Can you place a decorative rug over carpet and not ruin it

I would not recommend that

I sure have, but don't use a rubber-backed rug, I use the wide carpet tape that looks like net that is made to hold carpet to carpet that holds well and prevents trips and falls, but doesn't damage the rugs.... https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Technologies-original-resistant-solution/dp/B000209YT6/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1518110827&sr=8-15&keywords=carpet+tape+for+area+rugs I just put it on two ends where the traffic is coming and going.

Why would a rug ruin carpet? Are you worried about rubber backing on a throw rug?

The carpet fibers Wil flatten. A good sweeper will fluff them back up. However, if you leave exposed carpet that gets wear, there will be a difference in wear pattern when you take up the one. The covered one will also look cleaner. Be sure to take the top one up if you shampoo an do the whole carpet.

I have carpet with a short but definite pile in a light color, and I have always put a more colorful area rug on top. Whenever I reposition the area rug (when I move furniture around) the pile comes right back by vacuuming. If it doesn't stand up, use a brush to rough-up the pile. I do that to bring back indentations from furniture legs when I re-arrange. If you fear a color change because of the top rug, maybe a lighter color carpet works best. If you shampoo your carpet, be certain it is dry before putting down the area rug so there is no color transfer. You can also buy (Walmart, Target) a "pad" for between the rugs. Such pads are to anchor the area rug more securely but it would also prevent color transfer. The word "pad" doesn't seem appropriate because the product is very thin. You can find this where they sell area rugs. Read the label because there are pads for putting an area rug on top of carpet, and pads for putting on hard surface floors.

Steam cleaning the carpet when you are ready to move the area rug will help

Steam cleaning the carpet when you are ready to move the area rug will help.

You certainly can and won't ruin it, but know that you more than likely create wear areas, with different cleaning needs as the carpeting beneath won't get dirty. Good luck!

I wouldn't try it. Anyway, I like they everything is being kept simple, and people don't exaggerate. I now changed all my rugs in the house, and I opted for dynamic rugs imperial, from an online store that sells one of the best rugs in the country. They are top-quality, beautiful, and very pleasant, and I got them at a discount from the website. The carpet si soo soft and the price is indeed adequate, even without any discount. So, if you are looking for a great, charming rug, choose this store.