photo courtesy of duPont

Area rugs are a great way to add interest and style to any room. In addition to providing warmth and protecting your hard surface flooring, area rugs can define sitting areas, provide a focal point in a large room, and help unify a mixture of furniture styles.

Why are area rugs a good choice for my home?

Practical: Your area rug moves when you move. It will enhance the room, organize space, absorb sounds and cushion falls.

Durable: A well cared for rug will last for generations.

Fashion: A rug can be a work of art, and have good resale value.

Design: From the lure of ancient tradition to the latest contemporary designs, there are an infinite number of area rug designs to choose from.

Versatile: Rugs are customizable in size, shape, design, price and quality.

Comfort: Area rugs are soft, comfortable, and luxurious to walk, or sit on.

Low Maintenance: Basic care such as vacuuming, fast clean up of spills, and professional cleaning is all it takes to ensure a long lasting area rug.

How do I decide on colour and style?

• Think about your décor and it's colours. Decide which colours your area rug should complement.
• Choose a durable, high quality, and attractive rug for long-term satisfaction.
• Think about value and whether the rug is priced for your budget.

Creating an interior that welcomes guests requires some thought. Begin by sketching out the dimensions of your room. Work with various shapes and sizes of possible area rugs. Follow the line of a bay window or ceiling medallion. Create groupings around a floor covering such as reading nooks or play areas.

Try two smaller rugs as opposed to one. Often larger rooms can be cozier using this effect. Consider the size of the room versus the colour and texture of the rug. Larger rooms can accommodate larger borders, 3 or 4 feet wide with contrasting colours or texture. These will add drama and appeal to the eye. Narrower borders, 2 to 3 inches wide will open up your space if you use neutral colours and softer textures.

Types of area rugs

Oriental rugs: Hand-knotted Oriental rugs are usually named after their place of origin. They feature rich colours and patterns and are very durable. Many machine-made rugs, featuring Oriental rug designs, are also referred to as Oriental rugs.

Dhurrie: Dhurrie rugs are flat-weave rugs that are traditionally hand-woven in India. They are usually wool or cotton and come in various colours and designs.

Braided: Braided rugs are made from strips of cloth braided and stitched together. They have a more casual, rustic look.

Hooked: Hooked rugs are made with yarn or fabric pulled through a backing.

Needlepoint: Needlepoint rugs are stitched on a canvas with woolen yarns. They often come in floral patterns.

Our store has a wide range of area rugs to choose from and we can help you decide on the size, colour, and shape best suited for your home.

What do I need to know before buying?

Use a rug pad to protect the rug from abuse and normal wear. The rug pad prevents slippage on hard surfaces and keeps the rug from traveling on carpet.

Fiber Comparisons

Fiber is turned into yarn during the manufacturing process and that yarn is then used to construct the area rug. There are a number of fibers to choose from:

Nylon: The most popular carpet fiber because of its exceptional durability, versatility, and pricing. Nylon comes in an endless variety of colours and styles.

Polyester: This fiber is soft to the touch but tend to lack bounce so they are used mostly for residential applications in low traffic areas. Polyester fiber has good colour clarity and resistance to water-soluble stains.

Olefin (Polypropylene): Olefin resists fading and staining. It is favorably priced for both indoor and outdoor applications but due to its relatively low resistance, use should be restricted to low traffic areas.

Wool: Wool is a natural fiber with moderate soil and stain resistance. It is a more costly application but provides a beautiful appearance to carpet.

How can I ensure value for money?

Because of the outstanding selection of area rugs available, finding the right rug for your budget shouldn't be difficult. Our staff can help you decide on size, shape, colour, and price for your home.