Area Rugs

By Dianne Lee

Looking to tie a room together, soften its texture, or just add a splash of colour? Consider a new area rug, these functional items are investments that can do more than just warm your toes.

It's important to remember that prices vary greatly according to fiber, quality, and design. Some rugs such as Persian or Kilim are big investments, alternately a quality wool rug is just as likely to outlast less expensive synthetic rugs. An eight by ten foot rug could run into the thousands if a Kilim, wool, or felted shag. Sisal, jute, or seagrass will cost anywhere from $350 to $500. However, you can get an eight by ten foot synthetic at most department or big box stores for as little as $50.

Carpet remnants can be found at most stores and are very inexpensive, try adding a coordinating border around the edges and you'll have the look of a custom-made rug for a fraction of the cost. If going for a more fun, casual feel try patching together several squares in bright bold colours for a child's room or den. These techniques can be done professionally or you can tape the undersides yourself. If you prefer the do-it-yourself approach, make sure the pile on all the pieces is of the same thickness and construct a 'tester' for use in a low traffic area first. A popular trend today is natural fibre rugs, these rugs get an instant designer look if the edges are trimmed with leather or suede.

Dining room rugs should be large enough so that when the chairs are pulled out the back legs are still on the carpet. Not only is this more visually pleasing, it prevents the chairs from feeling off balance. To anchor a large living or family room with minimal furniture, place an area rug in the centre and place furniture around edges of the carpet. Front legs of chairs and sofas should rest on carpet. Typically the scale of the carpet should reflect the size of the room, although a smaller rug can be used under a glass coffee table for a pleasing effect. In this case the rug should be about one to two feet larger than the table on all sides and should not include any other furnishings.

A long boring hallway can be given some flavour with the addition of three small area rugs rather than one long runner. The pieces don't have to match exactly, but it works nicely if each rug has a least one colour in common. Likewise, area rugs in the same space or adjoining rooms do not have to be identical. In fact, it can be more interesting if the carpets are different. Work with the same colour palette and style of carpet. For instance two different Persian rugs will work very well together as would two different Kilim rugs.

Area rugs aren't limited to hardwood or tile floors; they can be layered over wall-to-wall carpets as well. The proper under padding will help prolong the life of your rug as well as prevent slipping. Ask your carpet dealer to recommend the right under padding for your application.

More expensive rugs such as Persian should be sent out to a reputable cleaner for cleaning. Your vendor may suggest where to get your carpet cleaned. Less expensive rugs can be cleaned with steam cleaners and spot cleaned with various products available at the supermarket or hardware stores. When cleaning your carpet, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Most people know to avoid white or very light coloured rugs in heavy traffic areas, but be careful of black or very dark colours as well. These tend to show pet hair, crumbs, and dust more than a busy pattern might.

Experiment with rugs, try placing them on an angle for a fun look, move each from room to room for variety, alternately try oval and round rugs for unusual spaces. But remember there really is no hard and fast rule: if you like it, then it's the right look for your home.