4 Keys to Choosing an Area Rug

I believe in “Love at First Sight”, especially when it comes to selecting an area rug. It’s a real thing, I see it happen all the time, and it’s one of the more rewarding parts of my job as a Rug Specialist.

When I meet a new customer looking for an area rug, the first thing I do is try to narrow their search to help them discover their true love. Whether it’s a color, pattern, size or shape, most people have an idea of what they want, and my job is to see that they find it.

Area rugs are enhancements to their surroundings, that is why I always ask where and how the rug will be used. Other important factors are what is the available lighting in the room like, much foot traffic will there be and do they have a preference for natural or a man-made fibers? These key questions will play an important role in including or excluding a large number of rugs from their search.

Aside from the aesthetics, which will drive most area rug purchases, one of the things many people gain by shopping in our gallery is the opportunity to touch and feel the rug. That experience is one they cannot get shopping online and for many people that’s often a deal breaker when it comes to commitment.

Keys
1) COLOR & PATTERN: This is when they first fall in love. There is no doubt that the main attraction for an area rug is its color or pattern as that sets the tone for the room. Although there are many exotic patterns and colors available, an area rug doesn’t have to have an intricate pattern, or a striking hue to be “The One”. Sometimes the “Plain Jane” is the best choice for the room and the statement the customer wants to make.

2) MATERIAL:There are many options available when it comes to the fibers used in rugs, each of them having their own pros and cons. I find that some customers prefer to only consider traditional styles made of wool. This is great because we have some of the most respected and established brands that specialize in exquisite wool area rugs. Karastan, in particular is one of our most trusted manufacturers’ that excels in quality wool rugs. Other popular fiber options are synthetic materials, such as propylene or polyester, because they offer more affordable options and provide great durability.

3) SIZE: The wrong size rug will often throw off the balance in a room. As a Rug Specialist, I am trained in advising the correct size to fit every space. Different sizes are easily special ordered and, depending on the collection, you will often have options ranging in size from runners to rugs as large as 12’ x 15’ with a variety of options in between, making it easy to get just the right look

4) STYLE: There’s almost a limitless selection of designs and patterns available ranging from square shaped Persians and Abstracts to more conservative single-hue options. Additionally, fiber choice and pile heights are also defining factors in style. From luxurious silken “shags” to practical polyester flat weaves these all contribute to the overall style of the rug and the ultimate design of the space.

Many rug manufacturers specialize in distinct materials or designs. We carry ten a multitude of brands, including Karastan, Oriental Weavers, Loloi, Dalyn, Kas, Nourison, Feizy, Magnolia Home (collaboration with Loloi).

The Rug Gallery can be overwhelming because of the huge offering of rugs we carry. Our strength is that we showcase a little of everything. I like to think of myself as a bit of a Cupid, narrowing down the options and introducing the customer to “The One”.