How to select the perfect Rug for your home

Getting Started
On a room-by-room basis, determine the look you want to create in your budget. There is a wide variety of rugs to choose from at many price points.

Design & Color

• First determine the mood you want for a room, formal or casual. The design personality and color of the rug selected will create the desired feeling for the room.
• Formal rugs can anchor a room with a calming effect.
• Casual and fun elements are great for a family room.
• Bold medallions make a dramatic statement.
• Elegant fine lines and subdued colors have a quite pleasing effect.
• Vintage patterns are a traditional way to reminisce about their time and place.
• Pure colors are more formal and elegant.
• Blending colors creates a broader color pallet and can be easier to decorate with.
• Rug patterns can work with the existing designs and fabrics in your room.

Size

• Big Rugs First
• Prioritize your rug purchases according to room size and importance.
• Each rug acquired will lessen your choice for future rug selections.
• Accent rugs & runners are easier to co-ordinate with the main rug than vise-versa.

Room Size
Room layout, size & walls will limit the dimensions for a comfortable fit.

Furniture

• Furniture setting suggests the minimum size rug that will create an island effect to visually hold the pieces together.
• There are no rules about on or off the edges. Simply, do what feels right & functions best.

Traffic
Foot traffic should avoid pivot points at the edges of rugs.

Template

• Use a tarp or sheet folded to size to determine your preferred rug sizes or mark the rug size on the floor with masking tape.
• Some areas can use a room size rug or an assortment of smaller rugs.

Types of Rugs
There are 3 types of rugs to consider purchasing:

1. Handmade, Flat Weave or Knotted Pile
2. Hand Tufted
3. Machine Made

Factors that influence price

• Materials - Wool, Cotton, Silk, or Synthetic Fibers
• Complexity of design
• Number of colors used
• Dying technique (vegetable or synthetic)
• Knott count
• Age & condition of antique & semi-antique rugs

Use of Room & Rug
Consider the amount of traffic and soil that will be picked up. Are you looking for a piece of art for your floor that will last for a lifetime or a decorating accessory for the short term?

Texture

• Handmade weavings from natural fibers make an inviting soft appeal.
• Pattern clarity is achieved by using tight smooth finishes.
• Tribal artifacts, pillows & tapestries can be components of a well-decorated room.

Investment

• Area rugs are movable from room to room and house to house.
• Quality materials & construction will longevity of both the look & value of a fine rug.
• Handmade oriental rugs will last for generations with proper care & maintenance.

Color Swatches
Bring your color swatches & fabrics with you when shopping. Also include wood stains, ceramic tiles & counter top samples. Having these samples will help guide & make you a more confident shopper.