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Rugs that are 5 inches by 8 inches to 6 inches by 9 inches are the perfect size for a placing in a small living area or under a modest dining room table, and they can also help to establish the feeling of separate areas in a great room. These rugs come in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, and in many cases, you can find identical copies of these rugs in different sizes. That makes it easy to pair your 5x8 or 6x9 rug with a runner, doormat, large area rug, or multiple other types of rugs with matching designs. If you're looking for a moderate-size rug, browse top brands such as Safavieh, nuLoom, Martha Stewart, Juniper Home, Laura Ashley, Tommy Bahama, and more. Read on to learn more about rug materials and patterns, and discover the answers to some frequently asked questions.
The classic material for an area rug, wool is naturally flame resistant, durable, nonallergenic, and stain-resistant, making it an ideal choice for a busy home. These rugs are typically handmade by weaving wool yarn through a backing to create compelling designs, but some are also machine woven. Wool rugs usually come with cotton backings, so all the materials are completely natural.
Another natural fiber, cotton is another popular material for area rugs. There are braided cotton rugs which feature rich multi-color designs as well as woven cotton rugs with subtle neutral colors or shades of grey. Some cotton rugs include other materials such as polypropylene for extra durability and stain resistance. In other cases, cotton rugs feature sisal, a sturdy fiber that's made from sisal leaves and particularly useful for outdoor mats.
Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber used in ropes, rugs, and a range of other items. Technically, this material is a type of plastic or polymer, but these rugs feel smooth to the touch and add softness underfoot. Polypropylene rugs come in a huge range of designs and colors from traditional Oriental patterns to modern geometric themes. These rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas, as they are durable and generally stain resistant.
While wool, cotton, jute, and polypropylene tend to be the most common materials for area rugs of this size, there are even more options when it comes to rug materials. Natural fiber rugs can include cotton, wool, or other natural fibers, while synthetic rugs are made of polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, or similar synthetics. There are also silk rugs, which are best for living rooms or formal spaces without a lot of foot traffic. Hemp and bamboo are durable, environmentally friendly rug materials that are growing in popularity. You may also find rayon, seagrass, chenille, microfiber, faux fur, cowhide, leather, and a handful of other materials. The abundance of available options makes it easy to find a rug that complements any type of decor.
Solid rugs come in almost every color possible, from bright reds to soft greys to calming blues and everything in between. These rugs are ideal for tying together patterned furnishings, and they work perfectly in offices, bedrooms, and living areas. In some cases, the solid color is enhanced by different pile heights that make the appearance of a pattern in the rug, but in other cases, they have a completely uniform look.
Rugs with geometric patterns can consist of a long list of colors or just two or three carefully curated tones. They can be as simple as a solid color rug with a grid pattern in a contrasting color, or they can be a busy collection of different lines and exciting geometric shapes. Rugs with geometric designs often overlap with abstract patterns, checkerboards, and even polka dots.
Reminiscent of styles from Persia (Iran), India, Turkey, China, and many other parts of the world, Oriental area rugs have been adorning homes for centuries. These rugs were popular long before running water and electricity were a standard feature in homes, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. These rugs can feature silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, and they come in low or high pile heights. Traditionally, they were handmade, but you can now find oriental pattern rugs that are machine woven as well. Common designs for Oriental rugs include trellis and floral patterns.
To determine what size of rug you need, use your tape measure to find the length and width of the area you want to cover. For under a dining table, make sure to leave ample room so you can pull out the chairs and sit comfortably, and for living spaces, decide if you want the rug to go in front of or slightly under the furnishings.
The short answer? Yes. A rug pad helps to prevent your rug from sliding around, and it also adds a little extra softness underfoot. On hardwood, a pad is essential, but it can be optional if you're placing a rug on carpet. Even if a rug has a backing, a rug pad is still a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the rug material you choose boils down to personal preference. If you are trying to avoid allergens, you may want to choose natural, organic fibers. However, for maximum affordability and durability, opt for synthetic fibers.
Again, this is a personal choice. You can buy a beautiful rug and fill the room with furniture that complements those colors and patterns. Alternatively, you can start by collecting a furniture set you love and then bring in a matching area rug.
To subdue a busy room, consider a solid-colored rug or a rug with a simple pattern such as an ombre design, which features different blending shades of the same color. Detailed patterns add intrigue to a space, and they are ideal in rooms with solid-color furnishings and window treatments. In all cases, the pattern should mirror the style of the room. So that's possible, there are rugs that come in styles such as farmhouse, bohemian, modern, transitional, and abstract, as well as vintage and shabby chic.
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