Completing Your Redecorating Efforts With an Area Rug

[Jerome White]

When it comes to redecorating, it's often easy to get halfway through
a room and then have no idea what you want to do next. Your room may
feel uninspired or even detached in its style from the rest of the
home. What is the fastest way to complete the redecoration? Add an
area rug!
Area rugs are one of the easiest ways to change the entire look and
feel of a room. With all of the patterns, shapes, sizes, and materials
that are now available, an area rug can add depth and warmth to a
room. You can use a variety of different area rugs throughout your
home, but you can also interchange them through some of the rooms to
give them a new look.
What Shape is Best?- The shape of an area rug is very important.
Traditionally, area rugs are either rectangular or square. However,
more and more shapes are now available, such as a circle, octagon,
hexagon, or oval. These shapes will often change the entire look and
feel of the room. A smaller room looks better with a circular or oval
rug, while larger rooms are best for rectangular area rugs.
What Size Is Best?- An area rug that is used underneath furniture
should be large enough so no part of the furniture that is placed on
it is off the rug. For a dining room, the area rug should be about 36
inches longer and wider than the table to prevent the back chair legs
from going off the rug when the chair is scooted backwards. In a
living room setting, you can choose to leave your sofas off the rug
and only place other pieces of furniture on it, such as a coffee
table. Make sure you measure the area where you want the rug. You
certainly don't want to buy an area that is too large or too small.
What Materials Work Best in High Traffic Areas?- Wool is one of the
most common natural fibers used in area rugs. It is also one of the
most durable. There are also many synthetic, or man-made, fibers that
provide durability as well. Avoid silk, cotton, or bamboo rugs, as
these can often show wear easily if there is a lot of foot traffic in
the room.
Which Patterns Are Best?- This is completely up to you! For rooms that
have extensive decorating, you may want a rather simple pattern and
color scheme. For a room that is very low-key, a beautiful, busy
pattern can add a splash of excitement. Consider what feeling you are
trying to evoke in those that enter the room. This will help you
choose the right pattern for your area rug.
Another great thing to remember about area rugs is that they are
rather easy to change. You can have one rug for the fall and winter
months and another that fits better with spring and summer. If you
decide to store your rug in your home, keep it in a dry area and cover
it with plastic to avoid any chance of a lone mouse calling it their
home.