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Area rugs have multitude of design uses
Area rugs can serve many purposes. From an interior
design standpoint, rugs support the color scheme and
style of the room and can be the perfect starting point
for selecting paint and furnishings. Rugs can help
define separate areas in a space, and can also serve
as a stunning focal point for a room. From a practical
standpoint, rugs add warmth to a cool floor, help reduce
noise, and provide a comfortable place for kids to
play. With the enormous selection of rugs available,
choosing the right one can be daunting. Below are a
few tips to consider when choosing an area rug.
- Decide how much you would like your rug to stand
out in the room. Will the rug be a focal point, functioning
like artwork in the room? If so, then choose a rug
with a beautiful design or motif. For example, in
traditionally decorated rooms, you might select a
rug with a center medallion; for a more modern room,
you might select an abstract or geometric design.
If you would rather call attention to other features
in the room, select a rug with a subtle pattern or
solid color.
- A rug for your dining room should be large enough
to accommodate both the table as well as the chairs
with people sitting in them. A rule of thumb is to
add about 36" to the width and length of the
table. This will give enough room for diners to comfortably
move their chairs in and out. Generally, china cabinets
and buffets sit on the floor, not the area rug.
- If you are purchasing a large rug to cover an entire
room, leave a border of exposed floor on all sides.
This will make the room look larger. If your rug
is centered in the room, aim for equal amounts of
floor showing on all sides. When this is not possible,
aim for equal amounts on two opposite sides.
- For stability, living room chairs should ideally
be placed all the way on or all the way off the area
rug. If chairs are heavy enough, this may not be
a problem. Sofas are heavy enough that they can be
partially on and off the rug.
- A rug under a coffee table looks best if the rug
is the same length as the sofa. An area rug measuring
6' X 8' or 5' X 7' is usually a good size in front
of a sofa.
- Use a waffle-weave mat called a "rug grip" underneath
rugs that are placed on bare floors. This will protect
the floor from scratches, as well as keep the rug
in place.
- Area rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpeting can
cause a tripping hazard. I prefer not to use area
rugs on top of carpeting, but if you do, make sure
to use a rug grip made for this purpose. This type
of rug grip has adhesive on both sides, causing the
rug to stick to the carpeting.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on June 24, 2006.
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back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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