An area rug can set the tone of a room, tie all elements together, and be a work of art.

I attended a great event recently by Jaipur Rugs hosted by The Sofa Guy in Thousand Oaks.  While I was sitting there listening to the speaker and eating my complementary lunch, I got inspired to write a blog article about rugs and rug placement.  There are so many options for area rugs out there it can be overwhelming.  How do you know which kind to choose or how much to spend? One of the questions I hear from clients is, “Why are rugs so expensive?  Well, the price of a rug really depends on two variables, the fibers it’s made out of and whether or not it’s handmade. Handmade rugs are works of art that take much time and effort to make.  A good quality handmade rug can take up to a year and half to make, which is why they are so expensive.  When looking for rugs for your home, consider where these rugs will be going.  High quality, handmade rugs can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.  Investing in a rug like this is like investing in a piece of art.  Generally you won’t want to put one in a high traffic area.  Consider using them as a focal point in your living room, whether on the floor or hung on a wall, or in a bedroom.

Photo Credit:  Nike Pifanidis

For high traffic areas such as family rooms and hallways, synthetic or wool rugs can be a good choice, either machine made or handmade, depending on your budget.  Stay away from natural rugs like jute, hemp and sisal for these areas.  These rugs are difficult to clean and are not made to sustain constant foot traffic.  One of my favorite ways to use natural rugs is to layer them under a smaller rug in a living room.  This can also be a way to showcase a rug you really love, that’s not quite big enough.  Placing it on top of a larger rug will visually extend it’s size.

Photo Credit:  Design Sponge

Knowing what size rug to get can be tricky so here’s a guide to help you.

Remember these are just guidelines.  Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works best for you.

Also remember to always, always, always, use a rug pad under your rug.  This will prolong the life of your rug.  And, here’s a tip:  If you use a rubber, non-skid pad you should dip it in soapy water and let it completely air dry before using it so it doesn’t leave any residue on your floor.

For more on area rugs, you can go here and here.

For more inspiration check out my Pinterest board.

If you would like to work together creating a home you love, click here to schedule your consultation.

@Alicia Paley Home Interiors

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