How to Decorate Using Area Rugs

Select the right shape of area rug for your room. Look at your rooms and how your furniture fits within those rooms. Go with area rugs that will flow with your furniture and accessories. If your living room seating arrangement is in a circle, choose a round rug. If your kitchen table is round, go with a round or oval rug. Use rectangle rugs for areas around coffee tables. Keep in mind that horizontal stripes on area rugs will make narrow spaces appear wider while solid-color rugs act as focal points.

Decorate with the right style rug for your decor. From oriental designs to bright geometric patterns, area rugs can enhance or clash with your rooms. Choose a rug that fits in with your room without overwhelming it. If you have a lot of print in your window treatments or in your upholstery, you may want to go with a rug that has very few colors in it. If your decor includes solid patterns and neutral colors, a rug with a geometric pattern will add interest.

Choose a rug with texture that enhances your decor. Sisal, wool and jute rugs enhance warm and cozy rooms. Handmade rugs add flair, and braided, oval rugs complement country styles. Thick, plush rugs give rooms an entirely different feel and work well with contemporary and sophisticated styles.

Arrange area rugs with a purpose in mind. Put durable rugs under tables and in high-traffic areas of your home. Put antique or needlepoint rugs in areas that don't experience a lot of wear and tear. To anchor your sofa, place the front legs on one edge of an area rug with the back legs on the floor. Rugs used under beds should show on sides of the bed that are exposed.

Define living areas with area rugs. A rug beneath a table and chairs defines an eating area whether it's in the dining room or not. Separate a sitting area with a small area rug. Use a rug underneath a desk and chair to establish a workspace.