Add style, comfort and ambiance to your room instantly with an area rug.  No other accessory can make the immediate impact to a room like a woven, handsomely colored area rug.  Rugs can define a space and add interest without any fuss whatsoever.  Unlike painting, changing window treatments, and lengthy remodeling projects, area rugs require no cumbersome installation procedures. 

While patterns and colors are fun to consider, how the space is used should also be considered when making your choice.  Does your room get regular, daily foot traffic, like in a hallway or foyer?  Is it a formal area that is only used occasionally?  Does the space get direct sunlight?  Consider durable rugs with patterns for high traffic areas. 

Whether you are looking to revitalize an existing room, or decorating a new home, there are few things to consider when selecting the rug you want. 

• Color
• Shape 
• Size
• Price range
• Theme/style
• Type
• Material
• Maintenance
• Cleaning

COLOR  

Most people have a color in mind when beginning their search for a rug. The color of the rug doesn’t need to match exactly to the colors in the room, but rather it should coordinate.  As with light-colored paint, a light-colored rug can make a room seem more spacious.  A dark-colored rug lends a warm and cozy feeling to the area.   Burgundy is a popular color for traditional area rugs because it coordinates well with many colors. 

SIZE & SHAPE

Rooms and furniture groupings are generally rectangular.  Therefore, most area rugs are rectangular.  Measure the room and the space you would like to cover.  The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 feet and 6-by-9 feet.  These sizes work well under a coffee table to define the room.  Larger rugs can cover an entire room and smaller scatter rugs add interest while being functional.  Other shapes such as oval or egg-shaped, add character and flair to a room.   

The dining room is a common place for a rug.  The general rule is to add 4 feet to the dimensions of your tabletop to determine the appropriate rug size.  The front legs of the chairs shouldn’t fall off the rug as people are being seated.  Other places you will typically see rugs are under a coffee table in the living room or den; as a focal point in a foyer; as runners in hallways and on stairs; or used to cover an entire room.  

PRICE 

You can choose your price range when selecting your new rug.  Area rugs range from very inexpensive to extremely expensive depending on the method of construction, level of craftsmanship and materials used. If your budget allows, rooms can be build around heirloom quality masterpieces that can be passed on for generations.  More typically, quality rugs can be purchased to fit any price range.  Whether your choice is power-loom woven, hand tufted, hand knotted, braided, hand hooked, machine tufted, power-loom woven or other, there are rugs to fit every budget. 

THEME & STYLE 

An area rug can quickly define a style or can enhance and compliment the existing theme of a room.  There is an endless array of rug styles and designs to choose from.  French tapestries, handmade traditional, contemporary, whimsical, southwest, Americana, casual elegance, and country home – just to name a few.  From modern to mosaic – Persian to plaid, there is something for every room in the home.  Unique rugs come from around the world and transcend style and culture.  Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Pakistanian and American manufacturers all make top quality flooring products which add character to any setting. 

TYPE & MATERIALS

The type of rug you ultimately choose goes hand in hand with the color, style and theme you are considering.  Braided, flat-woven, hand-made, loop-hooked, machine-made, sisal and jute are all different types of rugs.  Materials used to create rugs range widely and include acrylic, cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, silk, wool and a variety of blends.  Commonly rugs are wool and are yarn-dyed for long lasting colors.  The unique natural fibers of wool make rugs feel warm in cold weather and cool on hot summer days.  Synthetic area rugs feature more vibrant colors, they are longer lasting and easier to maintain. 

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

Rugs are made to be used and walked on.  Although you might see your new rug purchase as a work of art, some rugs actually look shinier and smoother with wear and, especially handmade rugs, can become more valuable with age.  Even so, your rug will need care and easy maintenance to ensure that it ages gracefully.  Vacuum the rug as you would with carpeting.  Turn your rug every few months, depending on the level of foot traffic, to keep the wear even.  Consider how much sunlight the rug is getting and whether it is even exposure.  If the rug is only getting partial exposure, it may fade unevenly.  If spills occur, clean them immediately according to manufacturer recommendations.  Shop around for a professional cleaner in your area for their level of expertise with rugs.  Although vacuuming is sufficient for daily cleaning, have your rug professionally cleaned every couple of years depending on the level of foot traffic.  Handmade woven rugs should not be taken to a carpet cleaner because their chemicals and techniques may not be appropriate for handmade rugs.

If you have any additional questions, contact us at:

phone:	1-888-775-7595
fax:	1-815-436-4951
info@efloors.com