3 Essential Rug Purchasing Tips
Shopping for an area rug isn't the same as purchasing home appliances. There are no parts warranties and the actual concept itself is something completely different. Generally, these types of buyers are searching for style over must have necessity.
If you do decide to upgrade your decor and customize your home with a new area rug, we recommend that you asses your space for size and color considerations. area rugs can help unite all elements of any room, and even add a touch of character with color and warmth. From a feasible standpoint, these area rugs can help protect and even enhance the beauty of hardwood floors, or cover mishaps such as stains on your carpet.
Whether you are buying a rug as a long-term investment or a simple, affordable way to build up your home's decor, understanding what you're looking for will ultimately help you make your choice that much easier. Furthermore, we suggest that you consider:
- Material
- Size
- Durability
- Workmanship
- Extra Enhancements
- Overall style
Rug Buying Tips
We generally recommend that you purchase an area rug based on impulsive instinct. If you are not pulled into an area rug the same way you might be to a piece of art for your home for example, then it is probably not the right decision for your space.
An area rug can say as much about you as any of the framed images, table adornments, drapes, throw blankets, or pillows used to personalize your home decor. Deciding on the ideal area rug will allow you to add style to a simplified furniture set-up or even neutralize an out of the world color scheme in a specific space. We advise that the first step in your shopping process should be figuring out the purpose of your area rug.
- Do you need something to quiet the patterns on your wallpaper, or to highlight the grays in your wood paneling?
- Are you trying to cover up that nasty coffee stain?
Figuring Out Rug Size
Rug size should be a straightforward choice. If you are trying to highlight any part of the room, including the rug itself, a foot of floor space outside of the rug should be defined. If an area rug is meant to be under a table, we suggest that all four legs rest with ease within the area rug's borders.
One other thing for rugs under tables -- If the rug is to be used under a dining table, measure the tables' ends and add up to four feet to each, to make up for the movement of the dining chairs.
While room and rugs size will vary, 6' by 9' is the most common purchasing decision. For accent area rugs, 2' by 3' should work just fine.
How To Work With Style
We suggest that you consider the rest of the room as well, including the furniture style and color, the rug's function and your specific budget when deciding on a style. Additionally, fibers, colors and shapes are HUGE contributing factors to a rug's overall style.
- If you are on the search for something tastefully contemporary, we advise you to go with a solid color cotton rug which will usually fit your needs.
- If your style is formal, but not flashy, we suggest that you go with an antique oriental area rug.
- If you want to achieve a country style design with your space, we recommend that you with a braided rug which complements your space just nice.
- Jute and sisal area rugs reflect an earthy feeling.
- Complex silk reflects a classy, delicate sentiment.
We usually recommend that you review the decorating purpose of the area rug. Know if you are trying to create a focal point or simple accent for the space, or if you are trying to define groupings of furniture. Making a bold and strong statement with a colorful or patterned rug is tempting, but first assess the rug's function. If the rug will be the main focal point of a space, a more elegant pattern or a medallion shape center will intensify its effect.
In choosing a style, we suggest that you don't be afraid to get away from the practical reasons for your area rug. Hiding food and drink spills under your dining room table is best accomplished with a patterned area rug, while protecting the floor in high traffic areas is best completed with natural fiber, high durability rugs.
Price
There is no typical standard price for an area rug. Area rugs can range from $50 for a general cotton 2' by 3' throw to thousands of dollars for antique Oriental and Persian Area Rugs. Handmade, high quality wool rugs are the most expensive (in the $1,000 plus price range), while synthetic, machine made rugs are usually cheaper. Additionally, better workmanship and materials, as well as larger sizes will generally drive the price higher.
Conclusion
Purchasing an area rug can add a significant style element to any room you choose. Sizing is simple, while figuring out a style is more complex, but function and aesthetics sometimes need to go hand-in-hand. Get to the heart of why you want the ideal area rug for your space and then research designs and colors that both interest you and can achieve the purpose of the purchase. Discussing your options with a local reputable rug dealer is always a great decision as well.