Posted on May 26th,
2010
by John Kirchner
Whether you’re looking for fashion or function, area rugs can do wonders for a room when used effectively. Here are some simple tips about doing just that.
If you want an area rug to serve as a stylish focal point in a room — adding a pattern, texture or color — make sure it’s up to the job. Go bold. That is, after all, the point. This can work well in an otherwise understated room, perhaps with white or otherwise mellow-colored walls and the like.
Choosing a rug to fit within a finished room is fairly straightforward: Choose a rug with colors and a style that matches the room. An oriental rug, for example, might not look appropriate in your sleek, modern living room. but think about going the other way — using a new rug to dictate the style and coloring of a room you’re looking to refresh. Find a rug with a set of colors and a style that really gets your attention, and pick out of it colors for your walls, your furniture, your accents like throw pillows and so on.
An area rug can also serve specific functional purposes, as well. Rugs can help hold together a space within a larger room, serving as a centerpiece among a set of seating and a coffee table, for example. Pay attention to the size of the rug. If you’re trying to define a particular space within a room, you probably want the rug to be completely surrounded by your furniture — not tucked under couches, for example — or to have your furniture completely within the bounds of a large rug. Something in the middle — with an area rug tucked partially under some furniture — can look awkward.
Of course, an area rug can also be used for the simple purpose of protecting the flooring underneath, saving wood from scratches, tile from chips or installed carpet from wear and stains. Still, don’t skimp on style.
Be sure to check out eHow.com and This Old House for more tips on choosing rugs for your home.
[photo]
More from Marvin:
Try Marvin's free Online Remodeling Planner for inspiration and organization
