Area Rug

Area Rugs are extremely versatile. They are used to define space within living areas, soften the look and feel of hard surface flooring, and provide decorative accents that add character and express personal style. They are at the top choice for making quick decor changes and they are instant do-it-yourself luxurious makeovers. Because they are portable you can easily move them from room to room as your tastes evolve and you can take them with you. Choose an area rug with colors that tie together the room's color scheme. A rug can also help absorb noise.

The colorful nature of rugs means you can quickly change the feel of a room by changing accessories to pick up different colors, shades and tones, an especially effective technique for redecorating your home with the seasons.

Arguably the oldest floor covering, area rug designs are always fresh and new. These days they are as much about style, art and fashion as they are about protecting our floors. Rugs provide what is called eye relief, offering interesting colors and textures, creating special-use spaces like conversation areas and breaking up large expanses.

The true function of the area rug is fashion. They are colorful and patterned to be intriguing. They break up an expanse of flooring like hardwood, ceramic, laminate and vinyl floors. Today's trend among designers is to use the rug as a focal point or make a personal fashion statement, even over wall-to-wall carpet.

When decorating think of your room in layers. For example, the floor may be hardwood or carpet, with an area rug adding another layer and the furniture is layered over that. The rug provides additional color and depth, especially if the dominate rug color is repeated throughout the room. Each element in the room contributes its own hues to the overall color theme, as well as adding contrasting touches.

Care and Maintenance
A good underlay will not only prevent slipping & sliding, it will cushion the rug, helping prevent abrasion of the fibers on the back of the rug, and making vacuuming more effective. Vacuuming helps prevent surface dust and dirt from becoming imbedded in the rug fibers. All this helps extend the life of the rug.

Area Rug Tips

• Don't ignore entryways and high traffic areas. Rugs and throws serve a purpose other than decorative. Placed strategically at doorways leading from the outdoors, they trap grit and debris that damage your floors.
• Rugs made from olefin (polypropylene) fibers are more stain-resistant and are a great choice were spills are likely to occur.
• Room Size Rugs - The general rule for a room size rug is that at least 12" - 18" of flooring should frame the rug. The practical consideration is that the rug should look in scale with the room and furnishings.
• Rugs under dining tables - Measure the diameter of the table. Add 24" - 30" on each side for side chairs, and 30" - 36" for arm chairs. When seated at the table, the chair's back legs should still be on the rug.
• Rugs in hallways - Length is optional. Try to place the rug so it doesn't end in the middle of a doorway. In very long halls, several smaller runners can work. They do not have to be matching, but colors should coordinate.