Using extra large floor rugs in your home or office is a simple way to add design, style, and comfort to your rooms. Just like a beautiful piece of furniture or a unique piece of art hanging on the wall, a great floor covering can be a showpiece in your overall décor. Area rugs today are a popular alternative to carpet, and they are being used more than ever in homes with tile and hardwood flooring. These types of flooring need protection from everyday wear and tear, and rugs offer that protection. They also can add flare to these sometimes neutral palettes. Defining an area, establishing boundaries between rooms, and absorbing noise are also functions of an area rug.
Choosing the correct size for a floor covering is a very wide-open topic and relies mostly on personal preference. Popular opinion is that you want to leave 18 to 24 inches of bare space between the edge of the rug and the wall, and of course, smaller spaces require a different perspective. In smaller rooms, as little as 8 inches is acceptable and keeps a well proportionate look. Arranging your furniture before determining size also helps you get a feel for the actual space you wish to cover.
There are literally hundreds if not millions of designs and variations of area floor rugs. Size, shape, color, and material are all features you must consider before making a purchase. Are large or extra large floor rugs more suitable for your room? Shape choices range from rectangle, square, oval or even abstract for you to choose from. Any color you 
may need to accessorize your décor or become the focal point in the room is available and numerous material options are available in area rugs. Cheap floor rugs are normally made up of cotton and they can be found at most mass retailers, but do not lend themselves to a very long life. They are good however if you like quick changes in your decorating or if you consistently change rugs for different seasons.
Other materials, which are used in area rugs, are wool, bamboo and other natural fibers. Wool is an excellent choice for those suffering with allergies, while bamboo is perfect for high traffic areas. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polypropylene are popular due to their inexpensive cost and high stain resistance. In fact, this choice of material is most commonly used in kids’ rooms for these reasons.
Kids floor rugs are a great way to accessorize custom wallpapers or paint schemes. Bright colors and unique patterns make them a fun addition to any child’s room. There are even kids’ floor coverings that add to playtime and learning. Rugs with roads, racetracks and castle designs allow a child to use their imagination and create a world right there on the floor. Letters and numbers can also be found on kids’ rugs, which give them another visual tool for learning.
Shopping online is an excellent way to find an area rug that fits your lifestyle and budget. However, nothing compares to visiting a store in person so you can get the true feel of the design. No matter the source of the purchase or the type of floor rug, proper care and maintenance are the keys to sustaining its longevity. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning, but regular vacuuming once or twice weekly is very important. Baking soda and various other powders can be sprinkled and then vacuumed up to add freshness. Using a quality rug pad underneath will also provide stability and durability.
The purchase of a large floor rug will be one of the most important decisions you will make in the decorating of your home or office. It is the perfect way to express your style while adding to the overall appeal of the space.
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