Selecting an Area Rug

Persian area rugs or carpets are both beautiful and practical. They provide an added touch of elegance to any room, and protect your floors from excessive wear. Match your area rug with the size of the floor, and match the colors and style to the other furniture pieces of furniture in your room. Here are some items you will want to consider before buying an oriental rug or carpet.

Space Considerations
Before you buy a Persian rug, you need to know your room dimensions and how much space do you have available. You should follow the guidelines below:

• Bedroom: If you have a queen-sized bed, you should choose a rug which has a 5′ side (e.g. 5′x3′, 5′x7′, or 8′), depending on the size of the room. Placing runners in front of an armoire or along the room side also creates an appealing effect.
• Dining room: The carpet should be placed below the dining table and chairs. For a rectangular table with 6 – 8 chairs, you will need an 8′x10′ rug, while a table that seats 10 – 12 requires an 8′x11′ or 9′x12′ carpet.
• Living room: You can place a rug under the furniture but it is okay if you choose not to. But it would be better if you do not put it under the furniture to avoid damages. The ideal size is 5′x7′, 8′, or 6′x9′.
• Hallway: A runner is usually the most appropriate type of rug to use for the hallway. But always remember to save 1/4 to 1/3 of the width of the room for flooring border. For a 3′ wide hallway, saving 1/4 of it means choosing a 27″ wide runner, while saving 1/3 means selecting a 2′ wide runner.

Quality Considerations
When choosing a Persian rug, you also need to factor in the quality. Below are some factors that determine the quality of a rug:

• The weaving: Consistent weave is very important for the rug’s longevity. You should check the back of the rug for irregular weaving.
• The knots: The tighter the knots, the better. Rugs with loose knots have fewer knot counts compared to the ones with tighter knots. Rugs with high knot counts are stronger and usually more expensive.
• The selvages and ends: Each selvage and end of the rug should be straight and secured properly. Also make sure that the width dimensions at both ends are the same.

Let Mike Kishline, Evansville’s rug merchant, help you select an area rug that suits your home. You will discover the very best in customer service at The Rug Gallery of Newburgh.