Our Best Decorating Ideas: How To Layer for Added Comfort & Style

updated Mar 11, 2020

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(Image credit: Anne & Richard’s Loving Renovation at the El Dorado)

As the days and nights get chillier, it’s time to talk about layers. Taken literally, this means those extra blankets and throws you pile on to stay warm. But it also means all the decorative elements you add to a room to create interest, texture, and depth. Whether layers increase your physical comfort, please the eye, or hide parts of a room that make you cringe, there are tons of reasons to go multi-dimensional. Here are some of our best posts that tackle the topic, from layering throws, rugs, and other decor, to dealing with patterns, color, and fabrics.

(Image credit: Nicole Crowder)

General How-Tos
If you are new to the idea of layering, here’s a primer for getting started:

Layering in the Home
The Art of Layering
How To Decorate in Layers
Designer Details that Add Interest to a Neutral Room

(Image credit: Irene & Evan’s Welcoming Whimsy)

As Design Solutions

Sometimes you hate the bland carpet or tiles in your rental, or a drop ceiling in the bedroom. Adding layers can magically trick the eye into not seeing them at all:

Three Problems To Disguise With Layering
The Power of Distraction: Hiding Eyesores in Plain View
How To Deal With Wall-To-Wall Carpet Woes
DIY or Buy: Layer, Stitch & Scatter Area Rugs to Cover Ugly Floors

(Image credit: Alex & Alina’s Lovingly Layered Home)

Artwork & Decor

These are finishing touches on a room, and the final step to a complete, intentional room:

Mirror, Mirror On The…Mirror: The Art of Layering Mirrors
3 Things To Keep A Room From Feeling Flat
Layered Gallery Wall
10 Unconventional Ways to Hang Art

(Image credit: Adir & Marcello’s Worldly Retreat)

Rugs To layer or not to layer, this is an age-old question when it comes to rugs. Decide whether you like the look with these posts:

Layered Rugs
Trend Watch: Layered Rugs
Layering Rugs for a Uniform Look
Hot or Not? Layered Rugs

(Image credit: Caroline & Sebastian’s Bohemian Fairytale)

Pattern How to mix up your florals, stripes, ikats and other prints like a professional:

Interior Trend: How To Mix Patterns Like a Pro
Inspiration: Layered Patterns
Wallpaper Plus Coordinating Fabric Done Right
Mixing It Up: How To Combine Patterns Like A Pro
Tips and Ideas for Mixing Patterns!

(Image credit: Kyle’s Cottage in the City)

Textiles

Fabric and other materials involve color, pattern and texture:

Putting it Together: Layered Curtains
Layering Window Treatments
Low, Layered Textiles
Warming Up a Home with Blankets and Throws
Get Comfy: Tips On How To Get the Layered Bed Look

(Image credit: Adam’s Comfort & Warmth)

Color & Texture How to make a room come alive, using your sense of feel and sight:

Color Combo: Layered Shades of Green
Inspiration: Layering Soft Cream and Bright White
Color for the Color Shy
Designer Details that Add Interest to a Neutral Room
Adventures In Color Washing
Ten Ways to Add Texture to a Room

What are your favorite ideas for layering comfort when the weather starts to get chillier?

*Re-edited from a post originally published on 10.10.2013 -NT

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Interior Design

Tips & Techniques