Select an Area Rug
Before You Begin * Determine the Layout * Choose a Color Scheme * Determine Flooring
* Select an Area Rug * Select Wall Treatments * Determine Lighting * Select Furnishings
* Choose Window Coverings * Arrange the Furniture * Accessorize
* Select an Area Rug * Select Wall Treatments * Determine Lighting * Select Furnishings
* Choose Window Coverings * Arrange the Furniture * Accessorize
One of the most important decorating concepts is to select the right area rug for a room and it is important to do this during the early stages of decorating. In fact, it is recommended that you purchase the new area rug before purchasing any remaining pieces of furniture required for your space.
Often a large area rug will be your starting point in establishing the color direction, fabrics, textures and patterns to include within your room. However, if some of these elements have been predetermined, you will need to work around them while choosing your area rug. *When purchasing an area rug, don't forget to also buy a similar sized nonskid pad to go underneath the area rug to prevent the rug from slipping, make it easier to vacuum and most importantly protect the area rug from wear.
*The first thing to take into account is your budget. Area rugs are available in many different fibers including both synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The cost can range from very inexpensive to very costly. *A large area rug normally establishes the color direction for the room. It is ideal for the area rug to contain most or all of the colors to be included in the room. *All elements in the room need to be taken into consideration, such as any current flooring, wall treatments, upholstery etc. If the flooring or wall treatments are busy or have an ornate pattern, it is best to chose an area rug with a subtle pattern. If the flooring and walls are quite simple, a more patterned rug may be chosen. *When shopping for area rugs, it is helpful to bring swatches of fabrics and wall coverings as well as paint and flooring samples that you are or may use in that space. *Remember to look for rugs that have a lot of texture (this can be found when the rug is carved in various areas and when many different fibers are used within the rug. *Another factor to take into consideration is how much traffic the area will get. It is ideal to include a more detailed patterned area rug in high traffic areas because this type of pattern will require less maintenance (dirt does not show up easy) etc. *Determine the purpose for the rug. If you are trying to define a cozy conversation area with the rug, then a dark colored rug would work the best. If you want a more open and spacious feel to the room then a lighter colored area rug would be better. If you are looking to add drama or pizzazz to a room, then a colorful and/or uniquely patterned area rug may be the best choice.
*Area rugs can be purchased in varying sizes and shapes and you are not limited to rectangular rugs. Circular or octagonal rugs can look very dramatic and add a unique look to the room. *When purchasing an area rug for under a coffee table, you should purchase a 6' x 9' rug or larger (depending on the size of the room and other surrounding furnishings). All four legs of the coffee table should sit on the rug and it's ideal to have the rug run just short of the width and length of other furniture in the space where the area rug will be laid so that there is a small amount of flooring exposed between the furniture and the area rug so that the area rug stands out more. *When purchasing an area rug for under a dining room table, you will typically require an 8' x 10' rug or larger (depending on the size of the room and the dining table). Prior to going shopping to select an area rug for under a dining room table, you will need to measure the width and length of the dining room table (with all leaves that are being used). You will need to allow at least an extra two feet on all sides of the table so that individuals can pull out their chairs while dining and have their chair legs stay on the rug.
What this means is that if you have a table that is five feet wide by seven feet long the area rug will need to be at least nine feet wide by eleven feet long. This calculates out by adding two feet to each side of the width of the table and adding two feet to each side of the length of the table. *When purchasing an area rug, don't forget to also buy a similar sized nonskid pad to go underneath the area rug to prevent the rug and people from slipping, make it easier to vacuum, and most importantly protect the area rug from wear. |
Before You Begin * Determine the Layout * Choose a Color Scheme * Determine Flooring
* Select an Area Rug * Select Wall Treatments * Determine Lighting * Select Furnishings
* Choose Window Coverings * Arrange the Furniture * Accessorize
* Select an Area Rug * Select Wall Treatments * Determine Lighting * Select Furnishings
* Choose Window Coverings * Arrange the Furniture * Accessorize