Area Rugs – Choosing the Right One

If you have decided you want to add area rugs to your décor but aren’t sure what to choose, then this is the article for you! There are many factors to take into consideration, some practical and some more artistic. Consider all these options to ensure you get an area rug that is perfect for your look and needs.

Weighing the Pros & Cons of Hand-Made v/s Machine Made

There are several pros and cons to both hand-made as well as machine made area rugs. Hand-made rugs are usually very high quality and each one is unique. They offer charm and value that machine made rugs do not. If the materials used to create the rugs are also hand-dyed, the rug will have color variations throughout; while factory produced yarns tend to be more consistent in color. The color variations in hand-made varieties are often desirable to show that the rug is not mass-produced, and can even add added visual texture to the piece.

The Durability Factor

Consider the traffic in which the area rug is to be used. Different materials and constructions hold up better under heavy use than others. Also some materials are more stain repellent and easier to clean. Even within materials, there are variations in quality. Wool for example can vary greatly. Consider whether you are willing to clean the area rug yourself or if you plan to have a professional clean it. Some materials just aren’t logical if you plan to do the cleaning at home. Many people now desire to bring the inside out and use area rugs in outdoor settings. Look for rugs specifically designed for this type of application. Many synthetic materials are now used that repel moisture and resist mold and mildew.

Getting the Look Just Right

Once you know what type of rug you want to buy and what material you want it to be made of, it is time to consider how it will look in your space. First think about the overall pattern and color. Area rugs are often much like large pieces of artwork and a focal point in a room, so think about what mood you would like the area rug to represent. When shopping for rugs, consider how the color and pattern make you feel. Also think about how much of a focal point you want the rug to be. Certain colors and patterns will become more of a backdrop for other furnishings, while others draw the eye and become a very important element.

Also analyze the size of rug you will need. It is always a good idea to decide on the largest rug first and choose accent rugs that coordinate with it. Typically people will either choose the biggest rug that will comfortable fit in the space or choose a rug size that will offset a furniture grouping within a larger room. If the area rug is to go under furniture, calculate the minimum size it will need to be to truly tie all the pieces together into one coherent design. Make sure the edge of your rug will not fall in a place where people will trip over it easily such as a footpath into a turn.