Myndu Interior Design

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.