skip to main content

Home Decorating

Layering Area Rug Over Another( Sisal) Area Rug?

14 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.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Tryin2Grow
14 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
14 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.
Related Discussions
Please show your area rug over carpet.
Q
Comments (16)
Hi, I'll try to answer your question about posting a picture. Open a photobucket account at photobucket.com (it's free) and upload the picture you wish to post to that account. From the photobucket picture, you'll see several boxes either beside or below the picture. One of these will be HTML. Click on HTML with your cursor. A yellow box will appear saying copied. Then go to the message box here and write your comment in the message box. Select where in your message you'd like your photo. Hit paste. A link will appear that will be to your picture, but when you preview, the actual picture should be there instead of the link. If it's not there, try again before submitting the message. If you have trouble, post a message again asking and one of us will be happy to keep helping you. We'd love to see your pictures and would love your input!
...See More
Layering area rugs
Q
Comments (3)
I haven't done it (only because I don't have hardwood), but I really like the look. I think it does add extra color and coziness. I think adding or removing could be a way to change things up for the seasons too. I normally see larger accent rugs over the neutral, but I think it can be done with smaller rugs too. Love this house. fortheloveofahouse barn-room-details.html
...See More
Front Door Opens to Living Area: Furniture & Area Rug Placement
Q
Comments (21)
In case anyone who gave me any previous advice happens to see this, I just wanted to say thank you again! I haven’t posted follow up pictures (but I will)- just wanted to find the right rugs and get everything done first. I work full time so have been finishing the look in my spare time... and absolutely love it. I did end up painting the window casings back to white (but leaving the doors black) and between that and the new layout, the whole area feels so much bigger and brighter and happier. Posting on here was a very positive and productive experience, and I hope if (okay- when) I post again about some of my other rooms, you’ll jump in to give me some awesome ideas!
...See More
OK TO PUT AN AREA RUG ON AN AREA RUG?
Q
Comments (6)
I agree with Ingrid—a nice sisal would work, except I’d skip the contrasting binding. And to answer your question about whether or not anyone’s done this, my brother & his partner have—more out of necessity than anything else (kind of like you, I guess!) They live in a pre-war co-op building in NYC with terrific, original-but-noisy-for-the-neighbor-below-you hardwoods, and each apartment is required to have a minimum percentage of the flooring covered so they did exactly what you’re considering in both their living and dining rooms. And it looks great!
...See More
Tryin2Grow
14 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
14 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).

Related Stories

RUGS 8 Tips for Layering Rugs

By Lily Gahagan

Warm Up Your Floor with an Extra Rug — or More

DECORATING GUIDES DIY: How to Paint a Sisal Rug

By Vanessa Brunner

Two designers show how to give old beige sisal rugs a colorful new life

HOUSEKEEPING Don't Touch Another Stain Before You Read This

By Mitchell Parker

Even an innocent swipe with water may cause permanent damage. Here's what to know about how rugs and fabrics react

DECORATING GUIDES How to Combine Area Rugs in an Open Floor Plan

Carpets can artfully define spaces and distinguish functions in a wide-open room — if you know how to avoid the dreaded clash

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

How big should an area rug be? These guidelines will help you find the right size and placement

DECORATING GUIDES Get Clever With Area Rugs for Warmth and Beauty

By Tiffany Carboni

Give feet a soft landing, protect your floor, hide a stain ... with area rugs in your arsenal, you can win any flooring battle

DECORATING GUIDES How to Choose an Awesome Area Rug No Matter What Your Space

By Apartment 46 for the Home

High use, a low door, kids and pets running amok — whatever your area endures, this insight will help you find the right rug for it

PATTERN 17 Gorgeous Ways to Work In a Patterned Area Rug

Add spark underfoot and pull a room together all around with a patterned rug as bold or subtle as you please

How to Layer Comfort Into Urban Spaces

Soft upholstery, rugs, window treatments and artwork add style and ease to city living

RUGS Prevent Slips and Floor Damage With the Right Rug Pad

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Here's what to know about sizes, materials, costs and maintenance of this important companion to your area rugs

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

Beige Overload Master Bedroom

5

Living room update /WITH DIMENSIONS. UPDATE

7

What color for sofa and love seat?

18

suggestions on dining room chairs

0

Pros and cons of roller shades on sliding glass doors?

1