About Rugs

Geography

• Many styles of rugs are unique to the area in which they are made. Rugs of this type must be acquired from their country of origin to be authentic. Persian rugs are made in Iran. The specific style of these rugs will vary with the area of the country that they are designed in. These rugs are typically made from wool or silk, and they are often thought to get more beautiful with time. Moroccan rugs are colorful creations made in Morocco. Though these are typically very durable rugs, they should be checked for colorfastness. The dyes in Moroccan rugs can sometimes bleed into the underlying floor. Oriental rugs are made from silk or wool and are created in Asian countries such as India and China. This type of rug is a significant investment, but should withstand the years well. For the look of an Oriental, Moroccan or Persian rug at a fraction of the price, there are also machine-made rugs available in a similar style.

Material

• Wool, silk and cotton are common materials for area rugs. However, there are a variety of materials suited to various uses and styles of décor. For those who enjoy environmentally friendly materials, bamboo, sea grass and hemp are ideal. Colors are usually limited to neutral browns, beiges and muted greens. These can be used for both indoor and outdoor rugs, however they wear faster than thicker materials and should not be placed in high traffic areas. Contemporary designs can benefit from the unique look and feel of a flokati rug. These deep, furry wool rugs are soft and luxurious, and can be found in a variety of colors. This fluffy material can be difficult to clean, however, and may be ill-suited to families with young children or pets. Plynyl is a unique woven vinyl material that is very durable and easy to clean. For a softer feel at a fraction of the price, cotton flat weave is another material to consider.

Size

• The appropriate size for an area rug will depend largely on its intended placement. Though the furniture in various rooms may be rearranged occasionally, some rugs are best suited for placement beneath a table or other piece of furniture, while others are freestanding in the center of the room. Area rugs set in the center of the room should be centered as much as possible. An 8-by-11-foot rug works well in most rooms. Chairs and couches may be situated half-on and half-off the rug if desired. Tables, however, should be centered on area rugs whenever possible. For rugs placed beneath a coffee table, the size should be large enough to accommodate all four legs of the table. Rugs placed under a dining room table should be large enough for the table as well as the chairs. Chairs should fit on the rug both when people are seated at the table and when they pull the chairs out to sit down. In general, the rug should be 4 feet longer and 4 feet wider than the dining room table.

Color

• Rugs are available in nearly any color and design. The right combination of color and pattern will help you select a rug that complements your décor, rather than a flooring accent that clashes. In a space with lots of neutral colors, a bright patterned rug can add a pop of color. Brightly colored rugs also work well in small spaces, where they seem less overwhelming. For a gentler background, select a solid rug in a color that blends with your furniture. Finding a perfect match can be difficult, so go for a color in the same family that is a slightly different shade. A patterned rug with a variety of similar colors can also be a good way to pick up the right hue. High traffic areas, such as halls and stairways, do well with darker, patterned rugs that are forgiving of wear, tear and stains.

Shape

• The standard shape for area rugs is a traditional rectangle. However, mixing it up with different shapes can create a unique accent for your décor. Circular or oval-shape rugs will soften a formal room. These shapes work well when used in contrast with boxy furniture and sharp corners. Free-form rugs are another unique option. These can add a fun and whimsical feel to a bedroom or playroom. These may be in the form of an animal, fish, flower or other fun shape.

Placement

• Rugs can be used to warm up any room of the house. One of the more common rug placements is in the living or dining room. Areas with hardwood floors can benefit from the soft, comforting feel of an area rug. However, wood flooring should be given at least 1 foot of space around the perimeter of the room. Bedroom rugs should cover almost the entire room if you are placing them over hardwood floors. If you are placing accent rugs over existing carpet, avoid rugs near doors or the edge of the bed; that may cause sleepy family members to stumble or trip. Finally, don't hesitate to place your rug at an angle to accent certain areas of the room. Pull your rug and furniture away from the walls and focus on the center or the room for a look worthy of a professional interior designer.