Fashion Under Foot

Area rugs . . . they work to harmonize a room, to create striking focal points, to warm up the floor, and to introduce color and pattern. But how do you know what to look for in a rug? What size to buy? What the different types of rugs are? Where to place your rug? All of these are questions that should be asked before making a rug purchase, and Kornmeyer's can help answer them with these buying tips.

Size

  • Rugs generally come in standard sizes - 2x3 feet, 3x5 feet, 4x6 feet, 6x9 feet, 9x12 feet, and 12x15 feet. You can also find rugs in custom sizes and custom colors. Handmade rugs will vary in size slightly due to the one-of-a-kind hand construction of each individual rug.
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  • Don't skimp when it comes to size. For example, if the rug is for a dining room, be sure that it is a comfortable fit even when guest push their chairs back from the table.
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  • A room-size rug should cover all but a foot or two around the edge of the room.
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  • If you're looking to draw together a conversation grouping, be sure the legs of the perimeter seating pieces are either all on or all off the rug.
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Where to Place Your Rug

  • Two rugs can divide a large living area into two distinct conversation areas.
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  • A rug placed under a bed horizontally at its mid point can give a unique casual look.
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  • A rug placed in a dining room can improve acoustics by softening conversation and absorbing table noise.
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  • A rug placed over carpet offers a terrific design element, drawing all of the room's colors together. A rug over bare floors also comforts cold feet.
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Types of Rugs and Rug Designs

  • Aubusson - Characterized by a central medallion, the Aubusson rug features floral and scroll designs with a flat tapestry-like weave.
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  • Braided - The braided rug is a very simple coiled rug made by braiding cloth strips, then stitching them together, making it very durable and reversible.
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  • Dhurrie - Hand-woven in India, the dhurrie rug is characterized by muted colors and stylized motifs. The dhurrie is also reversible because it is flat-woven. Though it was inspired by ancient cotton coverings for floors and beds, the dhurrie is typically made of wool today.
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  • Flokati - Originating in Greece, this shaggy, off-white rug is made of sheep wool.
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  • Hooked - The hooked rug derives its patterns from pulling yarn through its mesh backing.
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  • Kilim - The kilim is a flat-woven, handmade wool rug from Turkey and other parts of the Middle East and is characterized by it vibrant colors and geometric designs. Kilim patterns are also well imitated in today's machine-made rugs.
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  • Needlepoint - This hand-stitched wool rug was developed in 18th century Europe and is most often distinguished by floral motifs or pictorial patterns.
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  • Oriental - This Middle East rug - whether hand-loomed or machine-made - is characterized by its large-scale patterns, medallions, and corner motifs. It is traditionally executed in dark blues and brick reds, but its pattern varies with the region of its origin.
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  • Rag - The rag rug is a flat-weave style that is typically hand-loomed in multicolor stripes.
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  • Rya - Characterized by colorful, abstract designs, the rya rug is a shaggy, hand-woven rug originating in Scandinavia.
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  • Sisal - Made of sisal hemp plant, this tightly woven rug is characterized by a herringbone or geometric pattern.
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Buying Tips

  • If the rug is intended for a high-traffic area, it needs to stand up to heavy use. Also, stain-resistant features may be important to you for rooms with heavy usage.
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  • Deep colors and patterns hide spills and dirt well.
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  • Although quality rugs can last for generations, new, affordable options don't demand such longevity from each purchase.
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  • High-quality Oriental rugs are made of sheep or lamb's wool yarns, hand-knotted through linen or cotton backing. The more knots per square inch, the better the quality.
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  • The place where you buy your rug is as important as the rug you choose. Look for a store with an impeccable reputation and one that will still be around if you should need service on your purchase.
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Rug Liners

  • Whether placing your rug on a hard-surface or soft-surface floor, be sure to use a liner. This will keep the rug (and you) from slipping on a hard-surface floor and keep the rug from creeping or wrinkling on a soft-surface floor.
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  • A good-quality pad featuring open-weave construction provides the best air circulation.
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  • The least expensive pads may be costly in the long run - some will discolor vinyl or hardwood floors. Look for a pad made of natural rubber or latex products.
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  • The rug pad should be cut back about two inches from the edge of the rug (on all four sides) to ensure a good hold.
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  • Be sure the pad is thin, ideally between 1/8 and 1/16 inch thick. This will prevent a "shoulder" at the edge of the rug that can catch heels and create a wear point on the rug.
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These tips should help you get started on your search for your ideal rug. If you have any questions about choosing a rug, stop by Kornmeyer's to talk with one of our professional interior consultants or e-mail us at