A rug which suits one room perfectly will not fit in another. This is because rooms and rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Rugs add an essential color and a little character to any room. They have been used since the Bronze Age and some rugs are incredibly valuable.
A short history
Historians have located evidence that suggests rug making was part of life as long ago as 6,500 BC. The oldest known rug dates from 4,500 BC and was found at a burial mound in Pazyryk; it is still possible to see the original colors of the rug. The 11th century saw the start of the Indian weaved rug and there are still many examples of rugs created between the 11th and 15th century in existence today.
The 13th century witnessed the appearance of the Armenian rug; these often had eagles, dragons or serpents, and are still incredibly valuable today. The Persian rug originates from the 16th century and is still in existence today. They are usually made of either wool or silk. Chinese rugs have been made for centuries but it was only in the 19th century that they became an international export.
Rugs still play an important part in modern society and can brighten any home. Purchasing one of the timeless classics above will not only improve the look of your home it will add a touch of class which is difficult to match.
How to choose a rug
Any professional designer will advise you to purchase the rug you like first. The color of all other furnishings and paint can be matched to the rug. The choice of rug will depend upon where you intend to use it:
- An area rug is intended to cover the majority of a space and should always cover the floor to within between six inches and two feet of each of the walls.
- An entrance rug should be as wide as the door or possibly a few inches less. Anymore will make the door and hallway look small.
- A large area may suit a round rug but this should always be placed centrally; preferably directly under the light.
- Hallways rugs should stretch the entire length of a hallway with the same gap at either end. If you need or want to put furniture in the hallway it should never be half on and half off the rug; always all on or all off.
- An office space can be created in the corner of any room simply by placing a rug to fit under the desk and the chair; when it is out in its seating position. Make sure that the chair does not come off the rug in normal use as this will create a danger.
- Many designers suggest that a focal point rug should be big enough for the furniture in the room to sit on top of it and the rug should extend out from this furniture.
- A rug should encompass the entire space and not look to small sat in the middle of a room. This will make it appear untidy and can shrink the room.
- A rug which goes in front of the couch should always run the length of the couch and a little more.
- A room can be made to feel larger by placing a smaller rug with big, bold patterns on it in the centre of the room. Obviously furniture should not cover the design.
Why a rug?
A rug can be used for several reasons in any house:
- Decoration and joining all the elements of a room together
- Rugs and carpets are far more soundproof than any other flooring type and this can be of benefit in some situations.
- A rug is soft and warm to walk on. It is better for a child to fall onto a rug than the hard floor but it also feels nice underfoot.
- As well as offering excellent soundproofing qualities rugs tend to be good insulators. Heat can be trapped into the rug and help to keep the house warm.
Whatever rug you choose as long as it is located within the above criteria and reflects your personal style it will add a touch of class to your home. Designer fabrics are always the best because they’re qualitative; yet if you can’t afford an expensive rug, check budget-friendly ideas. There are materials you can go for that doesn’t cost a fortune.
