Knowing What You Want

Now that you know a little bit about rug terminology and the different styles of rugs that are available, you will need to consider various factors before you actually purchase one. Oriental rugs are an investment. Knowing what you want before you purchase and what your budget is will ensure that you are happy with your choice.

• Picture the finished look of the room. Do you prefer the simple, orderly look, do you lean toward the clean lines of a modern design, or do you want to have a room rich with colors and textures?
  
  
• Remember that a rug should be the largest splash of color in any room. The furniture should enhance the rug design or bring out the colors found in the rug.
  
  
• Don't select a “busy” area rug if the room's color scheme and patterns are “busy” as well. This will cause visual overload and will take away from the beauty of your rug.
  
  
• Think about the room and the area you want to cover.
  
  - The most common sizes are 4x6 and 6x9. These size rugs work well under coffee tables. Where as an 8x10 area rug (or larger) can cover an entire room. Smaller area rugs are ideal for providing a dash of color to an intimate space.
  
  
• Think about the shape of the rug you want.
  
  - Let your decorating approach determine your rug shape. Don’t be limited to the notion that a square or rectangular rug is the only way to go. A circular or octagonal-shaped rug can add panache and sophistication to any room in your home or office.
  
  
• You will need to decide how many rugs you want in a room.
  
  - One rug is the general rule. It brings the room together and helps to determine fabric colors for furniture and window treatments.
  
  - In a very large room, more than one rug can be used to separate the room. The designs of the rugs should vary enough to create spatial separation, but similar in color and quality so that the integrity of the room is maintained.
  
  
• Choose a rug based on the durability needs that you require.
  
  - There are many rug fabrics to choose from. When choosing your rug, you will need to know what type of traffic area it will be in. For example, you wouldn’t want to put a silk rug in an entryway because it wouldn’t stand up to the demands of a high-traffic area.
  
  Remember, your rug should be something that you will be happy with for years to come. Take your time and consider what will work best for you. Happy shopping!