What better way to bring together your home's beach decor than with a coastal or tropical theme area rug? Often overlooked, floor coverings are a unique and fun way to accentuate your beach house style. These rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to suit any room in your house.

When shopping for an area rug, there are several factors to take into consideration to make sure you find the perfect choice. Style, color and shape all play a crucial part in making sure your rug blends seamlessly with your beach decor. There are so many options that, with a little research, you will be sure to find something ideal to fit your needs.

Think about the room that you are decorating? What is the main concept? Do you want your room to have the feel of a surfer's sanctuary? A tropical paradise? A coastal cottage? Your last family beach vacation? The options are limitless!

For a room with cool, laid-back surfer style, consider the ever-popular surfboard rug. Available in different sizes ("longboard" or "shortboard"), colors and patterns, these rugs could become the centerpiece of your room. If you prefer something a little more traditional, shape-wise, you can choose from plenty of rectangular-shaped surf theme area rugs.

Do you prefer your decor to have a more subdued, coastal feel? Highlight your floors with casual rugs in patterns of seashells or nautical stripes. Pair these rugs with white walls, light furniture and breezy window treatments to make your home feel like a cottage by the shore.

Depending on your taste, the color of your rugs can range from bright and splashy to understated and sophisticated, all while still maintaining your beach decor theme. Choose from vibrant floral patterns in rich reds, blues and greens for that island feeling. For a seaside retreat, choose more muted shades of aqua and tan reminiscent of sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

Area rugs are now available in all shapes and sizes. Smaller rugs are great in the bathroom or even as welcome mats at the front door. Larger rugs can be used to bring the furnishings and other accents in bigger rooms together, such as the dining room or living room. Long surfboard rugs can be used as hallway runners, and whimsical odd-shaped rugs can be a conversation piece all on their own!

So many elements go into interior design and floor coverings play an important role. You can find a great rug to match your current beach decor, or choose your rug first and then pattern your room around it. No matter what order you go in when you are decorating your beach house, remember not to leave out what's right under your feet!