Area Rugs

An area rug is a partial floor covering used for decorative or cosmetic purposes. Area rugs are often used to add visual complexity to a room, tie differently colored furnishing items together, add color and texture to hardwood floors, or cover up old or stained carpeting.

Traditional Area Rugs Area rugs have been used for centuries all over the world, and these traditional designs and patterns are still cherished today. Traditional area rug patterns usually borrow from classic Asian, South American, or Middle Eastern designs, and sometimes African or Native American styles.

A typical traditional area rug features a defined perimeter area decorated with a highly detailed scrolling pattern. The center portion contains a complex and sometimes kaleidoscopic array of shapes arranged in a centrifugal or linear fashion. The overall effect is extremely ornate and highly colorful.

Traditional area rugs should be made from traditional natural materials such as wool, cotton, or jute.

Contemporary Area Rugs
Contemporary area rugs display patterns that are also abstract, but the visual effect is less unified than with traditional area rugs. The influence of 20th century art can clearly be seen in contemporary area rugs, such as the Cubism of Pablo Picasso or the playful pop sensibility of Andy Warhol. Contemporary area rugs are also found in very minimalist and geometrical styles. Contemporary area rugs can be made from natural materials or from modern synthetics such as nylon.

If you're shopping for area rugs for your home or office, consider the decorative effects of color, pattern, and style. When chosen smartly, a traditional or contemporary area rug can rejuvenate and transform an entire room.