Accessorizing with Rugs

Area rugs do much more than simply cover your floors. They offer both comfort and style, and with the right positioning, rugs can change the entire appearance of a room. Standard rectangular rugs provide both utility and elegance while circular and octagonal shaped rugs add a unique look. Rugs are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, colors, and patterns, so you're sure to find one perfectly suited to any room in your home.

Area rugs can be constructed from a number of different materials as well, giving you even more choices. Selecting the perfect area rug can be simple with the following questions:

• How large should your area rug be?
• What style is best suited to the room?
• What colors and patterns will help you achieve desired effects?
• What purpose will the area rug serve?
• What type of fiber is best?

When purchasing a large, room-sized rug, you might want to select a rug first, and then choose your furniture, drapes and other accessories. Large rugs can dominate your room, so it's important that the rest of the room match accordingly to avoid discordance.

Smaller rugs can be selected to match existing décor. When choosing a rug, remember darker colors will help create a cozy, more intimate feel. Lighter colors complement open spaces and can make smaller rooms feel more spacious.

Rugs are available in a wide range of prices, offering decorative and utilitarian flooring solutions for all budget levels. Cost is largely determined by the materials used and the manner in which it was constructed and how large it is. Rugs made of synthetic materials are normally less expensive than those constructed of natural fibers.

Similarly, handmade rugs are more expensive than those made via machine. Remember, the larger the carpet, the higher the price, so determine what your price range is, and then purchase the highest-quality rug you can afford. Consider such factors as durability, stain resistance and other important features when making your selection.

It's important to choose a rug that's neither too large nor too small for the room where you want to put it. Scatter rugs are typically 2' x 4' and are used in bathrooms and kitchens as well as entryways. Runners are long, narrow rugs that are perfect for hallways and areas such as foyers and kitchens where you want to define traffic flow. Use 3' x 5' or 4' x 6' accent rugs to define nooks or other special areas. Room-size, or room-fit, rugs are most commonly found in 5' x 8' or 6' x 9' sizes. These and are ideal for general decorating purposes in dens, living rooms and family rooms.

Different types of rugs and uses:

• Scatter rugs can be used to accent chairs, small tables and shelving.
• Runners often measure 2' x 8' and can be used to hide worn paths.
• Place accent rugs in foyers and entryways to help protect floors from dirt and moisture.
• Look for rugs that are 8' x 11', 9' x 12', 10' x 13' or bigger for large and over-sized rooms.
• Measure the size of the room before making your purchase to avoid a poor fit.

Area rugs are available in a variety of styles, with options to match any décor. Traditional rugs, which are often mistaken for true Oriental rugs, are most often rectangular, but can be found in other shapes, such as ovals or octagons. They typically have a fringed edge and come in numerous colors, patterns and designs.

True Oriental rugs are woven or knotted by hand using wool or silk fibers. They feature unique and ornate patterns that can serve as a showpiece for any room. Persian rugs usually have a central medallion framed by an intricate border. Both Oriental and Persian rugs are ideal for formal areas such as dining rooms, living rooms and sitting areas.

American rugs feature patterns based on colonial styles and work well with traditional, country and casual décor. Dhurrie rugs are economical and are available in a wide range of colors, particularly pastels. Border rugs are rectangular and feature large, solid fields surrounded by textured or patterned borders. They don't usually have fringe and are well suited for use under a dining room table or in a foyer.

Things to remember when looking at rug styles:
Each style is available in a wide range of prices, from machine-made synthetics to hand-knotted wool.
Handmade rugs usually require a larger up-front investment but they offer a unique design and are heirlooms.
Machine-made rugs are economical and stylish with precise patterns.
Oriental rugs are made from wool or silk and add a beautiful focal point in any room.
Southwest-style rugs work well with casual, rustic and contemporary furnishings.
Contemporary-style rugs are ideal for complementing modern or eclectic décor.

Choosing either a natural or synthetic fiber depends on the style of the rug and how much traffic you expect to have in the area. Cost will be a factor as well, as some materials are more expensive than others. Fibers may be either staple fibers, which use short lengths of fiber and may shed initially,