Tips for Decorating with Rugs
- Determine how much foot traffic the area rug will be enduring. If it is a high traffic area, darker colors or patterns tend to mask dirt.
- Bold, patterned rugs enhance modern furnishings, Through the use of bright colors and unusual patterns, contemporary furnishings come to life.
- Oriental rugs work well with very stately, traditional furnishings. Bold patterns, wild geometrics and bright colors may conflict with a more stately, traditional room.
- Do not be afraid to introduce splashes of new colors into a room through your area rug. A rug which brings splashes of red into a blue and yellow room can create an interesting contrast and even inspire future accessories in reds or oranges!
- Rugs used in open areas can provide a splash of color while providing the room with personality.
- An area rug can become the focus of your space by using bold colors and patterns. By using solids or basic tone on tone designs the rug can play up your furniture and other accessories in the room.
- If wanting to use an area rug as a focal point in your room choose one with a center medallion as this will draw the eye, if your room already has a main focal point choose an area rug with a more overall pattern.
- Be sure that you choose an area rug that fits the space. Very large spaces often look better with two smaller area rugs rather than one large one.
- When placing an area rug under a dining table make sure that the rug has an extra 12'' on each side of the table to allow for the chairs to be pulled out and still remain on the rug.
- When placing a room sized rug over hardwood floors allow a minimum of 8'' of wood to show on each side of the rug.
- When using an area rug in a sitting area it is perfectly acceptable to have the front legs of the furniture on the rug while the back legs are not, it is also just as acceptable to have all four legs on the rug.
- When using multiple rugs in the same room you do not have to use the same rug as long as the rugs used have at least one aspect in common, this can be color, pattern or design shape.
- Always use an underlay with your rug, this helps to keep your rug in place and will also maximize the life of your rug and floors.
