How many times have you entered a room, only to find that the area rug popped out in an unfavorable way? Area rugs are meant to complement a space, drawing in colors and helping the room come together from top to bottom. Too often, rugs are bought in the wrong shapes, sizes and colors and quickly become the center of attention – and not in a good way.
To ensure that your home doesn’t become stricken with misshaped and misplaced rugs, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Thanks to the Internet, you can handle much of your browsing online, choosing colors and patterns that will enhance the home. While ordering rugs online can be helpful, it’s usually best to see them in-person. Not only will you save on the cost of shipping, but colors often don’t match up on both sides of the computer screen.
First thing is first when choosing the ideal rug for your home: Color. It’s suggested that a rug should serve as the color bank for a room, allowing all four walls to come together in perfect harmony. With this in mind, choose a rug that shares the same color palette as your home. Ones that feature distinct patterns and shapes are great options for conveying a multitude of hues. Solid colors are perfect for simple rooms that have neutral colors. You can add the rug to an already-decorated area or use the rug as a starting point. Besides color, you can also choose different shades of a particular hue. For example, pale green walls will spring forward with a forest green rug.
Color is important, but so is the design of the rug. Those with geometric patterns offer many benefits, as they incorporate a variety of colors, conceal stains and are suitable for contemporary dwellings. Floral patterned rugs are another option and ideal for traditional or Victorian homes. These rugs may include a floral trim or be completely covered in flowers. Both patterned and floral rugs are often sold as Persian rugs for their bright colors and intricate designs. These types of rugs only get better with age, so expect them to last a lifetime.
Similar to Persian rugs are Oriental rugs, which are hand-woven in such countries as China, Iran and Romania. These rugs can be made from wool or silk, with wool being most affordable. They are resilient, which means you can place them high-stress areas such as entryways and foyers. Their rich colors and patterns are unique and a guaranteed way to make your home stand apart from the rest. Other country-specific rugs include Tibetan rugs from Tibet and Flokati rugs made in Greece.
If you want something less busy, shag rugs and braided rugs are the perfect alternatives. They’re both very popular in today’s market and feature soft materials that are inviting to walk on and absorb sound. With their affordable price tags, you can purchase several of these rugs to place around the home, including bedrooms and family rooms. Shag and braided rugs are available in an extensive color palette as well, which means any room can benefit from their braided and twisted loops.
Material is another consideration and includes both manmade and natural materials. Examples of manmade materials include polypropylene and nylon, which are both durable and inexpensive. Although these types of area rugs are budget-friendly, many people feel that they lack in quality and warmth. While the texture of the fibers is stiffer, manmade materials are often easier to maintain. There is also no limit to the colors and patterns that these type of rugs are available in, making them versatile choices for any home.
Rugs made from natural materials may be more expensive, but they’re exclusive and contain the beauty and warmth of superior construction made from silk, wool, cotton or viscose. Another benefit of natural materials is that they are environmentally friendly, making them a top choice for those who intend to live sustainable lifestyles. Wool is the warmest and most durable of the bunch, while silk is undeniably comfortable and luxurious. When choosing these types of rugs, you can enjoy both aesthetic appeal and opulence.
For the finishing, Flooring touches, make sure that you have at least 12 to 18 inches of floor space that will frame the rug. Let the rug complement the size of your space as well, either widening or elongating the area. A little shopping goes a long way when choosing an area rug that is appropriate for your home.
Charlie Dima writes out of Earth City, MO about home improvement tips and DIY projects, including interior design with Carpet One area rugs. Always looking for the most affordable prices and well-known brands, she tends to end up shopping at http://www.carpetone.com more often than not.