Area Rugs: Flooring Accents for Any Room

In the world of interior decorating, you will find little that is more versatile than area rugs. Whether protecting worn spots in carpeting or flooring, providing warmth, or accenting furniture and walls, these portable coverings that most often come in oval, square, or rectangular shapes gift apartment dwellers and home owners alike with color and texture options to meet any need.

They have a long and honored history, and the original weave technique enjoys continued popularity. Some are woven by hand, and others are created on mechanical looms. Additional options exist, like the ones discussed below:Hooked: Made popular by the Navaho Indians inhabiting the southwest part of the United States, hooked rugs are made on a loom—a wood or metal machine that suspends parallel threads while other threads are interwoven across and back. They are common in Asia and the Middle East, as well, and commonly have a reversible, geometric design.

Braided: Among the most durable, braided rugs originally consisted of strips of old clothing and blankets that were first braided then each braid was sewn to others, creating an oval or rectangular.

Hand-Knotted: Often used as wall art, these hand-made displayed extraordinary workmanship and artistry. Local scenes and history were often incorporated in them.

Before placing area rugs, be sure to plan the room’s lay out first. Furniture dimensions and locations can vastly affect whether a rug coordinates well or not. Also, ensure you avoid covering cords or cooling or heating vents and leave plenty of space from heaters and radiators.

Placing a beautiful rug in the wrong place can throw the room’s balance askew. Draw occupants to gathering areas, channel traffic toward hallways, or highlight centerpiece furniture.

Over, or under, sized can disproportionate the space and furniture. Make sure you take accurate measurements of not only the room but also of the furniture and ensure they will fit properly within the assigned space. Use tape to mark placements for accuracy.

A slick rug on a tiled, linoleum, or hard wood floor may cause slipping. If you want a particular look, make sure you use backing that prevents slipping and sliding for safety. They can be made of several materials; choose the fabric or material that lends a complementing feel and appearance.

Stunning rugs when viewed singly can sparkle, but when a clashing design or color, also singularly beautiful, is laid within the same room space, the effect can be devastating.

Area rugs present a unique, tantalizing room decor that can coordinate with any flooring. With proper planning an area rug can easily soften any room and infuse it with warmth and comfort.