Steps to Selecting the Right Area Rug May 7, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Area Rugs , trackback
Part One: Before You Start Shopping
If you’ve never shopped for an area rug before, the process can seem more than a little confusing. The good news is that with a little planning, you can start your shopping with a plan to make the whole process easier. Although there are many decisions involved, the following three factors will help you narrow your search right from the beginning.
What will you be demanding from your rug? If it is going to live in a high-traffic area, look at sturdy material choices such as nylon or wool. One of the interesting new options to consider is indoor-outdoor rugs. These tough materials stand up to a lot of use and can be hosed down outside when they need cleaning.
What size rug do you need? Measure your space to determine the best size, and how much larger or smaller you can go. Many stores will have the same rug in a number of sizes, so often size restrictions won’t limit your choices. Be sure to compensate for dining chairs by adding at least two feet of rug over and above the size of the table for each side with a chair. Otherwise, people may find themselves dropping off the edge when they pull a chair out to sit. For other living spaces, think of a rug as a frame connecting the elements in a room. If you have trouble visualizing the final look, you may want to use towels or tape to define the rug’s location and decide the best size for your space.
What look do you want in a rug? Will the rug make a strong statement – adding a design element to the room? Or are you looking for something to brighten a dark area or anchor a space that is a bit too light? What color will best mesh with the other furniture and accessories? Is there a color you want to see more of that the rug can pull into a space? Maybe your goal is a neutral that will pull disparate pieces together.
Once you determine these issues, make sure you go to the store prepared. Have your actual measurements with you – sizes in a showroom can be deceiving. Bring samples of any colors you may want to pull into the space by bringing along a throw pillow or paint chip. By doing your homework before you shop, your chances of finding that perfect rug are substantially improved.
Comments»
Taking a digital picture of the space is a great tool while shopping.