Few things have the potential to tie a room together as well as an area rug. To make a decision you’ll be happy with in the long term and which suits your lifestyle and aesthetic, make sure you know what to look for. Consider three features of floor rugs to help ensure you find the perfect floor covering for your home. 

A Guide to Choosing an Area Rug

1. Color

While it can be tempting to choose an area rug that is your favorite color, it’s more important to choose a shade that allows it to complement the other tones in the room. Before making any decisions, do a color inventory in the space and pay attention to some of the dominant motifs. You also may have some constraints based on whether you have kids or pets in the house. In that case, you might want to choose something darker that will better mask stains. 

2. Size

An area rug serves a different purpose than wall-to-wall carpet, so it’s worth taking some time to consider what size you prefer. If you guess at the size you will need, you may wind up with a covering that is awkwardly small or large for the space. A designer’s rule of thumb is to leave at least ten inches between the walls and the border of your rug, so get out your measuring stick and use some tape to trace out the silhouette. That way, you’ll get a preview of the sizing and you’ll be able to adjust your preference before making a choice. 

3. Pile

Another thing to think about is the density of the fibers in your area rug. Depending on your needs, you may want a denser rug, known as high pile, or a less dense rug, known as low pile. High pile rugs tend to be comfier and softer, though they don’t hold up as well to lots of traffic if you frequently have guests or if you have a larger family. Low pile rugs tend to be less expensive and more durable, as well as easier to clean.

If you’re on the hunt for a beautiful area rug, turn to the specialists at Gene's Floor Covering II in Gulf Shores, AL. These professionals are not only available to help you with measuring and design consultations, but they also have a dazzling array of options to choose from. Start a conversation with one of the staff members by calling (251) 968-6456, or learn more about their rug selection by visiting the company’s website.