Can You Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet? 5 Easy Steps To Do!

Q: Is It Weird To Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

Not at all! Putting a rug on the plush carpet isn’t weird instead it’s quite common. It helps protect the underlying carpet. As long as you are using a rug pad that prevents slipping you’ll be fine.

Q: Is It Bad To Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

Not really, putting a rug on the plush carpet isn’t bad. However, the manufacturer doesn’t really like the idea unless your rug has a non-slip backing to prevent shifting and potential tripping hazards.

I am a regular student of the interior design department. So, questions like –

‘Hey, can you put a rug on the plush carpet?’- is not something I don’t hear often.🙃

So, surely guiding and making guides on these specific topics has become an often done task. So, to make things clear I decided to create this blog.

To be done with the topic I’m gonna guide you through the steps. So keep reading with me!

“When selecting a rug to layer on top of plush carpeting, it’s important to choose one that is no more than 1/2 inch in thickness. After the selection is done follow these 5 steps to do so-

Choose the Right Rug
Clean the Area
Position the Rug
Smooth Out Wrinkles
Secure the Edges”

No, I’m not dodging the topic. The fact is rugs that are thicker than 1/2 inch can create uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards. So, let’s not waste any more time and begin evaluating more of what we need to know to add an extra aesthetic layer to the rug.

What you would be doing after reading this-

Follow the do’s and don’ts carefully for the safety purpose.
Go through the consideration and get the exact rug you need.
Follow the 5 step-by-step guide to complete the process safely.

Table of Contents

Can You Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

Yes yes, you surely can put a rug on the plush carpet. Just be careful about thickness! Do that and you’ll be fine.

I often get questions such as if a plush carpet is good for stairs, or how thick is plush carpet to begin with every now and then. So, you see you can count me almost as your advisor.

“Rickie Broff once said Layering is an individual’s decision and there are no real rules to it.”

Being the trustworthy advisor at your service I’ll say when it comes to placing an area rug on your plush carpet you’ll get some do’s and don’ts to consider. The Do’s Are –

Consider the Textures / Firmness of Your Carpet:

Short-pile or Looped Carpet

You can surely place thick, plush, or even shag rugs on top of this type of carpet. The additional visual softness complements the flat, firm carpet.

A rug of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch?🤔That’s right. This low-profile range will blend seamlessly with the soft, luxurious carpet underneath. Moreover, it won’t create any significant height differences.

Plush Style Carpet

You would definitely want to avoid thick plush area rugs on top of the plush carpet. Instead, go forth for thinner, flat-woven rugs. Because if you put a rug on it the texture would be too similar.

Turn out into quite the disaster of an appearance. Besides the area rug won’t have the firm support it needs either.

By the way, did you know that – “Tufted carpet on underlay behaves differently and exhibits a resonant peak in the absorption at 500–l000 Hz!😱” I learned it from an article named ‘The Journal of The Textile Institute’.

Very Long-Pile Carpet (e.g., shag or, frieze)

It would be best if you avoid placing an area rug on top of this type of carpet. You know, because of the potential tripping hazards! Especially if you have kids around.

Use a Rug Pad:

If you have a thin, woven area rug on top of the carpet then you need to use a thin, slightly tacky rug pad. It’s to keep the rug in place and prevent wrinkling or bunching. It will minimize friction and wear caused by the rug moving over the carpet fibers.

So, you can let loose about whether plush carpets will wear well or not, isn’t that helpful?

However, these soft underfoot area rugs are less likely to wrinkle, so a rug pad is optional for these.

Choose a Rug that Complements Your Decor & Anchors Your Space:

Ideally, interior designers suggest that 4 (or at least 2) legs of the main furniture pieces should touch the rug. For example, for medium-sized rugs (typically 4 by 6 feet to 6 by 9 feet), you’ll need to make sure that the furniture doesn’t touch the material.

I suggest only 2 legs of the main furniture nearby. On the other hand, if you have larger living rooms then it may require an 8 by 10-foot rug with 6 to 9 inches of empty space around it.

For Berber or low-profile carpets, “The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends rug pads to be more than 3/8 inch thick with 8 pounds density.”

For the ultimate lavish and very large rooms, a rug up to 10 to 14 feet would be just fine. If you follow through with my advice then you’d be able to deduce whether your plush carpet will show footprints or not by yourself!

Now as all the do’s are done there’s one specific don’t I need to share with you guys.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Area Rug AND Carpet:

I’ve seen many wondering about how long their plush carpet will last. Because they have quite a shorter lifespan you know! But the fact is you first need to decide on your preference, is the plush carpet good for you based on traffic?

If your answer is “YES!”, then I would suggest you practice frequent cleaning habits.

Vacuum the rug routinely and steam clean it when needed to maintain its appearance. It will drastically improve and extend its life too.

Are There Any Considerations When Layering Rugs On Plush Carpets?

There are some concerning considerations. An article I read in the National Library of Medicine says that using a rug pad under area rugs can increase friction and fall potential by up to 80.2% on plush carpets. Isn’t that scary?

using a rug pad under area rugs can increase friction and fall potential by up to 80.2% on plush carpets

So, to prevent that surely we need to think of some considerations when layering rugs on plush carpets. And you know I ain’t wrong.

Rug materials to consider:

SL	Rug Type	Thickness Range
1.	Flat-woven rugs	1/4 inch to 3/8 inch
2.	Low-pile rugs	1/4 inch to 1/2 inch
3.	Synthetic rugs	1/4 inch to 3/8 inch
4.	Natural fiber rugs (e.g. sisal, jute)	1/4 inch to 1/2 inch

Based on the material type of the rug you are about to choose these thickness range play a crucial role. It’s gonna help you to avoid safety risks highly.

Rug Weight Limits for Plush Carpets:

I went by the expert’s suggestion. I found them recommending choosing rugs under 40 oz per square yard in weight. They say it’s to avoid damaging the soft, delicate fibers of plush carpeting.

“The heavier your rug is, the heavier it causes the compression and wear of the carpet.”

How To Put Or Use A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

By following my 5 step-by-step guide you can put or use a rug on the plush carpet.

Let me guess, you have a plush carpet that gives of aesthetic vibes. But it gets too much when it’s all over the house. Also, you want a more textured look so now you are thinking of putting a rug on it? Yeah, I can totally relate. No need to worry, I’ll be guiding you wide and right.

So, the steps you need to follow are –

Choose the Right Rug: First, select a rug with a non-slip backing. You can also consider using a rug pad to prevent shifting.
Clean the Area: Vacuum the plush carpet thoroughly. I’ll suggest doing so at least 3/4 times per week at the very least.
Position the Rug: Lay the rug on the carpet in your desired location. Make sure it’s centered and aligned properly.
Smooth Out Wrinkles: Then, you’ll be flattening out any wrinkles or folds in the rug to ensure it lies flat and nice.
Secure the Edges: Lastly, use double-sided carpet tape or rug anchors to keep the edges from curling up. It will also add extra stability to your flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Types Of Rugs Work Best On Top Of Plush Carpets?

Low-pile or looped carpet and textured contrasting carpets tend to work best on top of plush carpets. However, avoid using a thick plush rug on a plush-style carpet. It lacks the necessary support after all.

Is It Weird To Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

Not at all! Putting a rug on the plush carpet isn’t weird instead it’s quite common. It helps protect the underlying carpet. As long as you are using a rug pad that prevents slipping you’ll be fine.

Is It Bad To Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet?

Not really, putting a rug on the plush carpet isn’t bad. However, the manufacturer doesn’t really like the idea unless your rug has a non-slip backing to prevent shifting and potential tripping hazards.

Can Adding A Rug Enhance The Look Of A Plush Carpet?

Yes, adding a rug can enhance the look of a plush carpet impressively. Plush has a luxurious foundation already. Besides adding an area rug will surely emplify the sense of texture to your interior.

The Bottom Line Is!

Remember, area rugs on the carpet can surely add color, texture, and interest to your space. They may also hide imperfections in your carpet. Still, can you put a rug on plush carpet or not first will depend on your preference.

But you need to be careful about the materials. Especially about the thickness. If you aren’t careful enough it can create situations you don’t wanna face after all.

So, choose wisely, and enjoy the cozy feel! 😊👍

Can You Put A Rug On The Plush Carpet? 4 Materials I Advice to Consider!