Myndu Interior Design

Runner rugs are those long, narrow pieces often placed along the floor and stairway. Most people easily associate them with large homes, office lobbies and reception areas for big events. But more and more, they have been gaining popularity as decorative accents for various areas of the home. With more durable flooring materials in the market, runner rugs are increasingly used both for their protective quality and their aesthetic appeal. Next time you shop for rugs, consider looking for runners—they just might be what you need to give your home a visual lift.

So how do you decorate with runner rugs? Just like any home accessory, it depends mostly on how you plan to use it and what other elements are in your home. Because of their shape, runner rugs work best as accents—that is, they contribute to your existing theme rather than create or define it. Start by taking a look at your space, and finding areas where a runner rug would best serve its purpose. If you’re not sure how to go about it, here are some ideas to help you get started.

Protect high-traffic areas

Runner rugs were first used to pad the flooring in well-trodden areas such as corridors, entrance halls and stairways. If you have a traditional home, you probably have those areas as well—and chances are they get more abuse than other parts. This is especially true if you have kids and pets. Placing a runner rug along these areas can help your floors last longer and help you cut down on maintenance work at the same time.

Polypropylene area rugs are your best choice for this purpose. Also known as olefin, polypropylene is made from a synthetic fiber designed to look and feel like traditional rug materials. The best polypropylene rugs are virtually indistinguishable from wool and cotton, but also hold up well against heavy use. As a safety precaution, if you’re using the runner on a stairway, look for one with a non-slip backing to keep it from sliding off.

Complement your décor

Maybe your home needs a splash of color, or maybe you have an existing color scheme that needs a bit of contrast. A runner rug allows you to provide both without going overboard. Since you can move it around, you can experiment with different positions and angles to see where it best fits in. You can also choose to match your current colors for a seamless look, or go for a bold, clashing piece that serves as your focal point.

Another option is to use a patterned runner to set off solid color rugs. If you have a large plain rug, wall-to-wall carpeting, or simply a bare floor, a patterned piece along one side can help break the monotony. This works especially well for large space where much of the floor is usually left bare. Just choose a pattern that complements your theme and you’ve got the perfect accent to your room.

Soften hard floors

Both traditional and modern homes put a premium on tough floors. But while they’re certainly a good investment, they tend to give the home a cold, hard feel. If you walk around a lot, they can also be hard on the feet. Runner rugs add a softer look to the room and make it look more inviting. When used on a hallway, it also makes for more comfortable traffic from room to room. It can also be a good alternative to area rugs, especially if you have limited floor space.

Floral area rugs are one of the most effective styles for this purpose. Soft and feminine, floral prints work especially well against hardwood and stone, where their colors and curves offer a nice, subtle contrast. Make sure to choose one with a soft rubber backing for wood floors, as other materials can scratch and damage the protective coat. Also take note of the size of the pattern—large patterns make the area look smaller, while smaller patterns create the illusion of more space.

Update your décor

One of the best things about runner rugs—and area rugs in general—is that they’re very versatile. Since they’re not permanent fixtures, you can remove and replace them as much as you like. You can also make much bolder choices in color and pattern, as you can always roll them up if you get tired of it. With the variety of rug designs available today, it’s the perfect time to experiment.

If you like to keep up with the trends, get ideas from rug decorating sites. Look for interior design blogs that discuss rug design and search for items on runner rugs. You can also try joining a decorating forum, where you can give and share tips on area rug design. Among other things, you can learn where to find the best runner rugs, how to keep them in top shape, and new ideas for everyday décor.

Area rugs are fast becoming a must-have in modern homes. You don’t need to be an expert to see why: they’re cheap, comfortable, and add a nice splash of color to any space. But what makes them really popular these days is the variety they offer. Besides the usual Oriental and Persian rigs, you can now find country, Victorian, and postmodern rugs on the shelves. And if you want even more variety, you can buy rugs online—there are literally hundreds of sellers on the Web, each one offering an equally attractive deal.

Buying online is also a great way to save money on area rugs. Because they don’t have to maintain an actual store, online sellers don’t pay much for overhead costs. These savings are usually passed on to buyers in the form of lower prices, discounts, or package deals. Of course, there are risks to buying online—some stores offer better quality than others, and some can’t be completely trusted with your private information. That’s why it pays to be informed. Before taking any steps, here’s a quick guide to help you find the best deals.

Measure your area first.

One of the drawbacks of buying online is that you can’t see the item for yourself until it arrives at your doorstep. Many homeowners have bought rugs online only to find that it’s the wrong size for their room. Before even browsing for designs, make sure you have the room’s measurements down and know exactly where the rug is going. That way, you can choose your size more accurately. It also allows you to explore more options, such as square or round area rugs.

Remember that rugs are meant to highlight your floor, not cover it up. Plan your space so that there’s enough space around the rug to frame it properly. If you’re putting it under a dining table, choose a piece about 54 inches longer and wider so there will be room to move the chairs. For bedrooms, rugs should be about 24 inches longer on each side than the bed itself, so that there’s enough padding on the floor when you step down.

Take advantage of online deals.

Discounts are fairly common among online sellers. This is because they have more competition, and they have to make their prices attractive in order to draw in buyers. So don’t settle for the first site that turns up—chances are you’ll find the exact same rug somewhere else for a much lower price. Prices can vary by as much as 50% from one site to another, so it really pays to do your research.

If you’re buying heavy pieces such as wool rugs, you may also want to look into shipping discounts. Many sellers offer free shipping on purchases above certain costs, so it’s worth looking into. This can come in really handy considering it can cost an extra hundred dollars or so to ship a heavy rug. Make sure to check out the delivery times, couriers, and other shipping details to see if they’re worth the discount.

Order rug pads at the same time.

Rug pads are a must for most types of area rugs. They keep your rug from sliding around and folding over, which helps them stay flat and keeps them from fraying at the edges. It also protects your floor from skid marks and scratches. If you’re laying the rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, rug pads also protect the carpet material from thinning out due to the constant friction. These usually have to be bought separately, although some contemporary area rugs have rug pads already sewn in.

If your rug doesn’t come padded, it’s usually best to get the rug pads from the same seller. That way, you can be sure they have the right measurements, and you don’t have to wait a week to lay it out. Some places can even put the pad on for you before shipping, or offer discounts on the rug pad if you buy them at the same time.

Get firsthand advice.

Designers may know what works and what doesn’t, but when it comes to value, fellow homeowners are always your best source. Before making your decision, ask around for tips on getting the best prices, reviews of different rug brands, and practical buying advice. On the Web, you’ll find lots of forums where people share their ideas. It’s a great way to keep up with trends and share your thoughts at the same time.

You can also look for a blog on area rug decorating. These are usually run by professional designers or design enthusiasts, so you’re really getting first-rate advice—and the best part is that it’s free. If you’re the type who likes to stay in style, reading decorating blogs can help you stay ahead and keep your décor in fashion.

Area rugs are often associated with contemporary homes, especially as modern designers use them increasingly as focal points. Browse through any home design catalog and you’ll notice that rugs play a central role in many design plans, highlighting the sleek, stylish atmosphere of a modern home. But modern isn’t the only way to describe area rugs. More and more homeowners are opting to buy rugs online to get the best of both worlds: the bold attitude of a contemporary home and the warm, cozy feel of the classics.

It may seem contrary to the rules of design—after all, the point of choosing a theme is to keep your visual elements consistent. But blending two themes doesn’t always mean breaking the rules. That’s where area rugs come in: since they’re so varied and versatile, you can easily find one that’s sleek and soft, modern and classical, cutting-edge and nostalgic all at the same time. It may take some planning and a bit of creative thinking, but the results are often more than worth it. Here are some design tips to help you find the perfect piece.

Choose your color combinations.

Colors play a big role in whether a home looks “old” or “new.” Trends change a lot, so there’s no single rule as to which colors evoke which moods. However, there are some elements that can give you a clue: for example, neutral colors like beige and white are associated with classic designs, while bold, jewel tones are considered more modern. Consult an area rug blog or some recent design reviews to find out what’s in and what’s not.

The best way to blend the two together is by opting for contrast. If you have pastel walls or a mellow color scheme, set it off with a brightly colored area rug. Adding a nice splash of color can really bring it to life and turn it into the room’s focal point. Note that not all contrasting colors work together—sometimes two colors simply don’t work. Print out a color wheel to help you determine which colors complement the ones you already have.

Get inspired by nature.

If there’s one design element that unites the old and the new, it’s probably the patterns derived from nature. Whether in a charming log house or an elegant urban pad, natural materials like wood floors and stone counters have always been considered the best. So choose an area rug that channels the beauty of nature and ties your modern and traditional elements together. Floral rugs are especially good for softening up hard flooring surfaces.

Nature designs can also lean towards the abstract side, which helps it blend better into modern décor. While actual floral and leaf prints can be very eye-catching, sometimes a stylized pattern works much better with what’s already there. This is especially true if you already have lots of color and pattern in the home, and you need a much simpler area rug to balance it out. Take your time to shop around and see which pieces fit the best.

Play up the contrast.

The best way to make a combined theme work is to highlight the contrast between the two. While a bit of subtlety won’t hurt, you don’t have to mask the difference completely either. Look into traditional area rugs—rugs that have both modern and classic elements in one piece. The Dynamic Rugs Charisma 1409 Mediterranean blue area rug is a good example—the intricate patterns convey a classic oriental feel, while the vibrant blue background creates a mood that’s decidedly modern.

If you have a hardwood floor, another way you can introduce contrast is by going for soft materials. Wood may be nice to look at, but it tends to look cold and uninviting especially when left bare. With a well-chosen area rug, you can add a touch of warmth to the floor and make it look much cozier. Genuine wool and shag rugs work especially well because of their thick construction, which helps them stand out more against the wood grain.

Consider unusual shapes.

You’re probably most familiar with rectangular and square area rugs, and for most homes, they do work perfectly well. But shaped rugs are also becoming increasingly popular. Round area rugs are a great way to mix soft curves with straight, angular walls. You can also go for oval area rugs, which make excellent backdrops for low furniture such as TV trays and coffee tables.

If your room is large enough, consider putting a round oriental rug in the middle. This helps create a visual center to the room, making it look more intimate and drawing all the design elements together. Just choose a pattern or design that complements your existing décor, and you have the perfect finishing touch for a classic yet contemporary home.

Determining the proper size for a room’s area rug can become a bit daunting and takes many factors into consideration. Room and furniture size, style, and personal preference all need to be taken into consideration.

Before going out to look for a new area rug, start by taking a few measurements in your space. You will first need the over all dimension of the room you are shopping for. There is no sense in purchasing a rug that will have to curl up at the ends of the wall.

The second group of measurements you will need is the furniture that you intend to place on, around or near your area rug. A key component of good design is proportion. If you have a gargantuan sofa, you do not want to purchase a small rug that will just get lost lying next to the furniture.

You will also need these measurements to decide on your overall furniture or seating arrangement. How will the rug compliment the way you have your sofa facing the two slipper chairs with the Neoclassical glass coffee table in-between? Do you want the rug to have a floating appearance or tie the seating arrangement in close for good conversation? Do you want the first thing your feet touch when climbing out of bed to be the plush wool rug?

It is best to draw all of this out before you leave the house. Used graph paper to draw your room to scale with all of the furniture in it. This does not need to be exact or beautiful; just a rough sketch, one block equal one square foot. After you sketch in your furniture, go ahead and draw in the ideal size area rug you would like. Figure out the size of the rug you just sketched in using the lines on the graph paper.

Another way is to use newspaper. Lay sheets of newspaper on the floor where you want to put the rug. Play around with the size until you have it just right.

Area rugs are sold in what is considered “typical sizes.” These are the standard sizes used to mass-produce rugs to the masses. If your ideal rug does not fit into these standard sizes, a custom rug can be made. Just keep in mind that custom area rugs can become very expensive, and probably will not make that big of a difference. It is often the best choice to stick with the typicals.

Living in an apartment or small home, most rooms and eating arrangements will benefit most with an 8’ x 10’ area rug or smaller. Grandeur formal living rooms and dens will benefit from the larger sizes.

Do you already have wall-to-wall carpeting in your home? Don’t discount the use of area rugs. They work very well to visually divide large spaces, provide distinction and color to any room and can be much more plush to walk on.

From one mom to another, an area rug underneath the dining room table is splendid for catching food and stains. When it is dirty, you can either have it professionally cleaned or just take it outside and scrub it down with detergent as opposed to having to replace your entire carpet throughout because of one grape juice stain.

These tips are just the basics to buying your next area rug. In the end, keep in mind your own personal style and taste. Just because the interior design professionals say that these rules are the way you should do it, doesn’t mean that their way is the only way to liven up your personal space with area rugs.

If you are shopping around for a great contemporary area rug for your home you’ll notice there are many different styles, patterns, colors, and features now in area rugs than there ever was before. Contemporary area rugs are sometimes very catchy to the eye when you enter the room. So how do you know if it’s for your taste and style? If you aren’t too into the perfection of style but would rather go for something which matches your lifestyle, then contemporary will somehow have to be tied in with your theme of choice.

The contemporary area rugs style is somewhat bold with either its color, pattern, or both. If you are someone who loves prints make sure you aren’t overwhelming your room with too many. For example, if you have a busy wallpaper design on your walls you wouldn’t want to bring in a busy area rug which would make it look like a crazy room. You’re better off starting with basic wall color and then bringing in a great contemporary area rug to be the center of attention and the first thing that grabs everyone’s eyes when they enter.

Of course rugs which are just plain and simple are easier to place in any type of décor. You can also choose one which only has two colors yet a simple pattern to make a bold statement. You may also want to avoid any lighter colored area rugs in a busy area where there will be heavy traffic going through. Try to stay with the greens, reds, or blues rather than beige and white.

The more textures and contrast you have in a rooms design will give you that comfort feeling that it’s an actual living space rather than a sitting area where you feel unwelcome. If possible try to add some manmade or natural materials in your rooms design to give it a great touch. As many homes have wooden floors which are a manmade material you’d want to place a brighter area rug onto its surface to give it more of a texture look. Unlike wooden floors, tile or marble may seem cold and uninviting so you’d want to place a great softer area rug to warm up the space.

When choosing a great area rug make sure you choose a rug which is functional with your lifestyle. You don’t want to purchase an expensive rug which is more prone to getting ruined if you have children or family and friends which visit frequently in a family room or entry of the door. You’d want one which was washable and durable to traffic. Braided area rugs are great for those areas of heavy footed traffic.

Another great idea with area rugs is if you have a larger space which you’re looking to break into a few different little areas such as a seating area and a family entertainment location, choose different area rugs. Make sure that you’re still sticking with the same type of style as in color so it doesn’t throw the rooms design off too much! It will break up the space and make it seem as if it is two rooms instead of one large.

For sheer beauty and style; functionality and durability, nothing can match fabulous area rugs. In recent times, area rugs have become all the rage and many people are replacing wall to wall carpeting with wooden floors covered by area rugs in all colors, reversing a trend that began in the 1960s when wood floors were covered up with wall to wall carpeting.

There are many different types of area rugs to choose from. Walking into a store to buy an area rug without knowing the difference could very well have you tied up in knots.

Here then is an introduction to the fascinating and exotic world of area rugs. Mix and match them or use them all by themselves to make a style statement all your very own.

Area rugs are versatile and can be used anywhere for any purpose; the only thing you cannot do is use them as flying rugs.

Persian Rugs

These are the top of the line when it comes to area rugs. Still made in Iran and Iraq as they have been for thousands of years, these rugs are intricate in design and extremely colorful. In addition to being used as floor coverings, they are equally stunning when used as wall hangings. Persian rugs come in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, colors and designs and are much coveted by collectors everywhere especially by those who deal with antiques.

Oriental Rugs

Similar to Persian rugs and just as much of an old tradition; the main difference is that the design in Oriental area rugs do not depict pictures but are based around different geometric designs. They are also colorful, although they will not use as many colors as Persian rugs. Antique Oriental rugs are prized by collectors and can be either oval, round or rectangular in shape.

Braided Rugs

These rugs are generally oval shaped and are made from rags or materials that have been made into a long rope which is then rolled and sewn until it gets to the desired size. Next to hand quilts, braided area rugs are the only true American art form. Braided area rugs come in all sizes but are predominantly round or oval.

Rag Rugs

These simple rugs can be made by anyone and are made by making several strips of rolled rags and then weaving them together. A classic American art form, rag rugs are usually square or rectangular shaped as opposed to the round or oval shapes of rolled rugs.

Latch Hook Rugs

These rugs were very popular in the 1970s as many people made these rugs for their homes themselves. They came with a pattern and a hook as well as yarn that was hooked and knotted into a backing. This was a relaxing hobby for many people in the 1970s and many of these rugs still exist today. You can still purchase latch hook rug kits in a wide range of sizes in craft stores or if you prefer you can buy the mesh, rug hooks and yarn separately and make your very own design.

Bathroom Rugs

The main feature of a bathroom rug is the rubber backs that make them slip resistant. Bathroom rugs are typically made of water resistant materials and can easily be tossed into the wash. While most people dislike the idea of using carpeting in the bathroom, bathroom rugs make it easy to get out of the tub without slipping on the wet tile floor. They also work well against the sink and make standing in the bathroom more comfortable, especially if you are bare feet in the winter.

Choosing an area rug that will suit your needs and the needs of your home is a difficult task if you don’t know what size you’re looking for. Check out these simple rules and save yourself and your home from a fashion disaster.

Decorating with rugs should be a simple, fun task that makes your home look beautiful and new, even if that’s the only thing you change. But if you’re unaware of the simple little tips and tricks that make using rugs as décor superb looking you may end up with more of a fashion faux pas on your hands than anything else. One of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting area rugs for their homes is purchasing the wrong size area rug. Here are some ways you can determine what size area rug you need for your home so you can avoid overdoing it or under-doing it.

Dining room—When you’re decorating the dining room, there are simple rules to follow with your rug:

· The legs of your dining chairs should always stay on the area rug. Whether you are seated in the chair or pulling it away from the table to seat yourself or stand up, all four legs should be on the rug at all times.

· Add at least 4 feet to the length of your dining room table and 4 feet to the width.

· You will most likely need an 8 foot wide area rug, but remember, with the additional 4 feet, it could be wider.

In the living room, den or other social room—Where there’s a social room, there’s a need for an area rug and here what’s you need to do to be successful:

· An area rug under a coffee table should be able to easily accommodate all four legs.

· The area rug should be no more than a couple of inches wider and longer than the furniture in its space.

· As an accent piece, there should be a few inches of flooring between the area rug and the furniture, like couches, etc.

Rugs that cover an entire room—Decorating with rugs gets tricky when you decide to use one to cover your entire room. But for the most effective look remember:

· Equal borders are the key to your success. When you lay your area rug out in the room, you should try to have equal amounts of the flooring beneath showing on all four sides where possible.

· In the case of a full room area rug, it’s okay for some permanent furniture to have front legs on and back legs off, as long as it doesn’t make the furniture wobble or make the design seem unbalanced.

· Measure your room and try to be proportionate in your rug selection. If your room is 11’ x 15’ you should not select a rug that is 10’ x 14’. Instead reduce the rug in inches of 2 until you create the look you want. If you start with odd numbers you should end with odd numbers, and the same goes for even numbers.

Remembering, the size of the area rug you choose can make or break your theme in your room so pay attention and pick the size that best suits your needs.

Large rugs can be used in any area in the house. They were very popular in the early part of the 20th century, until they were replaced by the ubiquitous wall to wall carpeting, which suddenly became much sought after. Recently, decorating with large rugs seems to have regained its lost popularity amongst most decorators. Even those who have wall to wall carpeting are still using large rugs in spaces in their house. Why? Because area rugs look pretty and add a sense of warmth to any home.

Large Rugs in Dark Colors or Large Rugs in Light Colors?

When wall to wall carpeting first hit the scene in the 1960s, it came in a variety of colors. It still comes in a variety of colors, however most people are realizing that deep red plush carpeting or dark orange in the living room might look nice for a while, but when this style goes out in two years, you are stuck with it. When these homeowners decide to replace the carpeting, they normally opt for a neutral shade so that they never have to again have the horror of out of date wall to wall carpeting throughout the house. So many people choose neutral shades.

Neutral shades are a good choice in carpeting. This way, you can decorate for years without having to change the carpeting. You can change the décor in your house from Southwestern to ultra modern simply by changing some accessories instead of ripping up the carpeting. Large rugs enable you to add decor to any room without costing you a lot of money. And when you are sick of it, or it goes out of style, much like orange shag carpeting, then you can get rid of it and replace the large rug with something else, or nothing as the neutral carpet underneath will be in excellent condition.

The Many Features of Large Rugs

You do not have to spend a lot of money to buy large rugs. They are available at discount stores for under $100. You can get imitation Persian or Oriental carpeting or even large modern area rugs that will make a statement in any room.

One of the nicest things about using large rugs is that you do not have to worry about them slipping. Because they are large and, in some cases, nearly take up an entire room, they are too heavy to move. Unlike a small rug which can slip out from under you if you do not have a slip guard on the back, a large rug is pretty stationary.

If you have hardwood floors in your home, you should have a large rug to give the room a feeling of warmth as well as to protect the floors. Scuffs are common in large traffic areas and rugs can protect the hardwood from these scuffs. On top of that, they are much more comfortable to walk on, especially in the winter.

Nothing can set off the décor in your house like large rugs. Whether you are putting them down on carpeting or on bare floors, they really add style to your home.

After moving in together creating your first home can be hard. Both of you bring your old stuff, and maybe these have totally different style, and ecletic designs can be beautiful and comfortable, but only if you understand the principles that unify different styles. Here are a few home decorating tips to help you create an home you’ll both enjoy!

First things first, don’t forget that emotions can run high when you’re talking about a favorite piece of furniture. While this may hold no meaning for you at all, it may have a sentimental value to your partner. If you are determined to get rid of it, be gentle when you tell your partner that it has to go. A good way is to ask her/him about that particular item and find out if it really has a history.

It’s better if you don’t buy anything until you’re fully moved in and have decided who’s going to keep what. Have a plan what to buy, where and for how much! Another style in the already eclectic home can be a waste of money and energy. Buy gradually as your budget allows you. And don’t forget to prioritize, because you may end up having a beautiful set of dishes but no table…

One solution to unify different styles and colors is to add elements that can bridge the gap. A mismatched sofa and chair can become one when you add accent cushions that match both. Recovered in the same fabric, these can become harmonious. You also have the option to add a third piece, if you have for example a different chair and couch: a carpet. Be sure that it matches both colors and will serve as a gap filler!