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Area rugs are a great way to add visual interest, comfort, and style to any room. Whether you have hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpet flooring, area rugs can pull together your decorative scheme while also protecting your floors from excess wear and tear. Follow these tips to select area rugs that will beautifully accent your existing flooring.

Consider Color and Pattern

Consider the color and pattern of your flooring when selecting area rugs. You want an area rug that complements the tones already present in the flooring without clashing. neutrals like beige, ivory, gray, and brown are versatile colors that tend to work well with most flooring colors and patterns. Still, bolder solid colors or graphic prints can also look fantastic if they pick up on colors used in floor tiling or the grain of wood floorboards.

Mind the Size

When determining what size area rug to purchase, focus on function. In living spaces like living rooms, the area rug should be large enough to define the seating area while still allowing enough border flooring to show. For dining spaces, the rug should be wide and long enough to accommodate chair legs even when pulled out from the table. In bedrooms, ensure there are at least 2 feet of flooring visible around bed legs and nightstands. Hallways do well with runner-style rugs.

Consider Material

The material you choose for your area rug will impact its look, feel, and functionality within the space. Coarse-woven natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, seagrass, and coir have an earthy, casual style. luxurious materials like silk and wool offer softness underfoot. synthetics and polyester blends are family-friendly, pet-friendly budget picks. Outdoors and high-traffic areas do best with durable synthetic rugs.

Mind Construction Quality

With area rugs, quality construction is key to longevity. Hand-knotted rugs last the longest. Ensure wool rugs for high-traffic areas have a sturdy canvas backing. Affordable synthetic rugs can work well when treated as temporary coverings replaced every few years. Feel the back - high-quality rugs feel almost as finished on the backside as the front.

Match Pile Height

The height and density of the rug’s pile are also considered when pairing with flooring. Thicker shag or high-low rugs can feel pleasantly plush and warm underfoot on hard surfaces like hardwood and tile. But too high a pile beneath furniture legs can pose tripping hazards. For high-pile rugs, use rug pads and keep furniture grouped on the rug. Delicate silk or flatweave rugs offer safer pairings for heavily trafficked wood or tile spaces.

Rethink Entryways

Use entryway area rugs to establish a style statement in your home while also protecting interior floors from tracked-in dirt and moisture. Coir, seagrass, sisal natural fiber rugs, or coarse synthetic blends are smart picks for entryways as their textured surfaces can help wipe shoes clean before entering. Opt for low-profile flatweaves closest to the door with thicker rugs on interior spaces. Use rug runners lining hallways.

Repurpose Rugs

Creative repurposing allows you to refresh your interior decor scheme without breaking the bank. Layer existing rugs in new spaces based on color schemes or size needs. Use oversized rugs in one room as wall art hung vertically elsewhere. Cut Uniform rug pieces from damaged area rugs to make homemade bathmats. Braid old T-shirt yarns into eclectic rag rugs full of personality.

Protect Investment Pieces

Some prized decorative area rugs like silk oriental rugs or colorful vintage Moroccan rugs work better when used intermittently as showcased art rather than in everyday high-traffic spaces. Rotate these delicate rugs into spaces based on seasons or as part of deep cleaning regimens. When positioning, avoid direct sunlight. Use rug pads and ensure proper ventilation underneath to prevent moisture damage over time.

See Rugs in Person

The colors, textures, and quality of area rugs can be hard to decipher online. Visit home goods stores, specialty rug showrooms, antique shops, or secondhand markets to get up close before bringing home new-to-you floor coverings. Feel fibers, study colors next to your existing palette, and assess durability. Bring home paint chips, fabric swatches, or flooring samples when shopping to direct your selections.

Area rugs pull together a room’s decor while lending warmth and visual depth against bare floors. By artfully layering rugs within your existing flooring, you can change up the style of a space any time for a quick refresh. Follow these guidelines when selecting your next area rug, and you are sure to find the perfect size, color, and material to suit your space and decor needs.

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