PURCHASING A RUG

The following questions will help you decide on size and style.

1.What kind of room is this ?
(Living Room, Dining Room, Den, Library, Bedroom, Entrance Hall.)
2.What is the room measurement ?
(Length & Width).
3.What furniture is in use in the room ?
(Are there existing drapes, window treatments or wallpaper)
4.What type of flooring does the room have ?
(Wood, Ttile or Carpet)

1.LIVING ROOM
The living room offers many opportunities. One can place the furniture on a large rug that fills the room or a smaller piece to define only the seating area. Often rugs can be used to define different areas within the same living room. Measure the space defined by the seating area and begin from there.

-DINING ROOM
The dining room rug must accommodate the table and chairs. Usually this means that the rug should be as big as possible without getting too close to the walls. Measure the open space from the front of any cabinets, servers and so on. A small table will require at least an 8 feet X 10 feet rug.

-DEN & LIBRARY
A small rug in the 4 feet X 6 feet range will often be sufficient to bring color and style into a den or a library. However where one wants something larger, measure the open space defined by the furniture placement.

-BEDROOM
While it is possible to fill the bedroom with a large rug, placing a smaller piece at the foot of the bed is the choice of most. It also makes more sense as otherwise most of the rug will end up under the bed. Measure the area.

-ENTRANCE HALL
It is not necessary to fill the whole space. Usually 3 feet x 5feet or 4 feet x 6 feet will look good. Sometimes 4 feet by 8 or 9 will work. These ‘gallery’ sizes are often available in interesting tribal rugs.

2.ROOM MEASURMENT
Measure the length and width of the room. Take into account intrusions like a hearth. For a full size rug, deduct 6 feet from each measurement to give a frame of about 3 feet of floor. In a very large room, deduct 8 feet for a 4 foot frame. Then, choose the closest standard size rug for your room.

3.FURNITURE
Often, the best way to decide on a size is to measure the space defined by a furniture grouping. It is acceptable to have a rug in the center with no furniture on it or a slightly larger rug with the front feet of the chairs and sofa on the rug or also to have a rug that fully accommodates all the pieces. In a room with more than one grouping, rugs can be used to define each area more clearly.

-DRAPES & WALLPAPER
If you have sample pieces of your wallpaper or drapes, it is useful to take them with you when selecting a rug. A paint chip, arm cover or pillow can also be helpful in coordinating colors.

4.FLOOR MATERIAL
Rugs can be used on carpeting, hardwood, tile or indeed any other flooring material. If a sample is available, take it with you when making your rug selection.