Modern rugs come in such a lavish array of styles, colors, textures and designs, that finding the right one is simply a matter of looking. Whether handmade or machine loomed, rugs available today are sturdy additions to home and office furnishings. A look through interior design magazines and websites will give the shopper plenty of ideas for utilizing rugs. Whether a large rectangle or square placed at the center of the room or a long and narrow runner highlighting a hallway, rugs bring warmth and style to any interior.
A rug that covers almost the entire floor is called a carpet. Many manufacturers label rugs of eight by ten feet or larger, carpets. Another industry term is Palace Carpet for rugs larger than 14 by 24. When considering large modern rugs, measure the room to make sure that the baseboards will not be touched or covered up. Decide before shopping how much floor you would like revealed. Styles change over the years and showing at least some of the floor, especially if it is one made of hardwood or a nice quality laminate, is popular in current decorating.
Sometimes rug makers reserve the term area rugs for rugs that measure roughly five by seven. These Dozars, as they are also called, direct the eye to dining or seating areas. They can be used to help emphasize the space for playing on the floor of a child,s bedroom or in the family room.
Other modern rugs to consider are mats which are useful for small spaces, entryways and kitchen work areas. Mats generally measure two by three feet. Available in everything from whimsical cat and dog designs to bold geometrics, these small rugs are great little room brighteners wherever they are placed.
Scatter rugs have been popular for a very long time. They measure between two by four feet to four by six feet. Today, made for greater durability and a variety of design tastes, these rugs look good under one or two armchairs or just inside the front door to welcome guests. Scatter rugs with rounded corners are often called prayer rugs since they originated in Mediterranean cultures as ground covers for those praying toward Mecca. True prayer rugs include a special niche or arch at one end to direct devotees toward the holy city.
Another choice in modern rugs is the runner, also known as the corridor rug. This rug measures two to three feet across and can run from approximately seven to twenty feet in length. It helps complete the look of a well designed hallway or stairway. Whether decorating from scratch or redecorating to freshen up an interior look, a versatile rug can add just the right touch without depleting the budget.
