Tips to Choosing Area Rugs

Tips on Function

• The first step to choosing the best area rug for your space is to consider its function. Assess how much foot traffic it will receive, if it needs to be comfortable for bare feet or small children, and whether or not it must endure pets or food spills. This type of assessment will help you choose the best material for your area rug. Low-pile, stain-resistant rugs are best for high-traffic areas or busy families, while those looking for comfort may prefer to invest in a wool rug with a soft texture.

Tips on Style

• Decide if you want the area rug to be a standout design element or if you prefer it to fade into the background. When choosing an area rug for a room you have already decorated, take your design cue from the existing furnishings and colors. Choose a solid-color rug in a tone that is similar to your flooring if you don't want the rug to draw much attention. Purchase a rug that complements the main colors of your furnishings or wall paint if you want it to stand out. Stay with the basic design style of the rest of the room when choosing an area rug. For instance, a colorful rug with bold patterns will look at home in a casual room, but not in a formal one.

Tips on Size

• Don't wait until you're at the store to decide on the rug size. Guessing wrong can be costly and troublesome. It is not enough to know the size of the room, since you probably are not in the market for a room-sized area rug. Measure the space you want the rug to cover. If you can't find an area rug in those dimensions, buy one that is slightly larger rather than smaller. This will give you more versatility in furniture placement since you won't have to crowd furniture around a too-small rug. If you are buying an area rug for a large space that is used for more than one function, such as a family room and dining room combination, use two rugs to define the spaces as separate.

Tips on Cost

• Expect to pay the highest price for hand-woven rugs in natural materials such as silk and wool. Machine-made rugs made with synthetic or cotton fibers are least expensive, though they may not always be the best overall value. If you prefer to change decor often or if you have an active household with pets and children, you may not be ready for an investment piece. However, a good-quality wool rug can withstand generations of use with proper care and regular cleaning.