Do you shy away from area Rugs because you’re afraid they won’t work in your home? Stimulistas, in today’s age of laminate, hardwood and tile floors, area rugs are key to creating beautiful spaces. Even if you live in a home with carpeting and wanting to freshen up your space, area rugs are a wonderful addition.

Area rugs are great to both physically and visually warm up a room.

They also define spaces like creating a sitting area within a living room or an office space within a family room. Considerations are Colour, pattern, texture, shape, price, cleaning and lifestyle. What is most important to you for the space? Is it to simply have something warm underfoot or do you want a signature piece you can keep for the ages? Take stock of what you’re after then start browsing.

Don’t be afraid of patterns. Even in a monochromatic space a pattern will bring life and warmth. Colour is part of it. While “wall-to-wall” carpeting is meant to basically be invisible in a room, an area rug needs to add something. You’re not after “wow, there’s a rug” but you also don’t want beige walls, beige furniture and a beige rug – snoresville.

While rugs can be expensive, don’t make the mistake of going too small, this will actually shrink a room.

Too large and you may as well have carpeting. The right size will anchor the room, bringing pieces together into a single space. At least front furniture legs should go on the rug to hold the elements together. Try putting the rug on an angle to the furniture, but if this begins to take over the space, you might want to return to a more traditional placement. Experts have a variety of ideas about how a rug should be placed so ultimately, if you like it, that’s the golden ticket.

Consider layering rugs over carpet (just be careful to secure them) to freshen up a space and give it a new life. Or, if you’re dying for that brilliant bold rug, but can’t quite afford the price tag of the large size, put down a cheaper, neutral rug, then layer your smaller dream rug on top.

Consider lifestyle needs when going through the selection process. A house filled with kids and pets needs a low-pile, easily-cleaned option instead of that plush shag you may want to reserve for your tootsies in the bedroom.

Area rugs can bring a sense of play to your life. Welcome their warmth and colour into your home for a change of scenery.

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