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Layering Area Rug Over Another( Sisal) Area Rug?

15 years ago

I'm stealing this from gillianna's recent post. I wanted to begin a new one hoping we could gain more insight and, if we're lucky, more photos of this look.

I have seen rugs layered over wall-to-wall sisal, but NOT one area rug over another, and I'm unsure how this would look. Is there a size rule of thumb? Using the bottom layer in a less expensive natural would save $$ by using the smaller size, more expensive oriental type rug on top. It also makes shopping for it easier. I've been hunting for a Karastan, and not all come in the 10X14 size, and none are in stock, so must be ordered. This could solve a lot of things!

But I am reeeealy not at all sure how it would look. In my case, there would be an area of wood, then the large sisal, then the, say, 8x10 Persian or Karastan. Nice idea, but just cannot picture it.

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Comments (4)

Tryin2Grow
15 years ago
Leah I'm guessing you looked at the pix in my link on gillianma's thread? It showed a couple of examples, and as I said, I will have more in my article on Wed, including persian rugs over sisal.

Most rugs over sisal are done to either (a) achieve a look or (b) to create a "safe zone" area for spills and/or foot traffic.

Personally, I would be hesistant to place a Karastan (and I love Karastans--I've praised them a lot in the past) simply because most are pretty thick and will end up looking heavy and off balance on a sisal--especially since you mention a larger (8x10) sized Karastan. Considering the excellent quality Karastans are known for, in this case you would be better served investing in the larger size.
leahcate
Original Author
15 years ago
Jane, I think you're correct re the look of a thick Karastan over the thin sisal. The one I saw over w2w sisal at a design house was an old, thin Persian type ( "the richest man has the thinest rugs"...sigh). I did see your pics and added my post to encourage more pics. Will yours be on here or over on Attic?
Thanks for replying. I'll look for more on this subject, though fear it's not to be in this setting of mine.
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Tryin2Grow
15 years ago
Leah the pictures will be on the other site.

I have to agree with you that every room I recall seeing with an area rug over sisal had a thin(ish) rug on top (and I have hundreds of designer portfolios I browse regularly).

I was hoping you would receive some pictures too as I'd love to see if anyone has used anything other than a flat weave and/or thin Oriental on top.

My pix will be up around 10pm w.coast time.

If I can be of any help in the rug choosing department, just holler :-)
texashottie
15 years ago
I have something similar to this in my LR. I have a large, textured wool rug in a natural color (similar to sisal). On top, I have an angled zebra rug (which is quite thin).
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