Careful planning can save the day if you are looking for a rug to complete your room. Here is advice from Julie Rosenblum, brand manager for carpet manufacturer Nourison:

When buying an area rug, consider the overall aesthetic of what you’re trying to do in the room, including colors.

Measure for size by putting down newspaper on the floor or by marking off a space with cans. This will help you determine whether you need a carpet that’s 5-by-8, 8-by-10, 9-by-12 or another dimension.

If you are buying a rug for a dining room, consider the “scoot factor.” You will need two feet on each side of chairs so that guests can scoot back and forth and stay on the rug. For a bedroom, however, there is no right or wrong: Some homeowners prefer scatter rugs while others choose one rug under the bed.

Look at the traffic patterns in the room. Is the area used frequently? Some time? Never? A wool or wool-blend rug is more durable and longer-lasting in high-traffic areas.

Put your best rug in the room where it’s most likely to be noticed.

Place proper padding beneath the rug because it helps with wear and keeps the rug in place. The rule of thumb is the thinner the rug, the thicker the pad.

Be prepared to describe the space to the rug salesperson. For example, does it open to other rooms? If you don’t click with the salesperson, ask for another.

source : www.orlandosentinel.com