Area rugs are an important part of any living space. They lay the groundwork for the particular ambiance of the room. They affect its visual and spatial flow, and they add shape, color and texture that help define and enhance the overall interior décor of your home. Now that you have decided to purchase an area rug, there are several important aspects to keep in mind while shopping for an area rug to help you make the proper choice for your space.
Color is one of the most important considerations when choosing an area rug. Which colors already on display in the space do you wish to emphasize? When choosing an area rug to be placed on top of carpeting, it’s recommended to stay within a few shades of the color of the carpet, either lighter or darker. Hardwood floors are sympathetic to a much wider scale of colors when it comes to blending. Think about the room’s mood with regards to your walls and ceilings. How will the weight of the floor interact with and change it? You must also decide what pattern will appropriately enhance the space. Too many patterns on display can make a room feel cluttered or anxious. If the window coverings and upholstered furniture already display many patterns, especially bold or intricate ones, then you may want to choose a more minimalist design or a solid color. In the absence of a heavy patterning scheme, you have a much wider selection of choices, from the traditional, highly decorative to the simple, muted and monochromatic designs without borders.
Shape is another important consideration. Area rugs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with rectangular being the most common. Think about which shapes and angles are present and prevalent already in the room. If the space has some circular elements, such as window frames, coffee and dining tables, paintings and portraiture or round mirrors, then you may wish to illuminate the smoother lines and lack of hard angles with a round area rug. Consider the arrangement of furnishings. A square area rug demands more symmetry in the arrangement of furniture, while one rectangular in shape will add emphasis to certain lines and either cohere or temper the space’s visual flow. Listen to the room and its elements when you are selecting the appropriate shape for your area rug. Once you decide upon a shape, you are ready to tackle the difficult issue of size. When placing an area rug underneath an arrangement of furniture that includes chairs, couches or coffee tables it’s important that the rug reach some distance under the pieces and not stop short of them. For a dining table arrangement, you should size the rug large enough so that chairs don’t need to be lifted over the rug’s edge. Be sure to size the rug appropriately for your intention with the room, whether filling space with a large area rug or breaking it up with several smaller ones. Traffic is another factor to consider. Think about its normal flow and try not to impede it with awkward shapes and edges that might trip up people’s feet.
Budget is the final important consideration when choosing an area rug for your space. Spend some time researching manufacturing methods and materials to ensure you get the best quality for your dollar. A sturdy area rug that stands up well to wear and tear is a solid, time-tested investment.
Colors, patterns, shapes, sizes and budget considerations are all integral parts of the process of choosing an appropriate area rug, one that compliments, enhances and illuminates the best aspects of your space.