How to Add a Contemporary Rug

Visit the paint store and purchase or pick up a paint palette chip set. This set is a collection of all of the colors of paint a manufacturer has to offer. Often the manufacturer will give away the set or sell one inexpensively.

Go around the room where you want to install the rug. Use the paint chips to identify the color of the furniture, drapes, wall color, trim colors, metals, woods, art and accent pieces. This is the actual palette of the particular room.

Note particular themes in the room such as round or circular lamps, boxy or rectangular furniture, organic or winding shapes, natural or artificial materials or any particular shape, color or theme that exists in the room. These will help you select similar shapes or designs on the new rug.

Measure the area where the rug will be used. For a living room seating group, measure from the underside of the sofa and adjacent chairs. For an area rug, measure the entire room and subtract 3 to 4 feet from the total length and total width. For a dining table, measure the table and add 18 inches on each side. For a bedroom, measure the amount based on how far you want the rug to extend beyond the sides and bottom of the bed.

Take the color palette, sizes and shapes list to the rug store. Look at dozens of rugs that are contemporary in style in the color scheme of your room. Use the shapes from the list to find similar shapes or themes in the rug design. Determine the size of rug you need. Make at least three selections. Most rug stores will allow you to try out a few rugs if you leave a deposit. Some stores will even bring the rugs to your home and place them for you to help you choose the right rug.