Finding the right area rug can be a hard and stressful task considering the large varieties of colors, designs, shapes and sizes to choose from. This is why one must consider the basic factors in selecting an area rug. But one might ask where he or she would start. What factors do you have to first take note of? And how would you know what color, material and size to choose?

Rug placement most probably is one of the factors that you might want to consider first in selecting a rug. It is important to know where the rug is going to be placed. As you consider the placement of the rug, the other factors will follow: such as color, materials and size.

Who says size doesn’t matter? Who would want to choose a rug that is so undersized or too big? Standard sized rugs, such as 3 x 5’s and 4 x 6’s, are usually placed in rooms to accentuate furniture and inglenooks. These rugs, and even smaller, can also be used in entry ways, kitchens and bathrooms as a floor mat. Larger rugs, like 6 x 9’s and 9 x 12’s, are commonly used for living rooms and dining rooms. Again, know where you want the rug to be placed.

Color-wise, rugs that are placed on receiving areas should have a light and soft shade; thus, giving the room a warm and cozy feel. Should you place rugs under dark-colored furniture that you intend to make the center of attraction, make sure you select lighter toned rugs and simpler designs to highlight the fixtures. This also works with hardwood floors of darker shades. Nonetheless, if you plan to set an area rug as the focal point of the room, select rugs with intense colors and intricate designs; provided that the rooms motif is simple and wouldn’t contrast with the rug’s pattern.

Know what room you want it to be positioned so as to know a rug’s function; whether it stands as a mere floor covering or a wall décor. Pondering on a rug’s function will allow you to consider the material of the rug. For rooms with heavy foot traffic like living rooms and dining areas, choose a rug that is made with fibers that are resilient to dirt and stains; specifically natural fibers like wool. If you wish to use an area rug as a wall décor (like tapestries), choose rugs made of natural silk; since silk tends to last better than other natural materials because of its delicate and lustrous quality.

Remember to bear in mind what part of the room the rug is going to be positioned; whether it is placed on doorways or near air vents, etc. This is because some rugs are too thick or some doors just don’t have enough space allotted for an area rug; this would either cause the door to not open or allow the rug to slide and shift every time the door opens. Also there are rugs that can’t withstand the heat from air vents. Make sure you pick a rug’s material carefully based on the placement of the rug.