Home & Garden Blog » Area Rugs

Tips for Picking an Area Rug

colleen — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:08:19 +0000

The tactile sensations of moving around your house can either make you feel at home or make you feel depressed. If the floor is icy cold as you wake up in the morning and you have no slippers to fit your feet, you are in for a rough morning. If you have a nasty wooden floor or a stinky trash can, that will also ruin your night as you stumble home from work or the gym, and stub your toe on the uneven wood floor or smell the putrid air. Keep your home clean, and warm, and comfortable: one way to do that is with area rugs.

If you’re like me, you don’t have enough money to scrap the apartment and remodel. If you want to “remodel” the home, you need to make smaller changes that equate to larger payoffs. Area rugs can do that. I like to put area rugs right next to my bed, a small one under my desk, and a small one right as I get out of the shower. These are integral spots, and here’s my tip: don’t get an area rug just to put it under something. Don’t get an area rug and cover the entire rug with a large oval table. It may look pretty and retro and symmetrical, but you’re not getting full benefits of the rug.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/back_garage

Add the Right Accents Without an Interior Decorator

colleen — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:34:44 +0000

It’s winter, and the yard has gone to shambles, the rugs are ruined from the mud and snow that has been trekked through the house on the bottom of wet snow boots, and the sofa cushions are starting to show their age. Your home, like most, is probably a rich accumulation of furniture and general clutter that you have collected over your lifetime: everything is accentuated by artwork and papers brought home by the kids, work papers, bills, and clusters of family photos and heirlooms.

Even though your home has a lovely, lived-in appeal, you still find yourself taking a step back and wishing that there was a bit more of a cohesive style or artistry to your home, especially now that you are older and wiser. You now realize that grandma Lorraine’s urn doesn’t look to good next to the cobble of faded kindergarten drawings and the large crow painting hanging over the fireplace.

If you can’t afford the fees or the suggestions of an interior decorator, there are plenty of places for you to start designing a home for yourself. Start with ideas of cohesive colors: maybe you want the kitchen to have a “blue” theme and the living room to have a reddish-burnt brown warmth. The best way to introduce a cohesive color to a room is to think about broad areas of color, like a large area rug or throw rug.

From there, you can usually maintain the same furniture you have with a few rearrangements and then work to clean up some of the clutter and mismatched artwork. Designing is about creating a flow, not a bunch of knick-knack accents that try to pull some fancy arts and crafts into a room. Start from the bottom and work your way up: think rugs.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/tammymanet/3022662885

Beautiful Eco Friendly Area Rugs

homegarden — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:42:05 +0000

Do you like rugs? I used to like them a lot because they always seemed to be a great accessory to use decorate any room, but now that I found these eco-friendly area rugs I like them even more. Why? Is not only the feeling that I put my two cents in to help the environment, but knowing that rugs can be really practical because they:

1) Eliminate static electricity and moisture.

2) Absorb and reduce noise.

I want to show you two different designs I found on Smarter.com, which in my opinion look really good.

This wool area rug was love at first sight for me. I think its design is totally original, wonderful and refined. Besides, it’s a really high quality product, totally resistant to wear, that will look like new for decades.

It is very easy to picture this rug, placed in a wooden floor living room, next to the sofa, fitting perfectly from a classic to a contemporary deco, since it really is a very versatile piece.

I’m going to give you now another decorating option for this rug. Note: What I’m going to tell you next can’t be done with any rug, it needs to have an awesome design like this one. Okay, here we go: What if I told you to hang it on the wall? I think it would look incredible and I bet every single guest would stay staring at it for hours, admiring its delicate design.

Pictured: Area Rug Wool Foreign Accents Area Rug – Eco Friendly Rug: $592.00

My second and last choice is as beautiful as the first one, and is even more versatile since it can be used for outdoor spaces too.

This rug is made of duracord, which feels as soft as cotton, and offers the durability expected for an outdoor product, resisting mold and mildew. Another great thing about this material is that it dries faster than other kinds of outdoor fabrics and regains its softness much quicker.

Foliage images are in the spotlight nowadays! That’s why there are so many decorating accessories made with these kind of motifs. In my opinion, they look totally elegant and fresh.

It’s very important for you to know that there is no need to get rugs that match perfectly with the rest of your decor. That’s what’s so great about them! Using a rug with a different style helps create spontaneous decor and gives the room an original touch.

Pictured: Savannah Neutral – Medium: $99.25

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more eco friendly area rugs.

Bargain Shop for Belize Area Rugs – Affordable and Attractive

evette — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:29:02 +0000

This beautiful Belize rug really caught my eye as I was scrolling about for deals. I like the delicate floral arrangement, it is whimsical enough to be pretty without being too granny looking.

This unique contemporary rug from the New Wave Collection features high quality wool with plush half thick pile and extra soft texture. The Belize rug has been meticulously hand carved and specially crafted to produce the look of hand knotted rug at an affordable price.

Price varied depending on size but the smallest one (2′x3′) cost – $69.00

To bargain shop for the Belize Area Rug, click here.

To discover more great deals on Affordable Rugs- Click here!

Carpet Deal in the New Year – Self Stick Carpet Tiles

evette — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:00:30 +0000

Why pay an overpriced contractor? Remodel your floors yourself for a fraction of the cost! Easy-to-use, peel-n-stick adhesive carpet tiles are ideal for your home, office, basement or garage because they resist stains, mold, moisture and even fading. Each box contains twelve, (12 inch square tiles) and only costs $19.99.

Begin the New Year by touching up your interior design weak spots. These self stick carpet tiles are a stylish and affordable remedy to any hard floor dilemma!

To shop or purchase the Self Stick Carpet Tiles, click here.

Madison Oval Braided Stair Treads – No Slip, No Broken Bones and Stylish to Boot

evette — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:25:55 +0000

Whenever it rains my thoughts turn to stairs, mainly because the set of three at my house turns into a death trap. The drops of dew transform the innocent enough tile into a veritable “slip and slide”.

I found this great deal on Madison Oval Braided Stair Treads!

The Madison collection has a simple design that brings a cozy familiarity to any interior design setting. Braiding is one of those rare designs that work with a variety of styles, from contemporary to country. Not only is braiding an elegant yet comfortable design style but it also offers high quality durable construction. These Madison Braided Stair Treads can be used all over the house, they do not need to be confined to stairs. I was thinking they could be used outside the shower door, at the front door, by the kitchen sink, accent pieces under key side tables…yadda yadda. The options are limitless.

On top of all that, these little buggers will effectively prevent you from slipping to a broken hip doom on rainy days! Which to be honest is my first priority at this point.

Price for a set of 13 is $159.25 (Originally $260.00, you save $100.75)

If you are interested in shopping or browsing for Madison Braided Stair Treads, click here.

Discount Rugs – Cambridge Stair Treads Navy

evette — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:57:05 +0000

You should know that my bum clenches up like crazy when I encounter steep, slippery stairs or steps. I am one of those people that cling to the side rail when descending subway steps regardless of how filthy they may be! My fear of slipping and falling to my death supersedes my phobia of public germs. Which is saying a lot.

I don’t know where this fear came from I just have always been super cautious of steps. One time my best friend ate face when we watched Phantom of the Opera at Pantages, perhaps that image of her tumbling down the steps still haunts my psyche…

Regardless of where I picked up this phobia I now “rug-ify” all wooden steps in any home I inhabit. Which is why I chose to highlight the Cambridge Stair Treads from Taylor Gifts!

Non-skid stair treads make steps safer without sacrificing style. Timeless Old English pattern brings out the natural beauty of any hardwood surface. Non-skid latex backing keep treads in place and helps prevent slips and spills. Comes in a set of 7!

Your Price: $19.98

If you are interested in purchasing the Cambridge Stair Treads from Taylor Gifts, click here.

Still want to shop for other low priced decorative rugs? Click here!

Round Rug Deal – Recife Seagrass, Natural Black Indoor Rug

evette — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:36 +0000

Attractive, affordable area rugs are hard to find. If they are affordable they tend to be poorly made and shed all over the place, and if they are finely crafted they of course cost a small fortune. Where is a happy medium?

Check out this Recife Seagrass Round Rug from CSN Rugs!

Distinctively designed to complement the simple, yet classic styling of outdoor furniture, uniquely colored to make stone entryways and patio decks warmer and more inviting. The Recife Seagrass round area rug is that happy medium we are all searching for, stylish, well made and affordable.

Price $169.00

Plus at CSN Rugs they offer FREE DELIVERY and Hassle Free Returns if you are not satisfied!

If you are interested in shopping or purchasing this area rug, click on the image or link listed above.

Crate and Barrel Summer Sale – Discount Rugs

evette — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:56:33 +0000

Some people steer clear of white or ivory rugs at all costs, these people usually have children and or pets. Well I have an English bulldog named Buddha and he knows not to go anywhere near the rug. Ha!

But I can understand peoples reservations, but I love ivory rugs. Nothing sets off smoky mahogany floors like a crisp white/ivory rug. I recently purchased a new one at Crate & Barrels Summer Sale.

Every now and then Crate & Barrel discontinues certain styles or they need to get rid of overstock and they sell their rugs at discounted rates. You should really take advantage of these moments folks. They have really exceptional quality rugs and the styles are clean and classic.

Check out the Orleans Round Rug - Hand-tufted wool is hand-sheared to create a three-dimensional pattern of raised O’s, giving this contemporary rug a playful edge.

• 100% wool pile
• Rug pad recommended
• Professional rug cleaning recommended

Price - $279 was $~~399~~

To shop or purchase the Orleans Round Rug at Crate & Barrel, click here.

Area Rug Deal – Discount Blair Windflower Rug

evette — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:00:17 +0000

Need to add warmth and style to your bare wood floors? Check out the Windflower Rugs from Blair!

The Windflower Rug is designed with Asian-inspired bouquets and a delicate floral border, the plush rug hints at traditional Oriental style. Looks especially beautiful on wood floors; perfect for defining seating or dining areas. The rug is woven in durable olefin – will last for years even under the harshest foot traffic. Plus, olefin holds the vibrant colors longer for fade-proof beauty around the clock. (Three-piece set includes: 19×33″, 23×67″ and 60×78″ rugs)

Price $99.99 (for the 3 piece set featured above)

Bonus!

Get $1.99 standard shipping on all orders (no code needed)

To shop or purchase the Blair Windflower Area Rugs, click here.