An easy and relatively inexpensive way to decorate your home and soften the look of your floors is to use area rugs. They range in price from extremely inexpensive to high end. They are easy to clean, either by washing in the washing machine or by hand, or shampooing, or taking out to a carpet cleaner. Thus they are much more user friendly than wall-to-wall carpeting.



Area rugs can change the ambiance of a room instantly. A quality, well-made floor covering will make a striking focal point for any room. And don't forget their functionality. An area rug can hide flaws such as stains and protect the flooring beneath from excessive wear.

You can get creative with your decorating. You could place a small rug on a table for a unique look. And hanging or even framing area rugs on a wall is also a great decorative look. Rugs don't have to stay on the floor.

Among the most popular area rugs are Persian rugs. These are a type of oriental area rug that feature imaginatively intricate designs and creative use of color combinations. Persian rugs have been perfected during their long history that dates back to ancient times. Choosing a Persian rug brings a touch of artistry into your home that is admired for design, technique, and use of high quality natural fibers.

Those who favor Persian rugs may want to consider a Tibetan rug instead, particularly if they prefer more vibrant and bold colors and patterns. Tibet has a very long tradition of making masterpieces carefully crafted from virgin wool sheared from their Highland sheep. These high quality rugs add beauty and style to nearly any room, from a child's simple bedroom to a formal living area or a master suite.

Shag rugs are made using an unusual process by which carpet strands are pulled to create a high, soft, luxurious pile that is a delight to both the eye and the feet. These carpets come in a variety of fun colors and offer a more relaxed, contemporary look than oriental carpets; they also add soft padding to your home. Although they are best known as a part of the 1970s aesthetic, Shag rugs are becoming increasingly popular today.

Many people want to choose a contemporary type of rug, but not all rugs can be classified as "contemporary" style. You can get contemporary area rugs in a variety of textures, materials, colors, and patterns. For high quality and durability, look for natural fiber such as wool or cotton. Some of the contemporary rugs are quite popular as they mainly come in interesting geometric designs and bright colors which are great for a child's bedroom.

Area rugs can go with any style or furnishings due to the wide range of colors and styles. Adding a rug to your home can make a room visually dramatic whether you go with a fun shag rug, a artistic geometric patterned rug, or one of the Oriental classics such as a Persian or Tibetan rug.