5 Pro Tips for Layering Outdoor Rugs from an Interior Designer

Photo by: @miss_rusticarrow

Any kind of rug may be layered, just like an outfit; it all comes down to balance, texture, and a little bit of imagination. However, outdoor carpets? 

That is a completely different matter. Weather, durability, and that difficult to achieve balance between style and utility must all be taken into account.

As an interior designer, I've witnessed my fair share of successes and failures with outdoor rugs. 

Believe me, there's nothing more frustrating than witnessing a gorgeous arrangement of layered rugs get destroyed by an unplanned downpour or fade into nothingness following a summer full of scorching heat. I'm here to give my top 5 professional ideas for layering outdoor rugs because of this. 

Earlier, we discussed how weather conditions, like humidity, can be your biggest obstacle when trying to make your outdoor space as stunning as possible. Although, there’s a way to work around this challenge—it all comes down to choosing the right rug material.

Unfortunately, the same rug that works perfectly in your living room or hallway isn’t the best choice for an outdoor setting.

When it comes to shopping for an outdoor rug, you’ll want to focus on materials specifically designed to withstand the elements. Polypropylene is your go-to option. This plastic-like material is far more durable and resilient, making it ideal for outdoor or patio rugs. It resists moisture, is easy to clean, and can handle the wear and tear that comes with outdoor use.

So, when you’re out shopping for that perfect outdoor rug, here’s what you should keep in mind:

Material: Look for rugs made of polypropylene or other synthetic fibers. These materials are crafted to handle outdoor conditions without fading or degrading.

Durability: Make sure the rug is labeled as outdoor-safe. This means it’s been tested for durability against sun exposure, rain, and humidity.

Maintenance: Choose a rug that’s easy to clean and doesn’t require special care. Polypropylene, for example, can be hosed down and left to dry—perfect for outdoor living.

Style and Comfort: While durability is key, you don’t have to sacrifice style. We are going to go into detail in this blog post

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to select a rug that not only enhances your outdoor space. It would also stand up to the challenges of the environment. This way, your outdoor area can be as breathtaking as possible, no matter what the weather throws at it.

Layering techniques for outdoor rugs


Choose a ThemeStart by selecting a dominant color or theme for your outdoor space. This will guide your rug choices and ensure a cohesive look.
Start with a BaseBegin with a large, neutral rug as your foundation . This base rug should complement your overall outdoor decor and provide a solid backdrop for layering.
Add Texture and PatternLayer a smaller, patterned or textured rug on top of your base rug. This adds visual interest and tactile variety to your outdoor space.
Play with PlacementExperiment with different layering techniques. Try placing the top rug at an angle or offset from the base rug for a chic, dynamic look.

When arranging your layered rugs, consider these tips:

• Ensure the base rug is large enough to anchor your seating area
• Allow some of the base rug to show around the edges of the top rug
• Use rug pads to prevent slipping and protect your rugs from wear and tear
• Consider the flow of traffic in your outdoor space when positioning your rugs

By following these tips, you can create a stylish, layered look that adds depth and personality to your outdoor living space. Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your unique style and space.

Your outdoor space's entire appearance and atmosphere can be significantly altered by the placement of your rug. Most of the time, people just put their rugs straight and in line with their furniture, but if you want to be fancy, you can do so much more!


You can consider arranging your rug diagonally, for example. Although it may seem like a little adjustment, it may greatly increase the vibrancy and energy of your room. It can truly bring things to life by adding a small amount of movement.


Trying an offset placement is another concept. You can slant your rug slightly to the side rather than placing it exactly in the center. This creates a fun, unexpected look that can really highlight certain areas of your outdoor space.


So, if you’re looking to spice things up and make your outdoor area more interesting, these creative rug placements could be exactly what you need!

A good place to start when designing a unified outdoor space is by selecting a pattern or texture for your outdoor rug. Something that stands out to you.  In garden design, geometric patterns are very popular since they make a strong statement that can serve as the center point of your outdoor space. As an alternative, you may choose a natural weave, which gives the area a cozier, natural vibe.

Adding layers of secondary patterns and textures to your core design is essential for adding depth and interest. Changing the patterns' scale is crucial in this situation. By combining large-scale patterns with medium- and small-scale patterns, one may avoid having any one element take center stage in the room. 

Remember, the goal is to create compelling visuals while keeping balance. 

Tips for Selecting Complementary Patterns and Textures

When selecting complementary patterns and textures, it’s crucial to maintain a cohesive look. Stick to a consistent color palette to tie everything together. For example, if your dominant rug pattern is in cool blues, choose secondary textures or patterns that share those hues. Mixing textures like a soft, woven rug with a more rugged, sisal rug can also add depth and interest without overwhelming the space 

How Layered Rugs Can Transform the Space

First, layering rugs adds depth and texture, which makes your space feel a lot more cozy and inviting. It’s like adding a warm blanket on a chilly day – it just makes everything feel more complete. Plus, when you mix different colors or patterns, it brings in this amazing visual interest that a single rug just can’t offer.

And here’s the best part: layering rugs gives you the chance to play around with different styles without committing to just one look. You can mix and match textures, colors, and shapes until you find the perfect combo. This not only makes the space look more intentional and stylish but also super unique to your taste.

Photo by: @huushome

Anchoring the Layered Rugs

Anchoring layered rugs is very important for creating a balanced and cohesive room design. This would also be very important so people dont trip on the edges of your new rug. First, the largest rug should serve as the foundation. It should cover most of the floor area, providing a unifying base for the room's look. 

 This idea is similar to mixing patterns, where a dominant pattern, like the base rug, sets the tone for the space. Like we talked about earlier.

 To keep the rugs from shifting and to ensure everything looks cohesive, follow these steps: 

• Use rug pads or non-slip mats under each layer. This will keep the rugs in place and make them more comfortable to walk on. 
• Keep the rug colors consistent. This will help everything look more put together, like when you mix patterns that share similar colors. 
• Mix different textures and patterns in a way that works well together. For example, pair a large, simple pattern with smaller, more detailed designs. 
• Think about the whole room’s design when picking rugs. In 2024, you can choose from bold geometric patterns to soft florals, so there are many options to fit different styles.

By carefully considering these factors, you can create a layered rug arrangement that stays in place and also ties your outdoor patio space together.