Karl Lohnes
Home & decor expert
Follow Karl on Twitter @karllohnes
 
Rugs seen on todays show available at:
 
ECarpet Gallery
www.ecarpetgallery.com
 
HomeSav
www.homesav.com

Marilyn's Viewers get a special Discount at www.ecarpetgallery.com
At checkout, enter MARILYN as the coupon code for a special 25% discount on all rugs.

Photo thanks to:
West Elm
www.westelm.com
Marquis Rug
Price: from $409 CAD
 
Ikea
www.ikea.ca
 
Garrison Hullinger Interior Design
www.garrisonhullinger.com/

Karl's Tips for Choosing the Perfect Area Rug


 

1. Synthetic VS Natural Fibers

• synthetic fibers are great because they resist fading, have a long wear and can emulate the look of silk or fine fibers. Often machine made and mass produced. Cost is much lower than natural fibers.  Recyclable.
• natural fibers like wool, cotton and silk are long wearing and feel soft/luxurious. Usually weaved by hand and prices are considered higher end. Always recyclable and can be re-dyed or patchworked into a more casual rug.
• Sometimes you will find a mix of natural and synthetic- the synthetic fibers are  often woven in to give a sheen/silk appeal to a formal rug. Helps to bring the cost down.

Designer tips:

• synthetic rugs are considered 'fashion' rugs; they cost less yet can look great. Good for 2-5 year investment so choose trend colours. 
• Perfect for young families that want a current look in their home.
• natural fibers are found  in better quality area rugs; long lasting and great as investments. Perfect for quieter homes  and more formal rooms.

 2. How much should you Pay?

• A synthetic fiber area rug can cost from $80-600. A well-made synthetic will cost $10-20 per square foot.
• A natural fiber area rug will cost from $300-5000. A high quality natural fiber rug will cost $50-100 per square foot.
• For the best deals look for estate sales, auctions and flash-site sales.
• Designer tips:
• An indicator is to spend whatever you might spend on art or a sofa.
• Think of the 3-8-20 year plan and purchase appropriately.

 
3. Layering Area Rugs On Broadloom.

• The broadloom should be a flat or tight weave rather than plush or cut weave.
• The area rug should be heavy/dense to lay flat. Silk and wool rugs do better than cotton or linen weaves.
• Make sure the background of your area rug compliments the colours and tones of your broadloom.
• Designer tips:
• All through the 80's designers layered fine Persian rugs on top of humble sisal broadloom.
• Choose a broadloom similar in colour/tone to a neutral wood floor- let your area rug make the statement.

 
4. Buying The Right Size:

• leave a minimum of 1 foot from the width of the room.
• leave 6 inches in front of built ins or fireplace mantels -the larger the rug the bigger the room will visually look Designer tips:
• If the front legs of your furniture are not sitting on the area rug then chances are its too small for the sitting area.
• A rug with a center medallion design is better for glass topped coffee tables; a more ornate border design is great to frame heavy ottomans or solid coffee tables.

 
5. Choosing Style & Colour.

• Style: Plain, non-patterned rugs are great to relax a room with a lot of pattern.
• Colour: Keep in mind that the area rug matches accessories like art, pillows and lampshades, not the upholstery or drapes.
• Consider area rugs to be like art for the floor.
• Designer tips:
• Having trouble choosing a style or colour? Look at your artwork for inspiration. Modern art and modern rugs team up well together and vice versa.
• Never be afraid to put a traditional rug in a modern space and vice- versa. The juxtaposition can be very flattering.