An often overlooked decorating touch can be easily achieved with area rugs. Many times, a rug, to paraphrase the movie The Big Lebowski, ties a whole room together. When looking to put finishing touches on a room, homeowners should consider an area rug that can highlight particular colors in the room, add softness to hardwood or tile flooring, or provide an artistic centerpiece that is worthy of attention in its own right.
Before deciding on a rug, it is helpful to understand the various types of area rugs that are available. Rugs are usually broadly classified as traditional, transitional, and contemporary. Traditional rugs are normally the most expensive, as they are rugs that have authentic Oriental or European styles. Traditional rugs use only an established palette of colors including black, red, brown, white, black, maroon, navy blue, and green.
Contemporary rugs follow no pre-established set of rules or pattern. These rugs can be any shape, style, color, or pattern. Contemporary rugs can feature portraits of people, scenes from nature, or pop culture. Geometric shapes can comprise not only the pattern on the rug, but the actual shape of the rug itself. Contemporary rugs are the no-holds-barred rugs of the design world.
In between traditional and contemporary rugs, transitional rugs provide a happy compromise. Transitional rugs incorporate the elegant style of a traditional rug with more contemporary designs. Many decorators find traditional rugs a tad too stylized for homes with families. Transitional rugs lend a warm and homey feel, while still retaining an elegance and stateliness.
Transitional rugs can accent any room as they are not limited by the color scheme of traditional rugs. They can also be used to match upholstery or to offer a stunning contrast. Transitional rugs are great for homes with children or pets because although they add a touch of class to any room in which they are used, they are not usually as expensive or valuable as traditional rugs. A spill or stain on a transitional rug is easily cleaned up with no one stressing about possible damage to a priceless heirloom.
Transitional rugs can also be used in hardwood or tile hallways to reduce noise and to cushion the floor. Imagine the difference of being able to walk to the bathroom on a rug instead of a cold floor in the middle of the night. Think about the comfort of going into the kitchen with padding beneath your feet when sneaking in for a midnight snack. Transitional rugs provide comfort, sound absorption, and style all in one.
