What Rugs Are Right For Your Home?

The addition of an area rug is a great way to change the décor of a space. Whether you want a rug to protect the flooring in a high traffic area or you just want to add a touch of color and design, you have many options available. Decorating with rugs is an easy way to change a room without spending a huge amount of money.

Rug Functions

When choosing rugs it is always important to know the purpose the rug will serve. Besides adding decoration to a space rugs are also used to make a wood or tile floor warmer and more comfortable. In addition, rugs can be used to ‘guide’ traffic through your home. Other uses for rugs include defining spaces and adding a layer of protection over carpet or wood flooring.

Many homeowners add rugs to entrance areas. Because the rugs provide a place to wipe shoes and feet free of dirt and debris, the rest of the household flooring remains cleaner. These rugs can be especially helpful to pet owners.

Rugs can turn a hard floor into a softer and quieter base. Adding nice rugs to kids’ rooms will make the floor a more comfortable place to play. In addition to adding a cushioning effect rugs tend to soften sounds. A soft rug is likely to become a favorite sleeping spot for family pets.

Another use for beautiful rugs is wall decoration. If you don’t want to use your rugs on the floor you can hang them on the wall. This is a fabulous way to display the rug and it will add warmth and a dramatic touch to any space.

Budget Concerns

Like other household goods, rugs are available in all price ranges. You will find that rugs made of natural materials like silk or wool, tend to wear very well, but these rugs can sometimes be very expensive. Spending time doing a little research online is a great way to learn about different types of rug materials and their related costs. You can then set a realistic budget that allows you to make a wise choice when selecting your rugs.

Choosing Rug Sizes

Although most people have some ideas about the sizes of rugs they want, there are some typical guidelines you can follow. For example, if you are buying a rug to ‘cover’ the floor of a room you should begin by measuring the space. The smallest wall in the room will help you determine your rug size. Most decorators suggest using rugs that are two feet shorter than the smallest wall. For example, a six foot wide rug would be used in an 8 x 10-foot room.

If you are using a rug to define a dining space you should ensure that the rug extends 18 to 24 inches beyond the outer edge of the table. This allows the space needed when chairs are pulled out. When it comes to living rooms you can use rugs to define conversation areas or choose one large rug for the room.

The more you know about rugs, the easier it will be to choose one that will meet your desires. Begin your shopping search by learning about the various rug materials available. Combine that information with your personal preferences and needs to determine the right rugs for your home.

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