An area rug offers the perfect opportunity to add a touch of warmth and color to a home, while also helping to create a degree of intimacy and taking the chill off an otherwise bare floor. A well-placed area rug in the right color and proportions is sure to help unify a room. Another benefit is the ability to offer some noise protection.
With such a selection of colors and styles in your local furniture stores, it shouldn’t be difficult to choose a rug that will add character to your living room or bedroom. Here are several points to consider in the process of deciding on the right rug:
Color – An important area to get right in the rug selection process relates to color and its ability to coordinate with surrounding décor. Wall and furniture colors don’t have to match the rug, but it certainly helps if at least one color can be coordinated. It often helps to bring upholstery, paint, or wallpaper samples with you when you visit the store to get a better idea of what is likely to complement each other.
Design – If you are looking for patterned rugs and not plain rugs, it is crucial to ensure that the pattern of the rug does not compete with the wall decor and upholstery. A living room with elaborately patterned wallpaper or upholstery is sure to benefit from rugs in a more subtle style. However, if the existing décor is more subdued, a bright or ornate pattern is often very effective in adding a degree of interest to the space.
Foot Traffic – A crucial factor to consider relates to the volume of foot traffic a rug is likely to receive on a daily basis. Area rugs placed in high-traffic areas often work well with rugs with detailed patterns. A rug with a noticeable pattern is often considered to require less maintenance.
Spacious – If you plan to create a more spacious room, use light-colored rugs, as dark rugs are more desirable for those who want to create a cozy atmosphere.
Texture – Investing in area rugs with a variety of fibers like jute or sisal can offer a more attractive finish to tile or hardwood floors. A rug made from several different fibers is sure to help add more interest to the look.