WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACCENT, AREA, AND RUNNER RUGS?
*Area rugs are designed to cover most of the flooring in a single room in the home. They are often placed on top of hard flooring, although they can be used on carpeting. Such rugs are not wall-to-wall, but can cover 300X400 cm or even larger. They can either be used as a design focal point in a room or to make a room look cozy and comfortable.
*Accent rugs are smaller than area rugs, generally between 120x210 cm to 160x230 cm and live up to their name. They are used to decorate or define special areas of the home as well as to protect other flooring surfaces — such as when they are used in entryways.
*Runner rugs are long and narrow and used to direct traffic through areas such as hallways and secured on stairs. They range in precut sizes from 0.80x290 cm to 140x520 cm long.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND A RUG TO MATCH YOUR DECORATING SCHEME?
A dizzying array of rug designs and colors are available, allowing you to not only match but enhance your decorating scheme. Common rug styles include:
*Contemporary:
A rug style consisting of clean lines and bright, colorful, bold shapes, including geometrics. Contemporary rugs are suitable for modern styled decor.
*Traditional:
This rug style includes rich, classical styles like Persian and Oriental. Persian rugs are recognized for medallion designs with a framed elaborate border, while Oriental rugs feature ornate or floral patterns. This style of rug can have a fringed edge and is seen in living rooms or sitting areas.
*Transitional:
A versatile rug style that works in just about any decor as it combines elements from traditional and contemporary designs. Transitional rugs come in a wide range of colors, shapes and patterns.
*Casual:
This category consists of rugs featuring a variety of free-form designs, such as lines and asymmetrical patterns and light colors. They work well with an informal home style. This group could also include shags.
WHAT SIZE RUG SHOULD YOU BUY?
The location in which you will place the rug determines its size. Measure the intended space before buying a rug. Area rugs generally create the most impact when they are not consuming the entire location. For instance, as a focal point in front of a sofa or seating area. Area rugs being placed under furniture should generally be at least 40 cm smaller on all sides than the room in which they are located and 30 cm to 70 cm larger than the furniture under which they lay. For instance, a rug under a dining room table will need to provide enough space for pulling out chairs.
Accent rugs should fit comfortably in the area in which you place them, such as in front of a doorway. Runners should be long enough to finish a particular pathway, such as a hallway.
