The Rules of Thumb for Area Rugs

If you’re looking to bring more life to a room, area rugs may be your go-to addition.  Area rugs can add texture and color, and create a frame for furniture placement to further define your space. While there are plenty of options in the field of area rugs, there are a few things you should consider when using them.

How To: Area Rugs

Size matters.

A common mistake people can make with area rugs is purchasing one that is too small for the space. Ideally, an area rug will fit under all of the key furniture pieces in a room. However, sometimes that isn’t possible, due to traffic patterns or potentially overwhelming the room with too much rug.  When this is the case, it is perfectly acceptable to put just the front legs of the major furnishings on the rug.

Play with different colors and patterns.

Area rugs are like artwork for your floor. They’re a great way to add playfulness into any room, so don’t be afraid to have some fun with color and pattern. Area rugs with bold patterns can be festive, but be sure that once you place the furniture on them that the designs aren’t obscured. If your room happens to be an unusual size or requires a custom piece, consider commissioning a rug.

Maintenance

Once you’ve found your perfect area rugs, it’s time to think about maintenance. Check the cleaning instructions on the rug before you decide to purchase it. Rugs that are made of natural fibers, such as jute or sisal, can’t usually be cleaned so a big spill could result in permanent damage. Keep the tags with any cleaning instructions on your rug, in case you need them for later use.

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