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Is it dumb to put an area rug on top of carpeting?????

14 years ago
I was wondering if it's ok to put an area rug on top of wall to wall carpet. I have new carpet but am considering adding a area rug on top of it for a punch of color. Just wondering if this looks dumb or is it ok?

Comments (27)

  • 14 years ago
    No, it can provide color & dimension to the space.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    not at all, its a way of dividing space and giving sections to a room e.g. dining, lounging, etc.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    If you like "the layered look" in your clothing, it's a yes for your home as well. Some will disagree, but it can be done tastefully.
    I got only one page of photos searching for rug over carpet:
    http://www.houzz.com/%22rug-over-carpet%22
  • 14 years ago
    I'd love to see a pic when you have it in place!
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    We agree! Here is another link showing an example of using an area rug on carpeting from our designer Nancy Woodhouse:
    Great Room · More Info
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    @Gabberts Design - That's my favorite layering treatment - four legged furry rug on top of a rug, on top of a rug!
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    We really love the dogs too! In fact, this client loves her dogs so much that the whole design project was about the dogs! Here are two photos that you might get a kick out of! Enjoy!
    (Click on the bench photo to see the Maitland Smith dog statue!)
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Go for it!
  • 14 years ago
    Looks like the verdict is "Yes!" Just going to add that I have done it and worked beautifully. I put a blue cotton Pottery Barn rug over cream wall to wall and left a good two feet baorder showing around the edge. It really pulled the room furniture in and together. Just remember to put a rug pad down. In my situation it was very good advise because the blue could have easily bled onto the cream carpet. All the best!
  • 14 years ago
    Thanks so much for all the replies!!! The wall to wall has a longer nap, would that make any differance of how the area rug would look?
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    I would suggest the longer nap on the top rug...I have never layered with the longer nap on the bottom. Not to say it can;t be done. Can you post a photo?
  • 9 years ago

    Burgandy area rugs

  • 9 years ago

    I always heard it would damage the carpet if you didn't use a pad between. Is that untrue? Thanks!

  • 9 years ago

    To me is a must..!! Otherwise there is no division or focus to the area..


  • 9 years ago
    I say NO do NOT do this. I have tried but they always move even with a slightly sticky protector made to put between 2 rugs to stop this. If using it in a room that you frequently walk through or move furniture as with dining room chairs it is futile they WILL move.
  • 9 years ago

    What if you put a rug with a bound edge on it - over a carpeted floor. Will that help keep the rug in place and keep it from buckling?

  • 9 years ago

    the binding only keeps the carpet from unraveling. if there is a pile at all on the rug - don't use. better luck if it is a very short loop like an indoor outdoor carpet you are putting it on, even a berber will give as you walk on in and make the upper rug buckle. as I stated above it never really works. if you never walk in the room or move furniture, if it is just to look at as in magazine pictures give it a try but you are forwarned if you actually live in this room.

  • 8 years ago

    Yes, I think rugs on top of carpet looks odd.

  • 8 years ago

    I'm doing it in an apartment I just rented. This rug is too luxurious and I had to have it. Yes it wrinkles all day long. I spend my days straightening and smoothing. But I wouldn't give up this luxurious beauty for anything.

  • 7 years ago
    I am contemplating the same thing. I have a small sitting area at the top of my stairs that’s 6x9 and have tried a 6 ft round and a 4x6 but not sure about either. I want a pop of color and my bookshelves are blue so was going to do a rug with blues. Anyone have thoughts?
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Jeanne, I recommend removing one of the chairs - they compete against each other. One is modern and airy and the other is more traditional shabby chic. Which look are you going for? The space is smaller, one should be sufficient.

    Out of the 2 rugs, I prefer the rectangle as it does not look like a solid color. If you can still return them, I would get something that is a bit more lighter in color with the dark blue, the dark rugs are a bit too stark against the light carpet.

    Once you get the cabinet filled, wall art, accessories, ottoman and lamp it will look nice.

    Hope this helps.

  • 7 years ago
    I went ahead and got a cowhide rug at someone’s suggestion and love it! It made the space fun and added some color. I’ve gotten lots of compliments.
  • 6 years ago

    Ewe. No.... actually never.

  • 3 years ago

    Rug over carpet looks awful. And is a pain in the ass because the rug always shifts, buckles, wrinkles, curls up in the corners/edges or just generally never stays put.

  • 3 years ago

    I think a really small one like that cowhide could be the exception, but I agree that when I had a big bright tropical rug over a low pile neutral berber carpet, it was a pain in the butt. It actually looked good, and you see ones all the time in photos that look good. But no matter what you do, nothing in between, sticky pad in between, double sided carpet tape in between, it always bunches up and is a pain in the neck. Maybe if you didn't have a coffee table on it it it would behave better.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    It crawls and it is never a good look and this is a 12 year old thread. It was not a good idea 12 years ago, and it still is not a good idea.