Area Rugs Info

Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July Weekend. Ours was quiet but enjoyable.

A few months ago I won this great area rug in a CSN stores giveaway. Although not my particular style it works perfectly in my daughter Kaitlyn's room. I love area rugs and the way they can add color and "anchor" a room. Often we can decide to purchase one, but have no idea what size or shape we need for our room. So here are a few things I have learned about how to purchase an area rug.

Take the measurements of your room as well as the area of the floor space that you want covered. Masking tape can be used to mark off a few options to help visualize the size that will work the best for your room. You may choose to have a few options in measurements to have a wider range of rug sizes to choose from. You never want the rug to over power the room by being too large and you don't want it to seem an after thought by purchasing one too small for the space. The most common sizes are 2’x3’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’ and up. Shapes are rectangle, round, square, oval, octagon or runners.  Scatter rugs are typically 2' x 3' or 2' x 4' and are used in bathrooms and kitchens as well as some smaller entryways. Runners are long, narrow rugs that are perfect for hallways and areas such as foyers and kitchens where you want to define traffic flow. 3' x 5' or 4' x 6' rugs can define nooks or other special areas. Room-size, rugs are most often found in 5' x 8' or 6' x 9' sizes and are perfect for general decorating purposes. Use in dens, living rooms, and family rooms to provide style or comfort and warmth to the room.

If you want a large area rug in your living room, you'll want to make sure that all of the furniture that you are using on the rug is completely on the rug. You don't want to have your sofa half on and half off the rug. The rug should be large enough to cover the entire area. If you do not have a rug large enough to cover the furniture area, then it is best not to put the furniture on the rug at all. Instead, choose a smaller rug and place the rug in the center arranging the furniture around the edges of it. If you are choosing a rug to go under a dining table be sure that the chairs fit on the rug not half on and half off. Make sure that even when extending the chairs to sit in them, they stay on the rug.

The next dilemma is often in choosing a print, pattern, or style. First, decide on the colors you are looking for. Often you can do this by using a pillow or other existing pattern in your room and matching the color scheme. If your room is already filled with lots of texture and pattern you might consider a solid color rug. If your furniture, sofa, drapes, etc is plain, then a printed rug is best.  Do not be afraid however to mix patterns and prints as well as textures. While shopping, don't be afraid to have the salesperson lay the rug out on the floor for you to see. Many times they are hung on racks and they will look different when laying out on the floor. Many stores will let you "check out" the rug to take home to try before you buy. This is always a good idea. Sometimes store lighting can change the appearance of the rug and how it will look in your own room's lighting. Don't be afraid to try something other than a rectangle. Rounds and ovals can be great in a room where a conversation grouping is the purpose. There is vast variety of prints, patterns, fabrics, and styles in area rug choices today. Have fun choosing and try not to be overwhelmed in the search. The bottom line is this, You have to live in your room so choose what you like and feel you can live with. 
I know that I have only skimmed the surface on this very broad topic so I welcome your questions.