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There are many things to consider when choosing an area rug for a particular room or space in your home. It’s kind of like buying a piece of furniture—you want to find one that will fit in nicely with its surroundings, and last for many years to come. Featured for you here are some tips that will make shopping for an area rug a cinch.

Think About Function

Area rugs are used for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes they are used for comfort. When placed in a room with hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, their main function might be to warm up cold feet and add some coziness to the space. They can also be used strictly for decorative purposes. An ornate rug with vibrant colors and patterns can spice-up a room and serve as either a focal or an accent piece. Other times area rugs are used to either protect a floor from scuffs and scratches or simply hide it if it is outdated or worn. Think about why you want the rug and what you will be using it for. The purpose of the rug is a big factor when it comes time to buy one.

Compare Rug Materials

The materials used in making a rug largely determine its durability. An area rug made of wool or silk will most likely last a lot longer than one made out of other fibers—but they will also be the most expensive choices. When it comes to natural fibers, some cheaper alternatives include cotton, jute, bamboo, and sisal. Man-made fibers are another budget-friendly option. An area rug composed of man-made fibers may not look and feel as nice as the natural fibers do—but if money is tight, it might be the best choice for sticking to your budget.

Keep Size in Mind

Before you shop for an area rug, you need to know the precise measurements of the room or space the rug will occupy. You will also want to have an idea of what size rug you will want to fill that space. Get accurate measurements of the room and record them right away so that you don’t forget them when it comes time to shop. Consider the furniture that will either lie on or surround the area rug and imagine how it will all look when it’s put together. If you’re looking for a rug for your dining room, for example, you’ll want to choose one that’s larger than your dining set by several feet on all sides.

Consider Color and Design

If you’re choosing an area rug for a room that is on the smaller side, you can make it appear larger by buying one that is lighter in color. If you want to bring a cozier feel to a room, a rug in darker shades might do the trick. To spice up an otherwise drab room, select a rug rich in color or one that features a striking pattern. Rugs come in different shapes and styles, too—from an old-world circular rug to a contemporary rectangular one, the possibilities and combinations of color and design are truly endless.

Choose a Texture That Works

The closer the knots and weaves are to each other in a rug, the stronger it will be. This is known as pile density, and the denser the rug, the more traffic and abuse it can handle. If the rug will be placed in an area where there won’t be much activity, you can rely more on what kind of texture feels the most comfortable and is the most appealing to you.

When it comes to investing in an area rug, it’s important that you choose one that meets all of your criteria. Use these tips to help you determine what kind of area rug would be best for the space in which it will be used.