How to Choose Hallway Rugs

If you ever conducted a study to see which area of your home saw the most foot traffic, the top place on the list would more than likely be the hallway.  For that reason, there are natural area rugs that are sized just for use in hallways.  These rugs will protect both your wood floors and carpet if you have it, from being constantly worn.  These rugs are called runners.  They can also work to provide a barrier from sound while protecting bare feet from freezing cold floors.  Aside from all of that, they can also make a big impact in style for such a small space.  However, before you go running out to get one, stop and think about which one will work the best in the space.

Here are some helpful hints that will assist you in choosing the right rug for your hallway.

·        Measure twice.  Although runners have a pretty typical rectangular shape, they do come in a variety of widths and lengths so that they will work in hallways of various sizes.  To get the right length for a hallway runner, measure the hallway leaving four inches from the walls.  Most of the time a runner will be around 2 feet in width.  If you have a very small hallway, you might opt for an accent rug instead.  The lengths of runners can be anywhere from 6 to 15 feet. 

·       Think about function.  How can a runner improve the issues that you are having with your hall.  You may think that your hall is too dark.  You can brighten it up with a jute rug in a light color.  If you think that the floor looks too busy you might want to go with a darker colored rug to disguise any dirt.

·         It doesn’t matter if your home is old and full of charm or if you have a brand new construction, a runner in the hallway will be able to fit your style while it can also accentuate certain features in your home.  Runners can also be chosen based on the type of floor that they will be on.  Say you have marble or tile floors, a contemporary runner might be best here while wood floors might look better with a more traditional runner such as one that is  floral themed or braided.

  

      Which material? Different materials in these rugs mean that they can be used outdoors or indoors.  If you are looking for an interior rug, think about wool rugs.  If the runner will be used outdoors, you might want to look for a rug made from an organic materials such as jute or seagrass.

Following these tips will help you in selecting the ideal rug for your hallway and don’t forget to get a rug pad for under it.

The Trick to Creating a Cozy Room

Winter is just around the corner and it is time for that seasonal change of décor.  Now, at this point in the season, you can go with either the autumn colors or the Christmas colors.  Both are appropriate right now.  However, if you happen to be at a loss when it comes to determining how to change the look in your space for the season, you have definitely come to the right place.  In all actuality, the solution to your issue is really rather simple.  It all has to do with using your creative juices while you are honoring interior design traditions that have been tested by time.

While there are plenty of valuable tips that can be offered, the only real place to start is right where you are…literally…under your feet.  Natural area rugs don’t just make your floor look better, they can tie the whole room together…from acoustics to aesthetics.  Natural area rugs need to be right at the top of the list when it comes to redecorating for the winter.  While there are plenty of options to choose from, there are some things that you might want to keep in mind.  

The first thing that you will need to take a look at is the texture of the area rugs.  If you are trying to create a winter living space that is cozy, you will want an area rug that is made from fibers that are dense and soft.  Sisal rugs are a good choice here.  The best thing about these particular fibers is that they are all natural.  This means that you can help save the environment and reduce your personal carbon footprint while you give your entry way, dining room, living room or bedroom a cozy little makeover.  

The second thing to take into consideration is the color.  White is actually the ideal color for winter even though it isn’t really stain friendly.  White can make one think of purity, winter cottages and snowflakes.  Isn’t all of that the true essence of the season?  Additionally, winter is the first season in the soon to be here New Year.  This means that it is also a time for second chances and rebirth.  What more appropriate way to showcase that then with area rugs that are stunningly white?

There are also patterns that need to be considered.  Luckily enough, this is the area where your creativity can truly shine.  You might decide to go with the more traditional patterns like snowflakes and snowmen, but you might also choose to go with simple patterns that can make it feel like winter while not being too obnoxious about it.  Compare a wide variety of different styles and see which one will work the best for you.

The 5 Most Common Area Rug Mistakes

When dealing with natural area rugs, you can’t go wrong.  You just need to buy a stylish natural area rug and place it close to a piece of special furniture and then wait for everyone to compliment you on it.  Unfortunately though, there are few things in this life that are so easy and this is not really one of them.  Here is a look at some of the more common mistakes that are made with area rugs.

1.       Putting two rugs of the same size in a single room.  When you put more than one area rug in the same room, they serve to divide the space in ways that are appealing.  They create a contrast that can add instant dimensions to any room.  The key to this though is to vary the shapes and sizes of your area rugs.  When you have two rugs of the same size, placed next to each other, the division that is created makes the illusion of a smaller space.

2.       Opting for the wrong colors.  Each color has its place but not every space is meant for every color. For example, if you have pets or smaller children running all over the place, light colored rugs will not be a great choice.  Additionally, you need to keep the space you will be putting it in mind when you choose a rug.  It is easy to have your attention caught by the beauty of a natural area rug but if the rug will clash with the décor in the space it is meant for, it will definitely draw attention…and not in the good way.

3.       Layering, when not done properly is not a good thing.  When done right, it can be an amazing thing.  The problem is that not many people know how to properly layer area rugs.  You need to have similar shapes in different sizes.  Colors need to contrast without clashing.  Neutral colors like those in jute rugs are great for this.

4.       Using the wrong materials.  When you get area rugs that have been cheaply made, they will show wear more quickly.  Choosing rugs made from natural fibers like jute, wool and sisal might cost a bit more but will last years longer.

5.       Not having any rugs.  This is the largest rug mistake.  Never underestimate the importance of having at least one area rug in completing the décor of a room.  Many people might neglect this even though it is a simple yet critical part of home décor simply because they don’t think of it.  However, having a simple area rug can really bring a room together. 

By keeping these things in mind, you will be able to correctly use area rugs in your home or business.