Suggestions for Selecting a New Rug

Before making a rug selection, you should list out the attributes you are seeking in a new rug.

An important question is to ask yourself, is this rug being selected primarily for decoration or function? An area rug can be the foundation for your design scheme. A rug can bring life back to a room, harmonize design elements and styles of furniture, and integrate the visual elements of any room.

Ask practical questions regarding the use of the room, how much traffic does the room get? When selecting the quality and durability of a rug, the location relative to traffic patterns are of critical concern. Select paint colors, window coverings, and furniture that complement your rug. If adding a rug to an existing room select a style and color scheme that works well with the existing design elements. Select colors in a rug that pick up and compliment the furniture color's. Patterns can be mixed if they have the same color scheme.

Elements within a rug can be used to decorate the room, such as using a floral print to complement floral designs in a rug.

A rug with a bold design and strong colors can be the focal point to a room and can thus be used to pull together furniture and elements lost in a big space.

Ask yourself what effect you want the room to have - a room rich with colors and textures or a calming, uncluttered space?

Light colored rugs will make a room look more spacious while a darker color scheme can add coziness to a large space.
 

Of course the location of the rug is important as this will dictate the size and shape. Common sizes for rugs are 4 x 6 and 6 x 9 feet. Such common sized rugs work well under coffee tables. A larger rug such as a 8 x 11 foot rug will cover an average room.

Add warmth and color to a small space with a smaller area rug or rug that fits snugly into a small space such as a bedside or in front of the kitchen sink.

Matching runners further add complementing continuity that can be added within the same room or in another part of your house.

Selection Hints

The rug pulls all of the design elements of a room together. Here are some hints to help you pick the right rug for your home.

1. To place a room-sized rug on a hardwood floor, choose a rug which allows eight inches of wood to be exposed around the rug's perimeter.

2. For cozy nooks in large rooms, create small sitting areas by gathering furniture around small or medium rugs..

For a dining room rug, measure your table top. Add four feet to the width and length to find the minimum size of your dining room rug. This extra length and width facilitates pulling chairs out from under the table.

Brighten up small areas, like your hall, foyer, bathroom or kitchen, with an accent rug or runner.

Keep your family safe by making sure that rug corners do not extend into high traffic areas.

Use a pad under your rug to keep the rug securely in place when recommended. A pad will also absorb noise and reduce wear and tear on the rug, and make vacuuming easier.

Synthetic yarns - nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene as well as the naturals, cotton and wool, are very durable and easy to clean.

Consider a rug of a different shape such as an oval or round rug to add flair to a room.