Area Rug

An area rug is a rug that is placed on the floor to cover an area. Unlike decorative rugs which can be hung or draped, an area rug is placed on the floor. Area rugs can be placed on hardwood, tile or carpet. Area rugs are used for both comfort and decorative purposes.

Area Rug Usage Suggestions
Area rugs can be placed under or next to a bed, table or a fireplace. If a bedroom has hardwood floors an area rug placed beneath or next to the bed can serve as a warm stepping area during colder months. Likewise, an area rug placed under a dining table can serve both as a warm stepping area for guests sitting around the table and as a decorative feature. An area rug next to a fireplace can serve as a cozy spot for people to sit and cuddle.

Choosing an Area Rug
When choosing an area rug, you want to consider what the area rug will be used for, which room it will be in and what the other decorations look like around the room. If the area rug is a focal point, you want to choose a pattern that has some central shape or medallion. In other situations where the area rug is more of an accessory, you want to choose a more repetitive pattern. You also want to look at the color and patterns of the walls and floors. If the wall patterns are subdued, you might want an area rug that has a stronger pattern to create a contrast. If you want to make the room look bigger, choose a lighter color for the area rug. A deeper color area rug will make the room look smaller but cozier. For natural looking decors and hardwood floors, an area rug made of sisal or jute gives the room a pure, natural feel. Try experimenting with area rugs of different shapes as well to make the room look more interesting.

Buying an Area Rug
You can find area rugs in many stores including your local hardware and home improvement stores. The size, quality of materials and knots per square inch (KPSI) are a few main factors that will determine the price of the rug. Before you buy an area rug, make sure that you measure the size you need correctly. Many people buy an area rug that is too small. The smart thing to do is to visit a good home décor shop and ask the area rug experts there. You don’t have to purchase from there but at least you know how the area rugs should be placed in your home.