family story involving layered rugs...I wince whenever I see this.

posted by KidMoe on August 17th 2009 at 8:03pm
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i like it for a photograph, but practically probably not so much. what really bugs me is the tag sticking out off that ikea pillow in the foreground!

posted by bullyproofvest on August 17th 2009 at 8:28pm
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I would agree as far as stitching them together - a friend of mine stitched old rag rugs to make an extra-long (like, 12 feet) runner for her hallway and it actually looked great!

(I'm glad someone else noticed that tag, too.)

posted by hollybledsoe on August 17th 2009 at 9:42pm
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too much work

posted by Lady J on August 17th 2009 at 11:51pm
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Not for me. I'm clumsy enough without creating hazards.

posted by Madame Is on August 18th 2009 at 3:30am
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Must be a pain in the a.. to hoover around, over them!
Pretty but not practical

posted by Nina79 on August 18th 2009 at 4:31am
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The beauty of a cotton rag rug is that you can just pick it up and shake it out, and/or toss in the washer and dryer when needed. That said, if it were *too* big it could be a problem.

posted by mirandabee on August 18th 2009 at 6:13am
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The rugs are the only thing I don't like in the room. Too forced. And of course the Ikea tag...

posted by stt64 on August 18th 2009 at 8:30am
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Definitely would need some sort of sticking together - maybe double sided foam tape if you want to be able to take it apart to wash? Otherwise, yes, it looks like a hazard. Cute though, I guess...

posted by lemonadefish on August 18th 2009 at 8:39am
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Before coffee
A dark winter's dawn
I really need to get to the bathroom
Oh sh.......

posted by m_j_s on August 18th 2009 at 10:48am
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"Look" is a Verb - not a noun.

And no, I'm not fond of this style - It appears messy and contrived. One large area rug would suffice and be much less of a trip hazard.

posted by bepsf on August 18th 2009 at 11:27am
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Where is the rattan love seat from? I've seen it in another blog and love it! Anyone recognize it or know where I can get it? Thanks!

posted by valbythebay on August 18th 2009 at 2:57pm
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Wow, tough crowd. Here's the deal on the tag: 1. This was a quick shot I took for the purposes of getting all the credits right for the story for STYLE AT HOME mag -- so a tag showing wasn't a prob at the time. 2. In real life I would have cut it off, but in the world of mag shoots we borrow and return items, tags intact. 3. When I posted the shot on my personal blog I would love to have gotten rid of the tag but I don't have/know how to use Photoshop.

Please, please, will y'all forgive me for this terrible tag transgression?

FYI, everything in the pic is from IKEA circa Spring 2007.

posted by louise222 on August 18th 2009 at 6:08pm
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No one mentioned it, but I liked the love seat at the foot of the bed. Delightful piece that I would love to have.

posted by dkzody on August 18th 2009 at 8:49pm
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Enter me tripping all over my feet.

Also, enter me trying this at home anyway, limbs be hanged. I've been trying to find a way to cover my hardwood floors for cheap (not because I want to cover them up, but because I have a rabbit). After all the @$%& too-expensive Flor tiles, this looks like something I could do.

Louise, I didn't notice the tag at all. Wait, I found it. Meh. Sometimes there are tags on things. That's life.

posted by LaurelJRyan on August 19th 2009 at 8:52am
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