subject: Makeover With An Area Rug [print this page] Time to change! Good thing, area rugs come to the rescue. Accessorizing with an area rug is a surefire way of changing the old to the new. The effects are seen and felt immediately compared to repainting a wall or renovating a room. The best thing is the money factor. Decorating with area rugs are very affordable in contrast to other decorating methods like painting, papering or shopping for new furnishings.
Going out and spending for area rugs do entail some careful thinking. Of course, these decorating items are considered investments too. Before taking out that purse, decide first on your budget. Not because area rugs are way cheaper than new upholstery or cans of paint that you will splurge like there's no tomorrow. Remember, times now are hard with the global economic crisis, so wise spending is necessary. Buying high quality rugs are well worth it despite their higher rates because they can last far longer than cheaper ones but with poor quality materials. Hence, you buy less, you spend less.
One important factor to consider aside from the price is the size. Allot some allowance of about three feet between the wall and the edge of the rug. If you're using the rug as a furniture base, make sure that it can cover all areas well. For example, for a dining set, it should be able to hold not just the table but the chairs as well.
An ideal setting is to have the furnishings in the room fit on the rug, particularly if it's a set furniture such as a dining set or a sofa set. If this is impossible given your limited space, then forgo the furniture set arrangement and just accessorize the rug on some other space. You can place it under a coffee table, a side table or even in front of the entrance.
There are some ways to help you determine the right size for the area rug. Laying down a newspaper can pretty much give you an idea how big or small an area rug is. You can also utilize a masking tape to mark off the desired spot. Obviously, the easiest and most accurate way is to use a measuring tape. Even if you're utilizing the newspaper or masking tape method, nothing beats certainty by measuring the area with a measuring tape.
Next, decide on what type of material you are interested in. Wool is the most popular but there are also synthetics to choose from. Since there are such a wide variety of materials to choose from, think about the amount of traffic in the room. Wool and bamboo are very durable, while cotton does not hold up quite as well.
You should not forget selecting the color and design, one that will look best for the room. Area rugs in bright colors can lighten up a room while darker, more subtle tones give off a conservative and more formal ambiance. Choose a color that match not just the room's focal point, but the rest of the room as well. This will give a more balanced look. If you aren't too confident with your taste, opt for safer choices like a floral pattern. It blends well with almost any backdrop. Coordination doesn't necessarily mean monotones. You use contrasting colors as long as they enhance the room and not turn it into a circus show. For example, white or neutral walls can benefit from bright hues of red, yellow, pink and blue area rugs. If you have a dark flooring, loud colors will work as well. Mixing area rugs of say, white and black or black and red by placing them strategically across the room can give off a trendy look. Don't limit your creativity. Experiment and dare to be different.
Area rugs are great means to make your home more beautiful. They can give your place a homey, sophisticated, modern or old-fashioned look, whichever you prefer, by the simple decoration of these versatile items.
