Area rugs are sometimes that one item that people don’t think of using in their rooms. They have many uses rather than just looking pretty.

An area rug is a great investment so the more you buy the more you invest in a worth while product. It can be used on the floors or to hang on the wall.

There are also many different materials to choose from when you’re looking for an area rug. You have natural elements, synthetic fibers, and if you’re lucky you’ll come across the hand made rugs which are hard to come by.

Here are some of the top tips for choosing an area rug:

Here are a few tips you may want to reap upon before purchasing an area rug for your first time.

If you’re looking for an area rug which is durable than close tufting or stitching may be the type for your.

If the area rug is going to be placed somewhere that it may be used as a seating area, you want to make sure it has enough padding. A great padded area rug is a must as well in many cases if used in a highly trafficked area.

Color is another aspect of choosing a great area rug. Look around at your room’s dcor and notice which colors are visible. Those should be the colors which you look for in your area rug. Lighter colors for smaller rooms and darker colors for larger rooms is another option to consider.

Don’t make the common mistake of choosing a rug that’s too small for the room. In most rooms, calculate a border of 18 to 36 inches around the rug’s edge.

Dining areas are a great idea to place an area rug in. Just make sure you add a few extra feet onto the width and length. You want to make sure that each chair leg is either all on the rug or all off. You don’t want it to be off balance causing a situation.

Fit a hall runner so that it’s within four inches of the hall’s width. Keep the length within 18 to 24 inches of the hall’s length.

Measure once and measure again to get the most accurate measurement in your dining room.

Here are some guidelines to types of rugs. Hand Hooked. These rugs are made by pushing yarn through the back of a canvas cloth to make a design. Hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers often can find kits to make hand-hooked rugs in hobby supply stores. The rug is finished with a protective backing.

Woven/Flat-woven. This type of rug is made on looms that are controlled by hand, machine and today, computers! Examples of this type of reversible rug are dhurries, Kilims and Spanish berbers.

Area rugs that are flat woven may also be considered the reversible rug.

Braided rugs are a wonderful idea if you have a busy area of traffic in your home. The materials used back in the day were old curtains, blankets, or other fabrics that weren’t used in the home any longer. A great way to be eco friendly.

Bamboo rugs along with Sisal rugs are all natural fibers and are also durable. This is a great choice if used in front of an entrance of a home or even on the deck.Persian or Oriental rugs are one of the most expensive rugs out there. They are very popular and used in family heirloom rooms for more show than traffic.