Living room Area rugs 101 - what you should know

Adding living room area rugs to your decor is comparable to adding the perfect jewelry to an outfit. You can literally change the whole look of a room simply by adding a rug. Area rugs can add a splash of color to a drab room, or blend in with your decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They can be the center of attention and even create a separate conversation area in a larger living room.

Budget
While your budget plays a big role in the living room area rug you can purchase, don't let it totally restrict your choices. An area rug can be quite expensive, try to choose a rug that you will be happy with a year or two from now. And, purchase the very best rug that you can afford. A bargain is only a bargain if it's still a good quality product.

Rug Size
There are several general rules pertaining to rug size. If you want to use a room size rug, there should be at least one foot of space between the walls and the sides of the rug. If you want to place furniture on the rug, at least one third of the furniture should be sitting on the rug. A lot of styles work well underneath a coffee table, but all four legs should be placed on the rug.

Color
Area rugs, especially large ones are often the biggest splash of color. If you are re-decorating the entire living room, choose your rug first and then purchase furniture that blends in with the rugs colors and designs. It's perfectly fine to mix different patterns as long as the colors are coordinated.

You can make a small living room look larger simply by using light colored rugs or rugs with small designs. Likewise, area rugs in deeper colors make the room seem more cozy and intimate. If you are shopping for a area rug to add to an existing decor, select one that has at least one color that will compliment the other furnishings.    

Shape
Don't let yourself get trapped into thinking that you need a rectangular rug. Let your style set the rules for the shape of the living room area  rug that you purchase. If you want to add a touch of elegance or flair to the room, choose rugs that have an octagonal or circular shape. And, don't be afraid to mix various sizes of rugs that compliment each other.

Material and Durability
Nylon fabrics are perfect if you want a rug that is durable, versatile and easy to maintain. The most stain resistant material if polypropylene or olefin. Living room area rugs that are made of acrylic are ideal for rooms with lot's of windows. They're resistant to fading, mildew and stains. Wool is a good choice if you want a rug that is both durable and soft. But, it might not be the best choice if you or someone else in the home has allergies.

Whether you place your living room area rug on a bare floor, or on top of wall to wall carpet, you can extend the life of your rug with a rug pad. When you walk across the rug it causes friction which results in wearing on the bottom of the rug. A rug pad will give you some extra cushioning and keep your rug looking it's best longer.

There are a lot of standard design rules when it comes to home decorating. But, the most important thing you need to remember is that you have to love your home. If you are totally happy with the look, go for it. If you can look at your room week after week and still say you like it, then you've chosen the perfect living room area rug.

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A round-shaped area rug can catch anyone's attention faster than Brad Pitt can. Okay! Okay! I'm exaggerating. The thing is, round is always meant to be in the center, a centerpiece, a focal point. Have you noticed how off it looks when something round is positioned at the sides? Round is meant to be the center of attention, but convey it through an attractive object like an area rug, makes it a superstar. Somewhat like Brad Pitt.

It doesn't matter if you're crazy about globes, apples, balls, oranges, and everything that has no angles whatsoever. A round area rug will not fail you as a home decoration. It's cute, original and interesting. When most people are using four-sided rugs, you are using a circular shape that surely deserves to be the focal piece.

Almost all rooms in the house can be adorned with a round-shaped rug. The bathroom, bedroom and living room are three ideal places. Just a reminder - avoid placing a round area rug in a crowded space. It can either overshadow the other furnishings (in a bad way) or it can stand out as an unfitting decorative piece. A round area rug should be the focal point. With its shapely curves, why not?

If you are dying to have a round area rug but are not sure how it will look, a safe place to start would be the bathroom. Inexpensive, round floorings for a bathroom are easily available in all home dcor stores. Purchasing one they allow you to decide if you like the round look without having to spend a lot on experimenting. Make sure your bathroom is large enough to include a round rug; you do not want the edges to be touching the walls.

The bedroom is also a great choice for round area rugs. Choosing one in beautiful, relaxing and soothing colors can make your bedroom comfortable. Try placing it in front of your bed, at the headboard and in the center of your room to find where it looks best. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bedroom a round rug could be placed in front of the hearth.

Living rooms can also be graced by the presence of a cute round area rug. Save your best rug for this place because obviously, the living room is where we receive guests, so you might as well make a good impression, right?

Just like with any other shapes of area rugs, the size for a round one should be considered. Check the area and make sure you purchase the right size. The rug shouldn't be too big or too small. The colors and the designs also have an impact in the total look of your rooms, so better to match or complement, instead of rebel against the other decorative items.

Round area rugs are also available in different materials. Your budget will have a say on which kind you can afford to display. Wool and silk oriental fabrics are more expensive. Cheaper materials are synthetic and cotton. Rugs made of natural fibers last longer than those of artificial fibers but the former can be pricey. Nevertheless, think of the quality. Besides, a rug that easily deteriorates means you have to buy a new one. Isn't that spending more?

Your home will look so pretty with round area rugs scattered in the different rooms. They are unique and very appealing. I bet then that your place will be as fun as you are.

Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your current home or fixing up a home to flip, you will eventually have to decide what type of carpet will be best for your circumstance. There are several options along wit several price ranges so it is a good idea to educate yourself a bit before trooping off to the floor covering store to make your investment.

You must first consider and decide on the primary color option and how much quality your budget will allow. After you have decided on the two big choices, quality and color, you can then begin to relax and enjoy the experience of shopping for your new carpet.

Probably the most important factor in you carpet quality choice is going to be the cost because, like the old saying goes, you get what you pay for and this definitely applies to carpet purchases. The highest quality materials with the longest wear and easiest maintenance are going to be the most expensive to buy but the least expensive to own over the years.

The carpets with the lesser quality materials and construction will be cheaper to purchase initially but will be more difficult to maintain and will have to be completely replaced sooner. They will be more expensive to maintain because they will be more likely to not resist stains well and will not stand up to vigorous cleaning like the higher quality carpets.

You will usually find it easier when beginning your carpet color selection to move toward your final decision slowly by starting with the most basic color options first and gradually making your way through the color spectrum toward a tone that suits you best.

Begin you color selection by looking at the room you will be installing the carpet in. If the room walls are dark you will want to choose a lighter shade of carpet. If the walls in the room are light, go with a darker shade for your floor. Once you have decided on whether to go with light or dark carpet you then just need to start working your way slowly through the color spectrum to find the perfect hue for the room.

Take your time and find the exact color of new carpet for your home that makes you happy. Do yourself a favor and spend some time making sure you understand the differences in qualities of carpets so you can be happy with this decision as well. With just a little effort you will be able to find the perfect balance in your carpet choice for your situation.