Area Rugs
A Focal Point Of Decor

Area rugs have many benefits to make your home more inviting.

They add dramatic color, change the look and feel of a room, create a focal point or define a seating area beautifully.

A rug can move from room to room, home to home and change with the seasons.

A powerful decorative component in setting the mood of a room is color.

• Take into account the floor that it will go on and look for an area rug with colors that compliment and blends well with existing walls, window coverings, furniture and other design elements.
• We all have color combinations that we enjoy. Use area rugs in light shades for an open, spacious look. In high traffic areas consider darker colors, to lend a cozy ambiance.
• Choose a subtle neutral tone with a delicately patterned design or a symmetrical motif if you have a lot of things going on in the room already. Compliment the room without taking away the existing artistry. Don't think so much about matching but to blend.
• On the other hand in a room where the colors are soft and neutral, you can add a splash of color and interest with area rugs in bright and dramatic designs.
• Enhance the color schemes that already exist in the rooms by selecting area rugs that repeat the dominant or accent colors.
• If you are starting with the rug for your color scheme, your choices are huge.
• Use more than one rug in the same area as long as the colors coordinate.

Another factor in setting the tone of a room is the usage of patterns.

• Patterns can be mixed but be sure to coordinate the colors. As with color, remember to consider impact of the pattern with regard to size.
• A complex pattern can invigorate a room with an otherwise simple decor, and a subdued pattern, or none at all can tone down an elaborate decorative scheme.
• The amount of traffic should be a consideration when selecting an area rug. If you have children and/or pets the use of intricate dark patterns will not show the wear as much or as quickly as it will with light colors.

Size is another important consideration.

• Visualize area rugs in the room by using masking tape to map out the area or lay bed sheets to help define the space.
• For area rugs to fit completely under the bed, measure your bed and add at least 24" to each side. Smaller rugs work well along the side of the bed, or at the foot.
• Rugs placed under tables should be larger that the table itself, ideally with an equal amount of border showing on all sides.
• Measure your dining room table and add 54' to the length and to the width.
• There may be more flexibility with the size of a rug in a family or living room.
• Leave bare floors exposed on all sides for rugs to cover most of the floor.
• If you are not able to arrange that, leave the same amount of floor showing on two parallel sides.
• Leave at least 6" but ideally 24" all the way around the perimeter away from the walls.

A rug is a nice way to designate a sitting area for conversation.

• When defining an area the rug should be large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of each piece of furniture. A rug used in this fashion will unify the items placed around it.
• Using more than one area rug in a room, varied sizes tend to go together most suitably. The same sized rugs tend to divide a room in halves.

The type of fiber used to make your rug will influence its looks as well as its performance.

• Your rug will be constructed of natural or synthetic fiber or a mixture of both.
• Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals. They offer beautiful coloration, a variety of texture and long term performance. The most expensive natural fiber will be found in a wool rug. Look at wool for softness and durability but not if you have allergies.
• Other natural fibers are cotton, jute, silk and sisal. Cotton retains a wide variety of dyes, is softer than wool but not as durable.
• Jute is a popular rug making material but fades easily in sunlight.
• Silk remains a choice rug material.
• Sisal is the most popular of the plant fiber rugs, is durable, colorfast and strong but hard to clean.
• Synthetic fibers are manmade and offer easy maintenance and an outstanding value.
• For versatility and durability, consider the popular synthetics that are favored for quality rugs, acrylic, polypropylene and nylon.
• Most rugs are constructed by tufting or weaving.
• With a tufted rug the yarns are tufted through a backing material to form a looped or pile surface. Some examples of tufted rugs would be looped and hooked, can be done by hand but most likely is done by machine.
• In many types of woven rugs the yarns are looming together by machine or hand.
• The braided rug uses many different materials including cotton, wool, nylon and fabric blends.
• Flat weaves result in a reversible rug that has no pile.
• Hand knotted, the weavers knot yarns around other yarns. The smaller the knots, the more detailed the area rugs and the closer the knots the higher the quality.
• Oriental rugs are popular in a modern decor as well as traditional homes. Expect to pay more for a Persian rug, which is considered to be superior. Tibetan rugs are beautiful just not as expensive, or choose from Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, China, or from any other Asian country.

For an in depth review about these beautiful rugs, visit Oriental Rugs and Carpets Guide,

The Collector's Recommendations for Identifying, Evaluating and Selecting New and Antique Oriental Rugs and Carpets

• Don't overlook contemporary style rugs if your house is decorated in a traditional style. Just as a traditional rug would look great in a contemporary home. Allow yourself to be creative.

The wear on your rug is unavoidable but can be minimized.

• Be careful not to run over rugs with a fringe with a vacuum. It can cause damage. Sweeping your rug with a broom is also a good idea. Not only does it help with the dirt, it will bring out the rug's sheen.
• Exposure to strong sunlight will over time cause your rug to fade.
• Some rugs, particularly hooked rugs can develop pulls called sprouting. Never pull the sprout out, eliminate it by cutting it even with the pile of the rug.
• Occasionally rotating your rug will equalize the effect of wear by exposing it to different traffic patterns.
• Heavy furniture can crush your rug. It's a good idea to use protective discs under the legs of heavy furniture where you can. Pile that has been crushed can be revived with a little water and brushing with a brush.
• Extend the life of the rug by using proper padding underneath. Padding will keep your rug flat, provide sound absorption, extra cushioning which reduces wear and tear, and makes easier vacuuming. Rug pads can be purchased at home improvement stores like the Home Depot.
• Treat all spills immediately to reduce the possibility of staining. Clean spills with white paper towels beginning at the outside edges of the spill.

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