Area Rugs Things to Consider

FIVE STEPS TO BUYING THE IDEAL AREA RUG.

There are five important elements to consider before purchasing an area rug: size, color, pattern, style, and design.

SIZE AND SHAPE

Area rugs are made in different sizes and shapes. Shapes can be rectangle, round, square, oval, octagon, or runners. Generally, choosing the right size area rug depends on the dimensions of the room you are trying to cover. If you want to cover most of the room, be sure to leave a 12-15” border of flooring exposed to set off your area rug. If you are placing an area rug under your dining room table, select a rug that is large enough so that when seated at the table, the back legs of the chairs are on the rug with enough space to push back and get up from the table.

COLOR

Color is one the most vital elements of an area rug. Select a rug with colors that visually enhance your room’s décor. The colors don’t have to match the other colors in the room perfectly. Feel free to express yourself.

PATTERN

Pattern is one of the most helpful elements in narrowing down rug selection. In the rug industry, pattern is divided into three categories: curvilinear, geometric, and pictorial. The first two refer to rugs with conventional motifs that are woven with curving lines or straight lines. The third refers to rugs that portray people or animals.

STYLE

Style can be defined as the way different motifs, colors, and patterns give character to a rug. Styles range from floral to contemporary to traditional. They can also reflect a season or a theme.

DESIGN

All rugs can be divided into three major deigns: all-over, medallion, and one-sided. All-over have motifs spread throughout the rug. Medallion designs have a large centerpiece as the focal point. One-sided designs are woven in one direction. Designs can be simple or intricate, solid, or feature patterns and borders.

CALCULATE THE TOTAL COST OF RUG OWNERSHIP.

The price tag of the rug you are buying is just one component of your cost. To ensure there are no surprises and that the rug you select fits into your budget, ask to have the total cost of your floor covering project to be calculated. Other potential expenses might be product delivery, financing, and extended warranties.