The Best Accent Rugs for your Home

When you are looking for a rug to match the interior decor of your house, you have literally thousands of different accent rugs to choose from. Rugs have been used for thousands of years, across continents, and this diversity is reflected in the choices on the market nowadays. The five main attributes which will determine the rug you pick are:

1. Size

2. Material

3. Pattern

4. Color

5. Price

To this, we could also add whether the rug is made by hand or machine-made. Within these criteria, there is room for any rug in the world. To narrow down your search, decide on each factor and then combine them. Doing this should yield something in your mind which at least roughly corresponds to the rug you want. Fear not if you don't know exactly what material or pattern you are looking for, decide on as many variables as you can and you will be off to a good start. Even just knowing the price you are willing to pay will narrow the field considerably.

In terms of size, there is more to selecting a rug than just room size.  It is just as wise, sometimes more so, to select a size based on the overall effect on the room.  A rug that would seem too small in an empty room may be just right once you have other things in place in the room.  In fact, it can be quite charming to have a smaller rug instead of one that covers most of the floor space.  You might also consider round accent rugs, which can lend a more harmonious feeling to a space.  There is power in a circle and such a rug could be a great space for gathering with family and friends to talk, have drinks, play board games, etc.

Materials used in the manufacture of home accent rugs are diverse but are more manageable if first divided into natural vs. synthetic materials.    The most abundant and commonly used natural materials are wool, silk, cotton, and jute.  Wool is the most durable material for rugs, outlasting synthetics.  The other benefits of wool is that it is naturally stain resistant and fire retardant.  It even resists dust mites.  For these reasons, plus its relative abundance, wool has been and remains the most common and popular material for rugs.  Synthetic materials include rayon, nylon, and polypropylene or olefin fibers.  The main advantage in getting these rugs woven from man-made materials is that they are generally cheaper than natural materials.  Of course, you may prefer a synthetic material that better resists stains for kitchen accent rugs. 

Patterns are a highly individual preference, especially today where in addition to myriad traditional patterns, you also have a whole host of modern designs.  Making the distinction between modern and traditional can be a useful start.  Qualities you should be considering are boldness, sense of movement and excitement, brightness, and most importantly, how the rug harmonizes with the room it is intended for.  The interesting thing about "old" patterns, such as the ones found in the middle east (Persian rugs and Turkish rugs are particularly famous) is their timelessness.  These rugs feature the geometric and/or plant patterns found in islam, and they are a sight to behold.  Their beauty is also compatible with many modern living spaces. 

Color can determine whether an accent rug is right for a room or whether it completely clashes with it.  While color selection may seem relatively straightforward, it is complicated by the lighting where you are viewing the rug.  Rug color can be deceptive under florescent lights, for instance, and you may find that once the rug is in your home, it is quite a different color from what you had taken it for in the store.  For lighter colored rugs, you must also take care of the tendency for the rug to take on hues from your walls and/or surrounding furniture.  This can sometimes change a light-colored rug to something other than what you desired.  Of course, the effect may also be welcome at some times.  Either way, it is a good idea to be aware that this can happen. 

Price is an easy factor if you have definite limits.  If not, and there is a wide range of prices you would be willing to pay for the right rug, some helpful things to consider are all the factors already discussed.  Remember that though a handmade rug might be more expensive, it is possible to resell a quality rug.  Also know that buying a wool carpet which is more expensive than a synthetic one might cost more initially, but you end up saving in the long run if the rug is to be used for a long time.  Top end rugs may also be sold for equal or even higher value if a collector has his eye on it.  Handmade, one-of a-kind pieces also may hold special meaning, woven in by the maker.  Unless you absolutely do not care about the quality of the rug, avoid the really cheap ones.  Some of the worst offenders may shed their fibers easily, leaving messes around your house.     
An accent rug that is a match for your home can decide whether the interior scheme is a success or failure.  Choose carefully.