Rugs have the ability to transform a room or hallway.
They can hide unsightly stains or blemishes, help to highlight certain colours or shapes in a room or make it appear cosier, or lighter – or simply more interesting.
Rugs are, of course, functional in many cases, helping to keep feet warm, particularly when they are placed over wooden or tiled flooring.
But while they will protect floors from getting dirty and tired-looking, don’t forget the artistic value of a rug.
Choosing the right rug will ensure that overall, a room is well balanced.
This is of upmost importance if you want to make the most of you interior spaces. Consider the following when picking a rug:
Floor Area
The first question you should ask yourself when it’s time to pick a rug is where are you going to put it, and why? Is it for your bedroom, to make it cosier?
Or will the rug protect your pristine, white hallway from the dirty shoes of a horde of visitors? Next, measure the area.
This sounds obvious but it’s essential. You don’t want to purchase a rug that’s too large or too small for the space.
Do this early on in the process, so you won’t be tempted to purchase something that is not quite right before you know exactly what you are looking for.
Remember, in a large room the right rugcan be the focal point,
while it’s worth considering the option of creating two separate areas with two separate rugs, in a particularly large room, for instance.
Shape
Think carefully about what shape you want your rug to be. A circular rug can create elegance and soften a square room.
Just don’t go against the shape of other focal aspects in the room.
So, a circular rug in a square room that also has a square dining table as its central focus is not advisable.
Material
Once you know the size and shape your rug should be, now you can choose the material it should be made of.
Consider the level of foot traffic when choosing a textile type – if you want your rug to last, it should be durable and hardwearing enough to withstand being trampled on.
Materials to consider include wool, synthetic or shag pile, or you may wish to choose a natural, eco-friendly material such as seagrass or hemp.
Dhurries and kilims are two types of flat woven rugs, made of wool or cotton which are usually handily reversible.
Colour
Colour is very important when choosing a rug and can make such a difference to a room.
Some interior designers say that when starting to decorate a room from scratch, a rug should be chosen first and other colours and furnishings can be worked in around it.
Dark colours generally create warmth while lighter colours can open up a space. Patterns on a small rug, particularly bold ones, make a room look larger.
But if you choose a rug with a design, pattern or motif, remember you must be able to see the whole design – so no covering it up with furniture.
If your bed coverings are very busy and colourful then a neutral colour may be the best choice while a plain sofa will be offset nicely by a bold, patterned rug.
Featured images:
License: Royalty Free or iStock
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigertwo/2361049911/
Melanie is passionate about interior design and furniture.
Over the last couple of years, she has enjoyed sharing her thoughts online.