If you find that your floors are the only thing in your house that need more personality, then it’s time to invest in a rug. Area rugs can cover an ugly wall or take your living room from merely satisfactory to spectacular with just a few swipes of color. But before you make a purchase, be sure to keep these 10 tips in mind.
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- Do some research. There are countless websites and books dedicated to area rugs, so do some digging before venturing out into the store—you’ll know exactly what you want before stepping foot inside!
- Test drive different styles. If you’re unsure of what kind of look you’re going for, test-drive several different ones in the store. You’ll be surprised at how much variety there is!
- Go for a neutral color. Neutral colors will help balance out the rest of your furniture, making you feel more comfortable as soon as you walk into your home.
- Think about your budget. If $200 will set you back and still be too pricey, look into inexpensive area rugs that can provide the same style for less money. You’ll still want to keep within your budget and make sure that what you buy is durable enough to stand the test of time!
- Get a rug pad if yours is worn out. A rug pad will keep your area rug from ever wearing out. Using a thick pad and extra fastening may be required—be sure to measure beforehand to ensure you get the right size!
- Don’t forget about your shoes. Area rugs can make an annoying mess, and leaving your shoes on the floor can cause it to wear down even faster than normal. If you don’t want this to happen, invest in some runners or a slip-resistant bottom (though these take away from the look of your rug).
- Be sure to vacuum frequently if you have pets. Animal hair can ruin an area rug.
- Be sure to clean spills immediately. Letting them sit will cause the color to bleed into the rest of the rug.
- Try to hang it up as soon as you get home.
- Choose rugs with a pattern that matches your style. You’re not required to have a specific taste or pattern in mind, but you want something that you’ll love looking at now and years from now!
Conclusion
The area rug is an essential furniture piece for any contemporary living room. It can change the look of your living room and is available in a wide range of styles, sizes and colors. If you are looking to make a statement in your living room, it might be time to reconsider what’s behind your sofa and consider buying an area rug that will add a more stunning look to your space. Area rugs can help bring together the rest of your home’s decor, tie together different elements and give you the flexibility to choose just the right one for the right place.