Interior Design Ideas for Rugs on Top of Carpet

Same Color Rugs

• Put down rugs of the same color as the carpet if the main purpose of the rugs is to provide additional cushioning for sensitive feet or if you want to put down rugs but don't want to add additional visual "busyness" to the room. Purchase rugs the same color as the carpet but made from different materials, such as natural fibers or a different type of fabric, to add textural and subtle visual variety to the floor.

Complementary Color Rugs

• Accent the carpet with rugs in a complementary color -- that is, the opposite color on a standard color wheel -- if you want to spice up the floor while maintaining visual harmony among the room's colors. Arrange a complementary-color rug under the focal point or points in the room, such as a large piece of furniture or an unusual architectural feature, which helps "spotlight" the focal point against the carpet.

Polka Dot Rugs

• Sprinkle the carpet with circular rugs in a contrasting color if you want to lighten up a staid or gloomy space or if the overall style in the space is whimsical. For example, if the carpet is a dark color, the room can be "lightened up" by scattering small white circular rugs randomly throughout the space. The rugs produce a sort of polka dot pattern. Alternately, to keep things playful but with more carpet coverage, put down large circular rugs in a uniform pattern with the edges just touching each other.

Bohemian Jumble Rugs

• Give the room bohemian character and hide a hideous carpet with a gypsy-tent jumble of mismatching rugs that completely covers the carpet. This look is particularly appropriate if the carpet needs to be covered and the occupant of the space enjoys an eclectic "busy" appearance. The bohemian look can be toned down by purchasing rugs with a similar style and color or made from the same material. For example, you can put down overlapping oriental rugs, all featuring the color red, or sisal, jute and sea grass mats in different sizes.