Know these things before you purchase an area rug.
Learn all you can before buying flooring, including area rugs. Knowledge about rug specifics, characteristics, and traits can be invaluable. Choosing the best area rug for your home is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget to best meet the needs of your lifestyle.
1. Size and shape
made in different sizes and in different shapes
most common sizes are 2’x3’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’ and up
shapes - rectangle, round, square, oval, octagon or runners
most are rectangular and have standard sizes
choose the correct size depending on the dimensions of the room or space
measure the size of your room
measure the space you want covered
place pieces of paper where each of the corners will fall
adjust the “corners” as needed to make the space larger or smaller
re-measure the area
to cover the majority of the room, leave a 12”-15” border
under the dining table- select a rug that is large enough so that when seated at the table the back legs of the chairs are on the rug with enough space to push back and get up from the table
2. Color:
think outside the box
vital element- machine made or handmade
combination of colors
select a rug with colors to visually enhance the decor
colors don’t have to match other colors in the room
choose colors that either contrast or compliment a color scheme
think outside the box
3. Pattern:
helpful elements in narrowing down rug selection
pattern is the way lines are used to form shapes on a rug
divided into three categories: curvilinear, geometric, and pictorial
woven with curving lines (curvilinear) or straight lines (geometric)
pictoral -refers to rugs that portray people and/or animals
4. Style:
defined as the way different motifs, colors and patterns give character
range from floral to contemporary to traditional
can also reflect a season or a theme (nautical, birds, water)
most important styles of handmade rugs: Persian, Chinese, Turkoman, Caucasian, European, Anatolian, Tibetan, Indian, Baluchi, North African, Native American, and East Turkestan
these styles have different designs
Tabriz design is considered a Persian style
styles or sub-styles are made in their place of origin and other countries
a Tabriz style may be made in Tabriz or India
5. Design:
Can be divided into three major designs
All-over
motifs are spread throughout the rug
Medallion
a large centerpiece is the focal point of the design
One-sided
the design is woven in one direction
designs can be intricate or simple, solid, or feature borders
Age:
attribute specifies how old a rug is
There are three major timeline categories:
Antique, over 60 years old
Semi-antique, between 25 and 60 years old
Contemporary, less than 25 years old
Condition:
wear and tear influences a rug’s value
Handmade rug classification:
Fine- in excellent shape with no stains, tears or holes, and no previous repair work
Average- may have undergone or may require some minor repair
Worn- may have discoloration, fading, insect or foundation damage.
Know the entire cost of ownership
price on the tag is one component of your cost
ask for the total cost of your area rug project
Potential additional expenses:
product delivery
consult the manufacturer’s care and cleaning recommendations and the cost to clean