Are you looking for something that will tie together the contrasting colors in a room? Soften the look? Brighten the atmosphere? Help define the areas of a room more comfortably? There's one answer to all those common design problems is the right area rug. Area rugs are the fastest growing segment of the carpeting industry - and with good reason. Installation is as simple as putting the rug where you want it. Care means running a vacuum over it - or if it's small enough, picking it up and giving it a good shake. They come in every color imaginable and in patterns and styles that range from primitive brights to subtle shadings that bring together unexpected color combinations into a beautiful and cohesive whole.
There are many different styles and types of area rugs. The one you choose can help create a unique atmosphere in your rooms.
Oriental carpets are one of the most popular styles available. The colors are generally deep and vibrant, and patterns traditional and geometric. Hand-loomed Orientals are a design investment that can last a lifetime with proper care. They're perfect in a formal room, or a contemporary setting where traffic is low to medium.
From early Colonial times, housewives followed the maxim of make-it-do. When clothing became worn past repair, the fabric found a new life in braided rugs to soften the family's floors. Braided rugs are generally round or oval, and can support a warm traditional setting, or Colonial decor. They wear well, and can often be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.
While not strictly speaking rugs, tapestries and throws are making a comeback as design accents in a room. Hung on a wall, tossed over the back of a sofa, or used on the floor in a very low traffic area, their wide variety of styles and colors can suit any decorating style.
Another throwback to Colonial times that's making a comeback in contemporary design is the floor cloth. Made from sturdy sail canvas or duck, floor cloths are a sturdy, attractive floor covering in Southwestern or contemporary style rooms. Painted designs can suit any color scheme, but popular patterns include Navajo inspired designs, and bright stenciled patterns suitable for family rooms and kids' rooms.
Cotton and wool, step aside. The hottest new area rugs are made of sisal. A fiber woven from a tropical plant, sisal creates a rough-textured, natural surface that is sturdy and durable. Traditional designs are often woven into the cloth, forming borders, stripes and other all-over patterns. They're weather and fade resistant, making them ideal for using in an enclosed patio or family room.
Want to protect a wooden floor or accent a narrow hallway? Rug runners are designed to fit long, narrow spaces, but they can be equally useful in a large, open room with different areas. A rug runner can help visually define the room, breaking it into smaller spaces - and encourage foot traffic to stay off more delicate surfaces like polished wood floors. A throw rug can serve a similar purpose, or help soften the floor underfoot at work areas like kitchen sinks and counters.