Decorating Success Underfoot: Area rugs

I don't believe anything underscores a beautiful room quite like an area rug. Whether it's a hand-woven oriental, a French needlepoint, a rustic sisal, or a modern loop, an area rug is what I call, a desirable necessity. Intensely practical, these self-bound carpets satisfy our craving for comfort and luxury, two things I could never live without. So, for true success underfoot, here are a few things you may want to know about area rugs.

Early Use

Prior to the 17th century, carpets made on hand looms were used primarily to cover walls, tables, and chairs. That may seem strange to us but remember, at that time, carpets provided much needed warmth in cold, stone interiors.

Practical Uses

Area rugs have a multitude of practical purposes beyond providing a beautiful backdrop for a room's furnishings. A well-placed carpet can introduce structure to an open concept floor plan, one of the most difficult challenges when working with loft spaces. It can also intimately enfold a conversation grouping, direct the flow of traffic and help define distinct areas of activity. The right area rug will link disparate furnishings, and even provide inspiration for colour schemes. One large carpet or several smaller carpets can hide unsightly flooring such as worn carpeting or linoleum, help stop dirt at entranceways, and anchor individual seating arrangements. And, area rugs can actually help dampen noise levels within rooms - something that may appeal to you if you have toddlers or teens.

Pattern

In general, modern and contemporary styled area rugs tend to involve less pattern while traditional styled carpets typically contain more colors and more intricate detailing. While all-over patterns visually help to widen and energize a room, geometric patterns, or those with a border, visually enclose an area of space. Choose a central medallion on carpets in open seating arrangements or centered under glass tables. However, if a space is an awkward shape or proportion, a central medallion will only accentuate that. Dynamic stripes can be used to visually widen narrow spaces.

Common Questions

How large should an area rug be? To determine the maximum size try this formal: subtract 3' from the room's width and 3' from the room's length. This allows for a sufficient "frame" of floor around the perimeter of the carpet.

Should furniture be placed on or off the carpet? This answer is somewhat subjective. My feeling is, it is always more gracious to have furniture on an area rug, however sometimes you have to experiment. Not sure which way works best? Take a Polaroid of both scenarios. Somehow, seeing your options in a two-dimensional format makes choosing easier. I do however have a strong preference in the dining room. Guests must be able to move in and out from the table with ease, so it's preferable to have chairs firmly planted on a carpet. Choose a carpet that is 42"-48" larger (by width and length) than your table.

Investment

According to Allen Pourvakil, owner of Woven Art Studio (416-929-9290), "Quality carpets are an investment, often representing the largest piece of art in each room, and creating a life-style statement that helps homeowners achieve an overall look in decorating. Additionally, a hand-made carpet is the healthiest product for the floor since 100% wool and cotton are used, whereas broadloom has more than a hundred chemicals in it. Pairing a hand-made carpet with a hardwood floor is the best way to bring "nature" into your interiors."

Before selection consider a rug's individual merits. Is it made by hand? Where does it originate? How durable is it? Is it easy to clean? All of these things will help determine its ultimate worth. An area rug's ability to move with ease between rooms (and to a new home should you decide to move) also increases its desirability.