How to Combine Small Rugs to Make a Large Rug

If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of rug hunting, then you know the struggle is real.

Finding the exact right rug, one that checks all the boxes for color, pattern, material, and size can feel like hunting for a unicorn. And when you do find it, it’s either out of stock or costs more than your first car.

We’ve been in the thick of our upstairs hallway makeover lately, and I ran into this exact problem.

I had my heart set on a rich red vintage-style runner to add a pop of color against our new Sherwin Williams Willowleaf wainscoting. I found the perfect one for only $69… except it was about five feet too short. Whomp whomp.

But rather than give up, I got crafty. I bought two of those same short runners and joined them together to make one long, custom-sized rug that fits our hallway perfectly.

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine rugs to create a custom size without breaking the bank, here’s exactly how I did it.

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How to Join Rugs to Create a Custom Size Runner

This little DIY trick is a game-changer when you need to customize a rug on a budget. Here’s how it’s done:

Supplies You’ll Need to Join Two Rugs:

• Two identical rugs… I used this rug (with a repeating pattern or simple design works best)
• Sharpie marker
• Straight edge (yardstick, ruler, or level)
• Utility knife or carpet cutter with a fresh blade
• Heavy cardboard or plywood (to protect your floor while cutting)
• Single-sided carpet tape (not double-sided!)
• Vacuum (optional, for cleaning up rug fuzz after cutting)

1. Find the pattern repeat.

Start by laying both rugs out side by side and studying the pattern. This works best with geometric or symmetrical designs. Identify where the pattern repeats and find the spot that will give you the cleanest, most seamless transition.

2. Mark your cut lines.

Use a Sharpie to make a small mark on the edges of both rugs where the pattern repeats. Flip the rugs over and use a straight edge (a yardstick or level works great) to draw a line on the back of the rug where you’ll make your cut.

3. Cut the rugs.

Use a sharp utility knife or carpet cutter to cut along the marked line. (Tip: Place a piece of heavy cardboard or plywood underneath to protect your floors while cutting.)

4. Check your edges.

Before taping, lay the cut edges next to each other to make sure the patterns match and the cut is straight. A clean line here makes a huge difference in the final look.

5. Tape the rugs together.

Place a long piece of single-sided carpet tape on the floor where the two rug ends will meet. Peel off the backing and press both rug edges down firmly, lining them up as closely as possible.

And that’s it! You now have one large rug made from two small ones, custom-fitted to your space.

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A Budget-Friendly Rug Hack That Looks High-End

This DIY trick saved me from splurging on a custom runner, and honestly, you’d never know it wasn’t one continuous rug unless you really looked. Even up close, the seam is subtle and easy to miss.

It’s a great hack to keep in your back pocket for places like hallways, galley kitchens, or even to create a full-size area rug using multiple IKEA accent rugs on a suuuuper tight budget.

For our hallway, that pop of red from the oriental-style pattern makes the space feel so much more alive and layered. And the fact that it cost half as much as a long runner of the same style? Major win.

Now that the tongue & groove ceiling is done, the doors and trim are painted, and the runner is in place, we can add a few accessories and call this hallway a wrap.

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So if you’re stuck on your own rug quest and can’t find the right size, don’t count out the smaller rugs. With a little patience and a few supplies, you can totally make them work.

Now you know how to combine rugs like a pro!

Have you ever DIYed a custom rug? I’d love to hear your experience! Or if you try this project, tag me so I can see how it turns out.

More Rug Decorating Tips and Tricks

• The Best Type of Rug for Under a Dining Table
• My Unbiased, Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable
• 25 Best Places to Buy Rugs Affordably
• DIY Floral Block Outdoor Rug