Of all the possible colors and choices used in floor coverings, brown area rugs are undoubtedly the most versatile. Many people, when considering an area rug, immediately think of a bold pattern or color. That is because they are considering only the rug, and not how it will affect the room. One of the oldest known rugs belonged to the King of Persia. The “Spring of Khosrows,” as it was known, was a hand-knotted area rug made of wool and silk, interwoven with gold, silver and precious gems. The problem with such finery is, of course, that it out-competes everything else in the room. Bold colors and patterns catch the eye and become the focal point of the room. That isn’t what a rug should do. The rug should be relatively neutral, thus drawing the eye to the room’s décor.
A brown rug, whether a brown shag rug, a brown area rug or some brown shade of carpeting, does exactly that. It provides the backdrop for the rest of the furnishings. But that doesn’t mean the rug has to be plain! It can certainly feature an attractive pattern or design, so long as it doesn’t detract from the room. There are many different shades of brown rugs to choose from. They range from deep, rich browns to light tans. All are relatively neutral and lend an “earthiness” to the room décor.
In addition to the color of the rug, texture also plays a roll. Modern decorators often favor short-napped Berber styles, but other selections are available. For example, an area rug doesn’t even have to be constructed of fabric. Area rugs of woven bamboo are very eco-friendly and quite popular in some areas. Long-napped shag rugs work well if they are either very large, like a carpet, or small, like a brown bath rug. Long nap on a medium sized rug generally doesn’t work. It gives the impression of an unkempt lawn.
Area rugs are popular because they are less expensive than full carpeting, and also because they show off the flooring without exposing it to traffic. People can see the wood along the margins of a room but generally don’t walk about right up against the walls.
When selecting an area rug, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what will be placed on the rug. For example, if the rug is for a living room, then a larger size might be more appropriate so that the couch, loveseat, coffee tables, etc… will seem better distributed throughout the room. Smaller sizes tend to draw the eye inward and are better for dining rooms, where they focus is on the table that is already at the center of the room. Be sure an area rug for a dining room is larger than the dining room table. Rugs which are smaller than the central piece of furniture seem out of proportion and unnatural.
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