10 Area Rug Designs You Can Use Over Carpet in the Living Room

Are you tired of your plain carpet? Adding an area rug can spice up your living room. It’s a simple way to change the look and feel of your space without a significant overhaul.

You can put area rugs over carpet to create visual interest and define different zones in your room. This trick works great in larger spaces or open floor plans. Let’s look at 10 area rug designs that work well on top of carpet in living rooms.

1) Bohemian Floral Pattern

Bohemian floral rugs can add a splash of color and free-spirited charm to your living room. These rugs often feature bold, oversized flowers in vivid hues. They work well over neutral carpets, creating a fun contrast.

You can find bohemian floral rugs in many shapes and sizes. Round ones are great for defining seating areas. Rectangle rugs can help frame your furniture arrangement.

These rugs usually have a mix of bright colors. Think pinks, oranges, blues, and greens. The lively patterns can hide stains and add visual interest to plain carpets.

When choosing a bohemian floral rug, consider your existing decor. Pick colors that complement your furniture and walls. A larger rug can anchor the room, while a smaller one can act as a focal point.

Bohemian floral rugs are perfect if you want a relaxed, eclectic vibe. They pair well with natural materials like wood and wicker. Add some throw pillows in matching colors to tie the look together.

2) Geometric Grey Medallion

A geometric grey medallion rug can add a modern touch to your living room. This style features repeating shapes and patterns in various shades of grey. It’s a great choice if you want to keep things neutral but still add some visual interest.

You can find these rugs in different sizes to fit your space. They often have intricate designs that catch the eye without being too bold. The grey color helps the rug blend well with many color schemes.

When placed over carpet, a geometric grey medallion rug can create a layered look. It defines the seating area and makes the room feel cozier. The pattern can also help hide stains or wear on your existing carpet.

This type of rug works well with both modern and traditional furniture. It can soften the look of leather sofas or complement fabric upholstery. You can use it to tie together different elements in your living room.

Remember to choose a rug with a low pile height. This will prevent it from bunching up on top of your carpet. A non-slip rug pad can also help keep it in place.

3) Vintage Persian Plaza

Vintage Persian Plaza rugs bring timeless elegance to your living room. These classic designs feature intricate patterns and rich colors that can add warmth to any space.

You’ll find these rugs often have medallion motifs in the center. They’re surrounded by detailed floral and geometric designs. The colors are usually deep reds, blues, and golds.

Placing a Vintage Persian Plaza rug over carpet can create a cozy, layered look. It helps define your seating area and adds visual interest to the room.

Choose a size that fits your space well. A larger rug can anchor your furniture, while a smaller one can serve as an accent piece.

These rugs are versatile and can work with many decor styles. They pair well with both traditional and modern furnishings. Their intricate patterns can also help hide stains or wear on your existing carpet.

Remember to use a rug pad to keep your Vintage Persian Plaza in place. This will prevent slipping and protect both the rug and your carpet underneath.

4) Moroccan Trellis Camel

Moroccan trellis camel rugs bring a touch of exotic flair to your living room. These rugs feature geometric patterns inspired by traditional Moroccan designs.

The camel color is a warm, neutral tone that works well with many decor styles. It can add depth to your space without overwhelming it.

You can place a Moroccan trellis camel rug over your existing carpet to create visual interest. The pattern will stand out against a solid-colored carpet underneath.

These rugs come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your living room perfectly. A larger rug can define a seating area, while a smaller one can accent a specific spot.

The trellis pattern adds texture and dimension to your floor. It can make your room feel more dynamic and engaging.

When selecting a Moroccan trellis camel rug, consider the scale of the pattern. A larger pattern works well in spacious rooms, while a smaller one suits cozier spaces.

This type of rug pairs nicely with both modern and traditional furniture. It can tie together different elements in your living room decor.

5) Abstract Waves in Teal

Abstract wave patterns in teal can add a cool, calming vibe to your living room. These rugs feature fluid designs that mimic ocean waves or abstract water ripples. The teal color brings a soothing, spa-like feel to your space.

You can find these rugs in various shades of teal. Some have lighter aqua tones mixed in, while others incorporate deeper blue-greens. The wavy patterns often blend smoothly from one hue to another.

These rugs work well over neutral carpets. They can create a nice contrast against beige or gray carpet. The abstract design also helps hide any imperfections in the carpet underneath.

Teal wave rugs pair nicely with coastal or modern decor styles. You can match them with blue or green throw pillows and artwork. Or, use them to add a pop of color in a mostly neutral room.

When choosing a size, make sure the rug is large enough to anchor your seating area. A 5×8 or 8×10 rug often works well in living rooms. The wavy pattern can make your space feel larger and more open.

6) Southwestern Desert Sun

Looking to bring some desert charm to your living room? A Southwestern-inspired area rug over your carpet might be just the thing. These rugs often feature warm, earthy tones that mimic the colors of a desert sunset.

You’ll find rich oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows in many Southwestern designs. These hues can add a cozy feel to your space, especially when paired with existing neutral carpeting.

Geometric patterns are common in this style. Look for rugs with bold zigzags, diamonds, or tribal-inspired motifs. These eye-catching designs can become a focal point in your room.

Many Southwestern rugs use wool or cotton materials. These natural fibers work well over carpet and can stand up to foot traffic. They also add nice texture to your space.

When picking a size, consider leaving some of your carpet visible around the edges. This creates a layered look that adds depth to your room’s design.

Remember to use a rug pad to keep your new Southwestern rug in place on top of your carpet. This will prevent slipping and help protect both the rug and your carpet underneath.

7) Modern Chevron Stripes

Chevron stripes are a great way to add a modern touch to your living room. These V-shaped patterns can make your space look bigger and more stylish.

You can find area rugs with chevron stripes in many colors. Pick ones that match your room’s color scheme. Bold colors can make a statement, while soft tones create a calm feel.

The size of the chevron pattern matters too. Large chevrons work well in big rooms. Smaller ones are better for cozier spaces.

Try placing a chevron rug at an angle. This can create an interesting look and draw the eye across the room.

Chevron rugs come in different materials. Wool feels soft and lasts long. Cotton is easy to clean. Synthetic fibers are budget-friendly and durable.

You can mix chevron rugs with other patterns too. Just keep the colors similar to avoid clashing. A solid-colored couch looks great with a chevron rug.

Remember to pick a rug with a low pile. This will help it lay flat on your carpet and prevent tripping.

8) Nautical Navy Anchors

Want to bring a touch of the sea to your living room? A nautical navy anchor rug might be just what you need. This design features classic anchor patterns in navy blue and white.

The bold contrast creates a striking look that can really liven up your space. You can find these rugs in various sizes to fit your room perfectly.

Navy anchor rugs work well with coastal or beach-themed decor. They also pair nicely with other shades of blue, white, and natural wood tones.

Don’t worry about the rug sliding around on your carpet. Many come with non-slip backing to keep them in place. This makes them safe and practical for daily use.

Cleaning is usually pretty simple too. Most can be vacuumed or spot cleaned as needed. Just check the care instructions for your specific rug.

Consider adding some matching throw pillows or wall art to complete the nautical look. It’s an easy way to tie your whole room together.

9) Scandinavian Simple Lines

Scandinavian area rugs bring a touch of Nordic charm to your living room. These rugs feature clean lines and minimalist patterns. You can easily layer them over existing carpet for a fresh look.

Look for rugs with geometric shapes or subtle stripes. Neutral colors like white, gray, or beige work well in this style. Some rugs may have pops of muted colors like pale blue or soft green.

The simple designs of Scandinavian rugs won’t clash with your carpet. They add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Choose a rug with a low pile height to avoid tripping hazards.

Natural materials like wool or cotton are common in Scandinavian rugs. These fibers feel cozy underfoot and suit the style’s focus on nature. Sizes range from small accent rugs to large room-spanning options.

Placing a Scandinavian rug over carpet can define seating areas. It helps create a calm, organized feel in your living room. The rug’s clean lines can make the space appear larger and more open.

10) Traditional Red Oriental

A classic red Oriental rug can add warmth and elegance to your living room. This timeless design works well over carpet, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

You can choose from various patterns and motifs within the Oriental style. Common elements include intricate floral designs, geometric shapes, and borders with detailed patterns.

The rich red hues in these rugs complement many color schemes. They pair nicely with neutral tones like beige or gray carpeting. You can also match them with furniture in warm wood tones.

Oriental rugs come in different sizes to fit your space. A larger rug can define the seating area, while a smaller one can serve as a focal point under a coffee table.

The plush texture of an Oriental rug adds depth to your room. It creates a layered look that brings visual interest to the floor. This style can make your living room feel more luxurious and put-together.

When selecting a red Oriental rug, consider the existing colors in your room. Look for shades that complement your decor and create a harmonious look.

Choosing Complementary Colors

Color choices can make or break your rug and carpet pairing. The right mix creates a cohesive look, while clashing hues can feel jarring. Let’s explore how to pick colors that work well together.

Understanding Color Theory

Color wheels help you find harmonious combinations. Complementary colors sit opposite each other, like blue and orange. These create bold contrasts. Analogous colors are next to each other, like blue and green. They blend smoothly.

You can use the 60-30-10 rule for balance. Pick a main color for 60% of the room, a secondary for 30%, and an accent for 10%. This gives you a guide for choosing rug colors to match your carpet.

Warm colors like red and orange feel cozy. Cool colors like blue and green are calming. Think about the mood you want in your living room when picking rug colors.

Working with Neutral Palettes

Neutral rugs are easy to pair with colored carpets. Beige, gray, and cream go with almost anything. They let you change up other decor without clashing.

You can add interest to neutral rugs with texture. Look for woven patterns or different pile heights. This creates visual appeal without relying on bold colors.

If your carpet is neutral, you have more freedom with rug colors. Try a patterned rug with subtle hues that match your walls or furniture. This ties the room together without overwhelming the space.

Remember, lighting affects how colors look. Test rug samples in your room at different times of day before buying.

Layering Techniques

Layering area rugs over carpet adds depth and visual interest to your living room. It’s a great way to define spaces and introduce new patterns or textures.

Creating Depth and Texture

Start with a larger, neutral rug as your base layer. This creates a foundation for your design. Choose a rug that’s at least 2 feet wider than your furniture arrangement on all sides.

Next, add a smaller rug on top. Pick one with a contrasting texture or pile height. This adds dimension to your space. For example, pair a low-pile wool rug with a plush shag rug.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials. Try a jute rug under a silk or cotton one. This combo adds visual and tactile interest to your room.

Balancing Patterns and Solids

When layering rugs, mix patterns and solids for a balanced look. If your base rug is solid, choose a patterned top rug. This adds visual excitement without overwhelming the space.

For a bold statement, layer two patterned rugs. Keep the colors similar to avoid clashing. Try a large-scale pattern on the bottom with a smaller print on top.

Use solid rugs in different colors to create a color-blocked effect. This works well in modern or minimalist spaces. Pick colors that complement your room’s color scheme.

Remember to vary the shapes of your rugs. Layer a round rug over a square one for an interesting visual contrast.