How to Layer Shaggy Rugs for a Stylish and Cozy Look

Layering shaggy rugs is a simple yet effective way to add style, texture, and warmth to your living space. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or want to create a luxurious, cozy vibe, properly layering rugs can elevate the aesthetics of any room. Shaggy rugs, known for their plush texture and comforting feel, make an excellent addition to a well-thought-out room design.

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In this blog, we’ll take you through the essential steps to layer shaggy rugs successfully, creating a stylish, cozy home. Follow these tips, and you’ll discover how to mix patterns, textures, and colors while enhancing the comfort and visual appeal of your room.

1. Choose the Right Base Rug

The first step to layering rugs is selecting the right base rug. The base rug serves as the foundation for your design and typically covers a larger area of the floor than the top layer. When selecting a base rug, opt for a neutral-toned, flat-weave rug that provides a contrast to your shaggy rug.

• Material: Go for durable materials such as jute, sisal, or cotton, as these will serve as a firm, practical base. Flat-weave rugs are also great because they won’t compete with the texture of your shaggy rug.
• Colors: Stick to neutral colors like beige, gray, cream, or white. This neutral palette will allow your Shaggy Rug to stand out as the centerpiece of the room.
• Size: The base rug should be larger than the shaggy rug to allow for effective layering. Typically, it should be large enough to cover the majority of the floor space in your room, grounding the layout.

Choosing the right base rug creates the perfect backdrop for layering, enhancing the look of the shaggy rug you’ll place on top.

Check our Best Selling Shaggy Rug

2. Add the Shaggy Rug as the Top Layer

Once you’ve selected your base rug, the next step is to layer a smaller shaggy rug on top. This top rug will add a cozy, plush texture and serve as the focal point of your room. Shaggy rugs are known for their deep pile, which provides a luxurious feel underfoot.

• Material Choices: Common shaggy rug materials include wool, faux fur, polyester, and sheepskin. These materials offer varying levels of softness and durability, so choose one that fits your lifestyle. For example, wool shag rugs offer a mix of comfort and longevity, while faux fur rugs add a chic, modern feel.
• Contrasting Colors: To make a bold statement, choose a shaggy rug in a contrasting color to your base rug. For instance, if your base rug is neutral, opt for a shaggy rug in a rich hue like deep blue, charcoal, or even blush pink.
• Placement: The shaggy rug can be centered over the base rug or placed slightly off-center for a more casual, bohemian look. You can experiment with different placements depending on your furniture and room layout.

By layering a smaller shaggy rug on top, you not only add texture but also create a visual contrast that enhances the room’s aesthetic.

3. Mix and Match Textures

Layering rugs isn’t just about color contrast; it's also about combining different textures. A key benefit of adding a fluffy, plush shaggy rug is the textural dimension it brings to the room. To make the most out of layering, mix and match the textures of both the base and top rugs.

• Textured Base Rugs: If your base rug has a flat or tightly woven texture, the shaggy rug will provide the perfect contrast. However, you can also opt for a base rug with slight texture, like a woven jute rug, which adds subtle depth.
• Bold Fluffy Top Layer: Shaggy rugs with a longer pile, like faux fur or high-pile wool, make the room feel softer and cozier. These fluffy textures add a sense of warmth, making the space inviting.
• Visual Appeal: Combining smooth, flat-weave rugs with a deep-pile shaggy rug adds both visual interest and a tactile element that enhances the comfort of your space.

By mixing different textures, you can create a layered look that’s both visually striking and pleasant to the touch.

4. Layer Rugs to Define Zones in Open Spaces

If you have an open-plan living area or large room, layering rugs is an excellent way to define different zones within the space. Layering a shaggy rug over a large base rug can help differentiate areas like the seating area, dining space, or reading nook.

• Living Room: Place a large base rug that covers the majority of the living room. Then, layer a smaller shaggy rug under the coffee table or in front of the sofa to add softness and comfort.
• Dining Area: If your living and dining areas share the same space, layering a shaggy rug under the dining table can create a visual distinction between the two spaces.
• Reading Nook: For a cozy reading nook, layer a small shaggy rug next to a comfortable armchair to create a designated zone for relaxation.

Using layered rugs to define spaces not only adds structure but also introduces warmth and personality to the room.

Learn how to clean your Rugs with our Shaggy Rugs Care Guide.

5. Experiment with Rug Shapes

Another fun way to enhance the look of your space is by experimenting with different rug shapes. While rectangular and square rugs are common, don’t be afraid to explore other shapes like round or oval rugs.

• Round Rugs: A round shaggy rug can add a soft, organic feel to your space. It works particularly well in smaller areas, like under a round coffee table or as an accent in a reading nook.
• Irregular Shapes: You can also use irregularly shaped fluffy rugs for a modern and quirky look. These non-traditional shapes can be used to break up the symmetry of a room and add a unique touch to the design.

Layering rugs with different shapes introduces an unexpected element to your decor, making your space more interesting and dynamic.

6. Focus on Rug Maintenance

Maintaining layered shaggy rugs is crucial for keeping your room looking stylish and cozy. Shaggy rugs, especially those with longer piles, tend to attract dust and dirt, so regular care is important.

• Use a Rug Pad: A rug pad underneath both the base and the top rug is essential. It prevents the rugs from slipping and also protects the floor beneath.
• Regular Vacuuming: Shaggy rugs should be vacuumed regularly to keep them clean and fluffy. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently clean the surface of the rug without damaging the fibers.
• Shaking Out the Rug: For smaller shaggy rugs, take them outside occasionally and shake them out to remove dust and debris.
• Spot Cleaning: If there are spills or stains, clean the shaggy rug immediately to prevent damage. Use a gentle, non-toxic cleaner suitable for the rug’s material.

Taking proper care of your layered rugs ensures they stay beautiful and cozy for years to come.

Conclusion

Layering shaggy rugs is an art that can dramatically transform the look and feel of your space. By selecting the right base rug, mixing textures, and experimenting with colors and shapes, you can create a cozy, stylish environment that reflects your personality. Whether you’re layering rugs to define spaces in an open-plan room or simply adding warmth and comfort to your living area, Shaggy Rugs are the perfect choice.