Rug Shopper's Guide
INTRODUCTION
This Rug Shopper's Guide is designed to simplify your purchase of an Area or Oriental rug to make your home more beaufiful.
Getting Started
On a room-by-room basis, determine the look you want to create on your budget. There is a wide variety of rugs to choose from at many price points.
DESIGN & COLOR
- First determine the mood you want for a room,(e.g.)formal or casual. The design personality and color of the rug selected will create the desired feeling for the room.
- Formal rugs can anchor a room with a calming effect.
- Casual and fun elements are great for a family room.
- Bold medallions make a dramatic statement.
- Elegant fine lines and subdued colors have a quiet pleasing effect.
- Vintage patterns are a traditional way to reminisce about their time and place.
- Pure colors are more formal and elegant.
- Abrash (blending of two or more colors) creates a broader color pallet and can be easier to decorate with.
- Rug patterns can work with the existing designs and fabrics in your room.
SIZE
Big Rugs First
- Prioritize your rug purchases according to room size and importance.
- Each rug acquired will lessen your choices for future rug selections.
- Accent rugs and runners are easier to co-ordinate with the main rug than vice-versa.
Room Size
- Room layout, size & walls will limit the dimensions for a comfortable fit.
Furniture
- A furniture setting suggests the minimum size rug that will create an island effect to visually hold the pieces together.
- There are no rules about on or off the edges. Simply, what feels right and functions best.
Traffic
- Foot pathways should avoid pivot points at the edges of rugs.
Template
- Use a tarp or sheet folded to size to determine your preferred rug sizes or mark the rug size on the floor with masking tape.
- Some areas can use a room size rug or an assortment of smaller rugs.
TYPES OF RUGS
There are three types of rugs to consider purchasing:
- Handmade, Flatweave or Knotted Pile
- Hand Tufted
- Machine Made, Axminster or Wilton
Other factors that influence price:
- Materials - wool, cotton, silk or synthetic fibers
- Complexity of design
- Number of colors used
- Dying technique (vegetable or synthetic)
- Knot count
- Age and condition of antique and semi-antique rugs
Use of Room & Rug
- Amount of traffic and soil
- Are you looking for a piece of art for your floor that will last for a lifetime or a decorating accessory for the short term.
Texture
- Handmade weavings from natural fibers make an inviting soft appeal.
- Pattern clarity is achieved by using tight smooth finishes.
- Tribal artifacts, pillows and tapestries can be components of a well-decorated room.
Investment
- Area rugs are movable from room to room and house to house.
- Quality materials and construction will insure longevity of both the look and value of a fine rug.
- Handmade Oriental rugs will last for generations with proper care and maintenance.
Before you visit a rug store, it will help you to first complete the following for the rooms you wish to decorate.
Room Sizes:-
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Living Room:__________________ |
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Family Room:__________________ |
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Dining Room:__________________ |
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Kitchen Area:__________________ |
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Den:_________________________ |
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Entrance Foyer:________________ |
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Master Bedroom:_______________ |
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Hallways:_____________________ |
Standard Rug Sizes:
2'*3' 5'*7' 9'*12'
3'*5' 6'*9' 10'*14'
4'*6' 8'*10' 12'*15'
Runners Sizes:
Width 2'3" 2'8" 3' 4' 5'
Length 6' 8' 10 12' 14'-30'
Rounds Sizes: 6' 8' 10' 12'
Squares Sizes: 6' 8'
Custom rugs can be made in any size.
Bring your color swatches and fabrics with you when shopping. Also, include wood stains, ceramic tiles & counter top samples. Having these samples will help guide and make you a more confident shopper.
 Rug Shopper's Guide.pdf
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