Braided Area Rugs

An Inexpensive Floor Covering Option

Braided area rugs offer a quick and simply way to reinvent a room or revitalize existing décor while at the same time adding character and
warmth. They can be used on hard wood floors to provide sound absorption and surface protection, or placed directly on top of wall-to-wall carpet for added impact or to just cover a stain.

Savvy decorators often recommend braided area rugs because of their timeless design, durable construction and ease of maintenance. The braided rug offers a practical and economic design element that can add a surprising level of style to any space. And they work remarkably well in modern and contemporary styled rooms juxtaposing clean straight lines with their rustic texture.

To get the most out of your braided rug purchase it is worth taking a few moments to decide what role it will play in the overall room layout.

One of the underlying principles of good interior design is that a room should have a focus. This could be a fireplace or large object d'art. But if these items are not present then you can achieve the same effect with a braided area rug. Choose something with a bold, eye-catching pattern and/or color so as to draw the eye immediately to the craftsmanship and artistry of the rug and establish your focus.

Working out from there, select furniture, accessories and wall coverings that support that focus and pull the room together to form a balanced look. Look for colors in the rug that blend with the other colors in the room. For the greatest impact make the rest of the room's décor relatively neutral. Remember, you want to emphasize the rug, not compete with it.

In situations where the room already has a dominant focal point, go with a delicately pattered or symmetrical designed braided rug. Use subdued coloring and repetitive, subtle patterns. This will compliment the room without overpowering the existing furnishings. Pick colors that blend well with existing upholstery patterns, wallpaper designs and other room décor as this will help build a cohesive whole.

Another important consideration in braided area rug selection is proportion and size. For a typical living room with tiled or hard wood floors you ideally want to select a rug size that will leave a 2-3 ft border on all sides. This will provide a frame to highlight the natural beauty of the rug. For large rooms this may not be possible as most braided rugs top out at 8X10. An alternative is to break the space up into two areas, each with its own rug. A common mistake in this situation is to use two identical rugs. More often than not this will have the effect of dividing the room in two. To avoid this, select either different sizes or different shaped rugs while maintaining some color coordination. This will provide continuity and also keep the space visually interesting.

When placing furniture, things should either sit completely on or off the rug. Otherwise you will create the appearance of items "falling" off and undermine the the sense of balance and structure in the room. For example, a braided area rug placed under a dining table should be large enough so as the chairs can sit completely on the rug, even when pulled back from the table. If your table has extension leaves be sure to allow for this in your calculations.

For a traditional look match the rug shape with the table. For round tables use a round braided rug. Similarly for rectangular tables use a rectangular braided rug. If you want a bolder statement, try experimenting with the inverse of this. The more common oval braided rug can work anywhere, but is especially suited for foyers, bathrooms, kitchens and hallways.

In a bedroom, you will get the best results when the bed and nightstands are all on the rug together. Be sure that the rug extends 30-36 inches either side of the bed so as you don't have to step onto a cold floor with bare feet. Other large furnishings should be placed elsewhere in the room unless the rug is large enough to accommodate them comfortably.

Finally, select a braided area rug that matches its intended function. In high-traffic areas, consider darker colors and stain resistant materials as these will require less maintenance. Wool braided rugs perform well in these situations. For more formal areas choose soft fabrics and lighter tones to create a more open and airy feel. A chenille braided rug would be a good candidate. Deep rich colors can be used to add intimacy and provide a cozy ambiance.

Braided area rugs have a well earned reputation for being both beautiful and durable. They stand up well under heavy use, and can add a dimension of warmth and texture that few other floor coverings can match.

Tags: braided area rugs, braided rugs, oval braided rugs, round braided rugs, wool braided rugs,