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People come up with some very interesting and intelligent questions when they are shopping for an area rug. Here are some of the best we have heard recently, along with what we hope are useful answers.
Q: What size rug should I put in my living room?
A: Both large and small area rugs can be used effectively in a living room. When all of the furniture is contained on the rug, a large rug should be used. Something on the order of 9' x 12' or 8' x 11' would be suitable so that a border of the floor shows around the outside of the rug. If you prefer to set up a conversation area, a smaller rug can be used. Look at 6' x 9', 5' x 8' or 4' x 6'.
Q: Should I put a round rug underneath a round table?
A: A round rug is suitable for underneath a round table so long as the rug is large enough to accommodate the chairs. If you sometimes add leaves to the table, a rectangular rug is a better choice.
Q: I love the look of Oriental rugs but I have contemporary furniture. Can I mix them?
A: There's no reason you can't use a traditional rug in a modern room. However, the colors and patterns should match. In this case, style is less important.
Q: I have a lot of patterns in my room. Should I stick with a plain rug?
A: No, not necessarily. It's important to coordinate the color palette and balance the size and scale of the rug design with the other fabrics in the room. When you mix patterns, think in terms of the size of the patterns - large, medium or small. If you have a large floral pattern on the sofa, look at smaller stripes or geometrics for the rug. If your room has small or medium patterns, a large scale rug design can provide a much-needed focal point.
Q: How can I make my entryway stand out?
A: Choose a round or square design that covers a large portion of the area. An effective design incorporates a central design with a generous 18 to 24-inch border of floor showing on the outside of the rug. Coordinate the rug with those in other rooms so that there is a flow from one room to the next.
Q: What kind of rugs work well in a child's room?
A: There are now more juvenile-themed area rugs available than ever before. Go with a design that reflects the child's interests: horses, cars, butterflies, planets, etc.
Q: Can I put an area run on top of wall-to-wall carpeting?
A: As contrary as it may seem, rugs on top of carpeting can create a rich layered effect that breaks the monotony of a large, solid-colored carpet. You can use a rug to create a conversation area or provide a spot of color at the entrance of the room. In a bedroom, a rug at the foot of the bed creates an interesting effect. Most designers recommend that you do not use a rug to cover a worn area of carpeting. It tends to draw additional attention to the problem rather than correcting it.
Q: What kind of rug works best in a kitchen?
A: Woven olefin (polypropylene) rugs are nearly impervious to food and beverage stains. You can also use a simple, washable throw rug that has been treated with an anti-stain product. Try to complement your cabinet style and don't be afraid to try something from a French, Lodge, Cottage or Tuscan collection.
Q: What kind of rug works best in a bathroom?
A: Rugs made of nylon and olefin (polypropylene) are good choices for use in a bathroom. Washable cotton rugs can work well too, but tend to take a long time to dry. The trend in new home construction is to make bathrooms bigger and bigger, so you may need to look beyond the typical bathroom-sized rugs.
We hope you found an answer to one of your questions about rugs in the brief list. If not, or if you would like some personalized help, please visit Rugs Direct, call us toll-free at 1-888-464-1447 or send an e-mail to info@rugsdirect.com.
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