Layered rugs have been a hot trend for boho-style interiors for a while now, and they’re starting to make their way onto porches and in front of front doors.

This trend works because it helps maximize visual interest by packing twice as much texture, pattern, & pops of color into the same space.

For a front door layered rug look, layer a 2’x3′ doormat over a 3’x5′ outdoor rug in a fun color or print to pep up your entry with some personality.

the trick to layered outdoor rugs

contrast

Layered rugs need to have contrast so that they help each other pop and create visual interest via adding some variety.

Opt for outdoor rugs that are opposite in:

• COLORS  — Layer a black and white rug over a colored print or vice versa
• PATTERN — Mix loud and muted prints or combo bold geometrics with flirty florals
• SHAPE — Go bold and step outside the rectangle-on-rectangle boxiness
• TEXTURE — mix rough and smooth textures or different piles for added interest

The trick to great contrast is that it also needs balance.

Your rugs should be different enough so that they don’t visually blend together, but complimentary enough so that they’re not competing with each other.

If you choose to contrast your colors — black and white with super bright colors — then you need another element that is more complimentary to tie both pieces together so that it’s not too contrasted.

For example, keep the patterns simple and similar or the shape / texture the same.

florals + geometrics

Favorite combo first. I love the variety in pairing a loud floral with a structured geometric.

The brown-beige on the geometric rug anchors the combo and ties into the brown tones on the floral rug.

stripes + pops

The stripes + geometric pattern work together to create visual interest with lines running in different directions.

With bright colors all around, this look is bold but complimentary since neither rug drowns out the other.

Greenery + stripes

Bold black and white stripes contrast perfectly with tropical greenery for a summery vibe.

The black & white combo is balanced with pops of color, and the boxy-ness of the stripes is complimented by the more elegant organic shapes found in the leaves.

simple + busy

A complex geometric print is balanced out by a sweet & simple welcome doormat for a look that’s still fun, but not too bold.

This welcome doormat would pair perfectly with any colored pattern for an effortless way to rock layered rugs.