One day you look around and see that your space could use a bit of colour. Or perhaps you've noticed that your bare floors are just a bit too cold and boring. You make the decision to buy a new rug, or maybe several, and now you wonder how to go about it. Do you start a search in your local area by shopping at every department store, flooring store, and specialty rug store? Or do you go online and search stores on the Internet?

If you choose to go the retail route, here are some advantages. You will be able to take swatches of material or paint samples with you as you shop. That will make it easy to closely match colours of your decor. Many people enjoy being able to touch and feel the texture and quality of the rug before they buy. Sales people will be eager to give you information about country of origin, materials, care and cleaning information. (Of course, they may also encourage you to spend more than you may want to spend!) When you embark on a retail shopping search, keep in mind that the time you spend and the gas you use should factor into the overall cost. You will also be wise to take good notes of what you see so you can keep track of which rugs you liked best. It's easy to get confused after shopping at many locations.

Another advantage of shopping at a retail location may be the speed of delivery of your purchase. If you have found exactly what you want, and it is in stock, you may be able to get delivery within a few days, or perhaps even same day delivery. However, be sure to check to find out if there are extra delivery charges. In addition, find out what the store's return policy is. If you find out that the rug doesn't fit or look quite right, you may be able to return it for credit or refund. If you decide on a special order you may have to wait longer and it may take considerably longer to get delivery. Be sure to find out if you must pay extra on shipping and handling for a special order.

If you choose to go the online shopping route, here are some advantages. Shopping Online has unique advantages when shopping for rugs. The "Universe of Choice" is at your fingertips. There is no gas used and no wear and tear on your car with driving. Rather, you can conveniently explore the inventory of all the online stores whenever and how often you want. If you know exactly what you want, you can search that particular brand, style, and colour and your search is much easier. If you have no idea what you want, using the Internet to shop will save you many hours of wandering store to store in order to determine your preferences. Comparison price shopping is also very easy online, as are comparing costs of shipping and delivery and return policies.

Many people are becoming more and more comfortable with online shopping, even for large purchases like rugs. Detailed illustrations and accurate information will help you imagine how the rug will look in your home. A good online store will have a huge inventory with unlimited choice and selection. Make sure you are dealing with a credible company and that all ordering information is clear and your transaction information is protected. Once you have made your selection, you should know when to expect delivery and what the shipping charges will be. It may even be less than the charge by a retail store.

Whether you choose to shop at a retail store or online, keep these basic thoughts in mind before beginning to look for a rug. Measure the area where you plan to place the rug, and then determine a size range, from small to large, that will look good. If the rug is to go under a coffee table in front of a sofa, make sure the rug will be at least the length of the sofa. Choose colours and patterns that will coordinate with your furnishings. You can be as adventuresome or conservative as you like.

Nothing makes such a dramatic and effective change to your decor than the colour, pattern, and excitement of a beautiful new rug. And whether you choose to shop retail or online, your search will be a fun adventure with a big pay-off....you'll look around your space, and love it!

Copyright (c) 2008 Ali Asghar