subject: Hardwood Floors And Area Rugs [print this page] Hardwood and wood-laminate floors are very much in style in new homes and in floor re-modeling projects. The wood comes in all kinds of patterns, board widths and thicknesses. You can get engineered wood that is put down over an under pad and there are other kinds of flooring that can be put directly over solid surfaces or vinyl. Wood flooring also comes in a wide range of prices and it is still possible to replace old wood flooring, carpet, or vinyl economically with well-made, attractive wood flooring. With some study and "how-to" steps from the Internet or the library, you can even install the wood flooring yourself. If you are not handy or have some serious reservations about your ability to handle such a task, it is better to let a professional do the installation part. Wood flooring is a big investment and you do not want to diminish the aesthetic effect with a poor installation effort.
Regardless of the type or style of wood flooring that you select, you will want to protect it. This means doing some research on the right type of wood floor cleaner to use on your flooring. Be sure to get a cleaning product designed for WOOD floors. You will also want to select a good quality wood floor polish and invest in periodic cleaning and polishing of your wood floors in order to maximize their beauty and prolong their life over years of use.
And, of course, you will want to invest in rugs to cover strategic areas of your floors. As wood flooring has grown in popularity so has the use of area rugs. Area rugs offer a first line of protection against damage to your wood flooring, particularly in areas of high traffic. Wood floors can be refinished to eliminate scratches and dents but sanding and refinishing floors is messy and time-consuming and you will want to postpone those activities as long as possible.
Floor coverings are also a way to decorate and protect the floor. Area rugs are perfect cases of floor covers and decors. Placing them in frequented areas protects the hardwood from damages. At the same time, area rugs add beauty to the room. Almost all colors look good with a hardwood, so if you want to go bright, feel free to provide contrast by using shades of yellow, red, blue and big patterns. Meanwhile, if you prefer dark colors, the earth and neutral tones will complement the already dark surface of the floor.
The practical benefits of area rugs are just the tip of the iceberg. With area rugs adorning your hardwood floors, rooms will look much better and add flavor to the home's interior. A vivid color of a rug for example, can instantly brighten up a room that is painted in a deep color. An area rug is also a simple means to set pieces of furniture together or divide sections in a space, without affecting the aesthetics of the room.
You don't need an interior designer to pick out area rugs for you. The wide selection of rugs offer different colors, sizes, shapes, fabrics and designs. The prices vary too from super cheap to insanely expensive. Therefore, whatever your taste and budget are, you will find area rugs of your choice. Perfect for your home.
