Area rugs can play a huge role in setting the tone for a room’s decoration, and this is particularly true with contemporary area rugs. Often as much artwork as furniture, modern contemporary area rugs work very well with many styles of home decoration, and can serve many functions, from being a talking point in a minimalist room to providing some much needed spice in a more traditional room.
For the broadest range of application, contemporary wool area rugs are the best choice. They come in an incredible variety of styles, and the use of wool rather than a synthetic fiber makes the rug look to be of higher quality as well as feel softer underfoot. Because of the great variety of patterns, the main thing to look out for when buying a wool area rug–or indeed any of the other types of contemporary area rugs–is the way in which it was made. The highest quality rugs are made with 700 to 1000 knots per square inch, as counted on the back side of the rug. Counting knots can be confusing, so consider asking a dealer or salesperson to assist you when buying.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, a round area rug can be both quite the statement as well as a focal for the room. Contemporary round area rugs are not only visually interesting, but also serve as an excellent counterpoint to an otherwise traditional room. They can be tricky to pull off, so be sure to consider the decorating scheme and dimensions of the room before investing in a nice one.
However, there’s no need to break the bank when buying an area rug–often discount contemporary area rugs can do the same job as new ones, particularly if you are just looking for a pick-me-up for a room rather than a total redecoration. Another advantage of discount area rugs is that since they are cheaper, it is fiscally easier to replace if it doesn’t end up working with the room. They are also good for children’s rooms or high traffic areas, which tend to wear out faster than others, as they can accomplish the same purpose of room decor without the cost of a full price area rug.
There are a number of websites with tips on decorating with contemporary area rugs, but for a comprehensive overview on decorating with rugs, www.floors-web.com is a good place to start.