Sunday, November 30, 2003
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- If you're seeking to change the look of a room in your home, consider a small investment in an area rug.
"It's an easy way to change the look, and if your carpet isn't in the best shape, it's a quick fix," said James Brophy, vice president of sales at Grand Strand Floors.
Area rugs have found favor among homeowners, mainly because many newer houses feature hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood. Area rugs can instantly warm up a room, become the focal point, add splashes of color or define spaces in a room, the experts say.
Area rugs aren't just for covering hard surfaces, although that is the most common treatment. Area rugs can also be placed over wall-to-wall carpet to serve as a focal point, or under a dining room table.
What to consider
Choosing just the right area rug isn't all that difficult, but there are some things you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some tips, gathered from Brophy; Roger Manning, area rug manager at Grand Strand Floors; and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse:
UDetermining the rug's use: Are you using it to protect hardwood floor? Define spaces within a room? Warm up tile flooring?
UIntegrating with decor: If the rug will be your focal point, consider one with a central medallion. If the fireplace is the focal point, go with an area rug with a more repetitive pattern, minus the medallion.
UMixing area rugs: You can use different patterns within the same room as long as the colors coordinate. Go with rugs of varying sizes to create interest and contrast.
UChoosing sizes: For use under a coffee table, 4-foot-by-6- foot or 6-foot-by-9-foot area rugs work. Table legs should stand within the rug. To accent furnishings, leave some floor space between rug and furniture.
For use under a dining room table, go with a rug that's at least 8 feet wide. The chair legs shouldn't fall off the rug when people are seated at the table or when the chair is pulled out. To be sure of the size, measure the length and width of the table, and add at least 4 feet to each.
For use in an entire room, an 8-foot-by-11-foot rug typically works well. Try to leave an equal amount of flooring exposed on all sides, as border.
Other tips
*Using a rug pad: The experts recommend using a rug pad to keep the area rug from sliding and creeping. They also protect the rug, absorb noise, make vacuuming easier and prevent the back of the rug from scratching hard surfaces.
*Selecting a fiber: Acrylic resists sunlight, stains and mildew. Polypropylene, or olefin, is the most stain-resistant and is a little less expensive than other fibers.
Nylon is versatile, durable and easy to maintain. Wool is durable and soft and is considered the superior fiber.
Cotton is softer than wool, but less durable. Jute is the softest, but fades easily in direct sunlight and disintegrates with prolonged exposure to moisture. Sisal is strong, durable and colorfast.