Area Rugs: A Cheaper Solution
Flooring is easily the most expensive part of a home. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, you can always expect to spend more on it than any other feature And with the economy at a slump, you’ll definitely want floor and floor repairs that give you good value. After all, it’s no small investment—you’ll want to be sure it pays off. But with all the options now available, how do you know which one works best for your home?
If you want to jazz up your floor but don’t have the budget for a remodel, one of your best choices is an area rug. Modern designers reintroduced area rugs as a way to tie décor elements together, and protect the floor at the same time. Advanced manufacturing has allowed them to create rugs of every size, shape, and color, so you can easily find one that suits your tastes. It’s both stylish and practical—what more can you ask for? Start protecting your floors in style with this quick buying guide.
Carpets or area rugs?
A carpet is great if you don’t expect to change your mind or redecorate anytime soon. As long as you choose the right shade and pattern, they can set the perfect tone for your decor and protect your floor at the same time. But carpet flooring has its pros and cons like any other material. The biggest problem you can expect is maintenance–you’ll need to dust and vacuum at least once a day to keep dust from gathering. If you’re not up to the job, you’re probably better off with something less permanent: an area rug.
Area rugs offer the same look and feel as carpets, but in a smaller, more versatile package. Because they’re not tacked to the floor, you can roll them up and move them around as much as you like. This makes them ideal for people who like to mix and match, or those who don’t have the time for daily maintenance. Area rugs also tend to offer more color and design options, from contemporary chic to rustic country style.
Your flooring material
Your area rug should also go well with your flooring material. Choosing a rug for a hardwood floor isn’t quite the same as choosing one for a tiled floor. Wood floors are especially tricky, as they tend to discolor easily and make skid marks more visible. If you want to protect your hardwood floors, look for soft rubber-backed pieces—they won’t slide around as much and there’s a smaller chance of the rug scratching your floor.
For tile floors, the biggest problem is usually slipping. Since tiles are slippery, area rugs tend to shift around the floor. Extra-slippery rugs can cause accidents, so you definitely don’t want them in the kitchen or bathroom. If you want a rug for your tile floor, consider getting area rug pads—they give added traction to keep the rugs in place.
Your décor theme
Your flooring plays a big role in the overall look of your home. Think about it: a room with polished hardwood floors would look very different if you replaced it with bright marble or tile. By decorating with area rugs, you can make up for these little differences and give the room a smooth, consistent look. If you already have a theme in mind, the right area rug can make the perfect finishing touch for the look you want.
If you’re not sure which piece to choose, consider the colors you currently have in your home. Usually, the dominant colors are the ones that make up your theme. Choose an area rug that complements the dominant colors, so that it blends in smoothly with the rest of your elements. If it’s a small room, a rug in a brighter shade can make it look bigger and create an illusion of space.
Your rug style
Finally, you’ll have to choose a look for your area rug. Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so it’s just a matter of knowing what you want in your room. Do you want something bright and colorful, big and classy, or simple and practical? One thing you can do is go for contrast—if the room is already brimming with color and personality, you can tone it down with a plain, solid-colored area rug. Likewise, if the room is plain by itself, a patterned area rug can give it that much-needed visual boost.
So should you choose an oriental rug or a contemporary one? Again, take your cue from what you already have. If you seem to gravitate towards classic, opulent designs, then an oriental rug with a central medallion may be ideal. But if you’re more into sleek lines and shiny surfaces, you may want to go for a contemporary rug to finish off your theme.
plays a big role in the overall look of your home. Think about it: a room with polished hardwood floors would look very different if you replaced it with bright marble or tile. By decorating with area rugs, you can make up for these little differences and give the room a smooth, consistent look. If you already have a theme in mind, the right area rug can make the perfect finishing touch for the look you want.
If you’re not sure which piece to choose, consider the colors you currently have in your home. Usually, the dominant colors are the ones that make up your theme. Choose an area rug that complements the dominant colors, so that it blends in smoothly with the rest of your elements. If it’s a small room, a rug in a brighter shade can make it look bigger and create an illusion of space.
Your rug style
Finally, you’ll have to choose a look for your area rug. Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so it’s just a matter of knowing what you want in your room. Do you want something bright and colorful, big and classy, or simple and practical? One thing you can do is go for contrast—if the room is already brimming with color and personality, you can tone it down with a plain, solid-colored area rug. Likewise, if the room is plain by itself, a patterned area rug can give it that much-needed visual boost.
So should you choose an oriental rug or a contemporary one? Again, take your cue from what you already have. If you seem to gravitate towards classic, opulent designs, then an oriental rug with a central medallion may be ideal. But if you’re more into sleek lines and shiny surfaces, you may want to go for a contemporary rug to finish off your theme.
Tags: choosing a rug for a hardwood floor | choosing a rug for a hardwood floor | should you choose an oriental rug | should you choose an oriental rug | decorating with area rugs | decorating with area rugs | carpet | carpet
August 8th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I am completely agree with you. You have discussed that topic very nicely. Tips are good. Thanks,..