Mixing several rugs in the same room: good or bad idea?

Mixing several rugs in the same room: good or bad idea?

We love rugs ... but as soon as it comes to mixing several rugs in the same room, doubts arise: sizes that overlap badly, patterns that clash, a "patchwork" impression. Good news: superposition and layering can enhance your interior design if you follow a few simple rules. In this article, you will find a clear and actionable method for creating harmonious ensembles: choice of colors, textures, sizes, placement rules to the nearest centimeter, practical cases and common mistakes to avoid.

The goal? Create clear areas (seating area, reading area, dining area), add depth to the floor, and add character to your living room decor —without cluttering the space. Follow the guide: in just a few steps, you'll know when it's a great idea... and when it's better to simplify.

Mix your rugs according to the style of the room

Before layering or combining several rugs , it's essential to start with the overall style of the room. This will guide the choice of materials, colors, and even sizes. A Scandinavian living room doesn't call for the same associations as a bohemian or industrial interior. By observing the lines of the furniture, the dominant colors, and the atmosphere you want to reinforce, you can choose rugs that interact rather than clash.

Scandinavian (light, clean lines, light wood)

• Base: flat woven jute or light wool.
• Accent: small graphic kilim (grey/blue mist).
• Texture: ecru bouclette for the reading corner.
• Avoid : Two major competing motives.
• Combo : jute 200×300 + kilim 140×200 (overlap 15 cm).

Bohemian (natural materials, relaxed feel)

• Base: braided jute or sisal (sand tone).
• Secondary: Berber diamond pattern + colored woven (terracotta).
• Relief: short fringes or simple borders.
• Avoid : long fringes under the passage.
• Combo : jute 240×340 + Berber 160×230 (overlap 20 cm).

Minimalist (pure forms, short palette)

• Base: smooth wool (greige/anthracite).
• Secondary: textured plain (fine grain) in neighboring tone.
• Rhythm: fine neutral stripe for structure.
• Avoid : 3 dark ones side by side.
• Combo : raw wool 200×300 + sand stripe 140×200.

Vintage / Industrial (leather, metal, patinas)

• Base: wool or densely woven poly (charcoal/camel).
• Secondary: patinated Persian or muted checkerboard.
• Accent: Graphic runner to guide traffic.
• Avoid : Saturated neon patterns.
• Combo : anthracite base 240×340 + patinated Persian 170×240.

Colors & patterns: match, contrast, create rhythm

Color sets the tempo, pattern sets the rhythm. A simple rule: 60/30/10. 60% for the base rug (neutral or soft), 30% for a secondary rug (more prominent texture/pattern), 10% for the accent rug (smaller size, more assertive hue). Combine analogous (calm), complementary (energetic), or tone-on-tone (quiet chic). The table below offers tried-and-true combinations based on rooms and constraints.

60/30/10 rule: 60% base mat (neutral), 30% secondary (texture/pattern), 10% accent (small contrasting format). Simple, readable, effective.

Sizes, proportions & overlap

• 2-3 seater lounge : base 160×230 cm minimum, ideally 200×300 if the room allows it.
• Large living room : 200×300 cm to 240×340 cm to anchor the whole.
• Dining room : add 60 cm all around the table so that the chairs slide without catching.
• Circulation : keep 20–30 cm of “clean” margin from the walls.
• Overlap between rugs : 10–30 cm is sufficient to visually connect without creating bumps.
• Sofa : at least the two front legs must rest on the large rug.

Think “ground reading”: a large neutral plane that carries the scene, a second plane that sets the pace, then a small contrasting touch that draws the eye.

Visual example of good proportions: generous base rug and 15 cm overlapping accent to structure the living room area.

Zones & circulation: where to place what?

Living Room — Large rug under the sofa and coffee table, small accent rug under the armchair. Avoid : two small rugs scattered around without a connection. Memo: Center the rug on the table, not the room.

Bedroom — A basic rug under 2/3 of the bed, complemented by two small step rugs on either side. Avoid : a small rug isolated in the middle. Memo: Move the rug all the way to the bedside tables.

Dining Room — Large flat woven rug (≥200×300) under the table, runner for passage if necessary. Avoid : high pile under chairs. Memo: add 60 cm around the tabletop.

Entrance / Hallway — Cover the centerline with a non-slip runner and place a small accent circle in the widening. Avoid : a rug that curls near the door. Memo: Leave 10 cm on each side of the runner.

Materials & textures: winning duos and trios

• Jute + Kilim : Stable and natural for the base, with a light graphic accent. Ideal for a bright room.
• Smooth wool + Bouclette : comfort and texture, perfect for warming up a minimalist living room.
• Sisal + Textured Plain : structured look, resistant in high traffic areas.
• Trio : neutral base (jute/wool) + fine pattern (stripe/kilim) + small colorful accent (muted checkerboard/deep shade).

Safety & maintenance: non-slip, maintenance

• Non-slip underlays : systematic on each moving part (runners, accents).
• Curled corners : warm steam on the back + counter-curvature + flat weight for 24 hours.
• Maintenance : regular vacuuming (brush OFF on loop), quarterly rotation, dab stains (never rub).
• Robot vacuum cleaner : choose stitched edges and avoid long fringes.

Practical cases: find your winning combination

Living room 20 m², gray sofa — 200×300 raw wool base, plus a 140×200 mist blue kilim with a 15 cm overlap. The result: soft contrast and an identifiable reading area.

Open plan living/dining area — 240×340 jute on the living room side, 200×300 flat weave under the table, connected by an 80×300 checkerboard runner. Result: hierarchical zones and fluid circulation.

Cozy bedroom — Ecru bouclé under two-thirds of the bed, complemented by two fine kilims in "Japanese steps". The result: a gentle awakening, balanced composition.

Narrow entrance — The center of the axis is covered by a non-slip runner, with a small 90 cm circle in the widening. The result: visual guidance and personality right from the door.

Cozy bedroom with a loop rug under the bed and Japanese-style kilims for a gentle awakening

Frequently asked questions… and concrete answers

• Can you lay a rug over carpet? Yes, but choose stable flat weaves and a thin underpad. Avoid very high pile, which "blocks" and traps dust.
• Multiple rugs in a small room? Possible if you keep a neutral base and legible formats. Choose one large rug and one small accent rug rather than three small ones scattered around.
• How to avoid the patchwork effect? ​​Limit yourself to three colors, two dominant textures, and a single hero motif. Overlap 10–20 cm to connect without overloading.

Conclusion

Mixing several rugs isn't a bad taste mistake: it's an effective way to structure a space, adding depth and warmth. Remember the essentials: a short palette (60/30/10), the right sizes (generous base + accent), a measured overlap (10–30 cm), and non-slip rug pads wherever things move. By following these guidelines, you create a clear, lively, and personal flooring.

Want to try it? Explore our selection to create your perfect duo (or trio): Beige rug .