Choose an accent rug that transitions one room to the next

When decorating the last thing we normally look at is the floor coverings. But there is usually a space between one room and the next room usually leaves a gap. Sometimes this looks ok, while other times you need to add an accent rug, that compliments your flooring and furniture not an exact match.

If you have decorated a room in a Midwestern theme and it connects to a more contemporary looking room like say a family room or den a good choice would be one of the southwestern rugs. The colors would make your floors and furnishings blend in with the same themed idea.

• If you are going from the dining room to the living room and both floors are wood or laminate then you might want to leave this area bare. That leaves you open to adding a braided rug or cotton rug.
• Persian area rugs are more of a collectors rug and used in a dining room.
• To give your kitchen floor a lift place a kitchen rug by the sink for you to stand on. Not only will this give your kitchen a new look but it is easier on your feet.
• Seagrass and bamboo rugs are becoming very popular as a living room rug when you want a natural fiber rug.
• Because dining rooms are normally decorated in more of a formal style, they can be a little harder to buy a rug for the dining room area. Oriental area rugs and sea grass rugs are two styles that are very popular that allow you to decorate in two very different styles.

Where to use rug pads and stair runners

Hallways and stairs are probably the most popular place for a stair runner. When you buy just make sure the color is not too dark that it affects your overall lighting.

Rug runners overtop a rug pad on hardwood floors works the best, especially for stairs.

Rug pads can help extend the life of your new rug. It provides a smooth and supportive base for underneath it. The base allows your rug to breathe.

The pad is usually treated with an anti-microbial to inhibit the growth of odor causing bacteria or any mold or mildew. If it is not treated, you can have it treated separately.

Another reason to put a rug pad underneath any of your area rugs is to help prevent any slipping or sliding around, especially if it is on a hard floor like hardwood or linoleum. Any of these can be custom cut to fit any size you need.

Most can be trimmed and resized using normal household scissors. The price of the pad is usually very minimal.

It is a good idea to include it in your budget if necessary when you are ordering. You will want to protect it as best you can right from the beginning.

You will see there are a few different qualities of mats available on the market. Some companies will only offer one type.

The general rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. However, if the price is a concern, the less expensive one is definitely going to serve the purpose better than none at all.

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