From time to time, homeowners consider a change in their interior décor in order to improve the appearance or comfort of a room. For anyone thinking about such a change, it’s worth noting that adding a carpet or rug to a room is often the fastest and easiest way to make a dramatic decorative difference. A well-chosen weave, color or pattern will give any room a whole new look in minutes, although the most impressive results usually follow a well-planned approach. 
Statements of Distinction
It’s useful to distinguish between carpets and rugs, in terms of their roles. Carpets offer greater floor coverage than rugs, and contribute to more of an overall anchor effect.They are typically used in a solid color as wall-towall broadloom, or in an eye-catching pattern that aligns a room’s furnishings. Rugs and mats are used to provide a welcoming effect at a room’s entrance, or to indicate a pathway or resting spot in common traffic or seating areas. Rugs are also used to create a visual point ofinterest when placed on a bare floor, or placed over a contrasting solid-colored carpet.
Practical Decisions
Before purchasing a carpet or rug, consider how long you may want it. This will help you decide if you will want wall-to-wall broadloom, or a carpet you can roll upand relocate later. Another part of your purchase decision should be the cost of cleaning. Simply put,carpets and rugs get dirty, and they can harbor irritantslike dander and dust mites. So whether they arepermanent or portable, they need to be thoroughlycleaned on a regular basis – especially if you have pets and/or allergy sufferers in your home.
The cost of anunder pad should also be considered when buying a carpet or rug. Underpads help reduce wear and increase comfort underfoot.They also act as sound absorbers and insulators. Aside from determining the area, size and density of pile in your carpet, you’ll need to consider the type offabric you prefer. Most wall-to-wall carpets are synthetic weaves (which may be preferred by some allergy sufferers).
Others are made from jute, sisal, cotton,wool, silk and other natural fibers which are considered more eco-friendly. Many natural carpets and rugs arestill handmade and imported from the Middle East and Asia, and are therefore very expensive. Less expensive manufactured imitations can look surprisingly similar, so buyers must always be mindful of the comparative quality and value.
Decorative Considerations
Once you have decided on a specific carpet or rugfor a room,you shoulde valuate its decorativeeffect. Remove anything that you may decidenot to keep in the room, such as any hanging art or pattern eddrapery that might be replaced. Likewise, if you are considering changing or overing your patterned upholstery, temporarily place a neutral blanket over it. Then, look at the full potential of the carpet,without being distracted by clashing furnishings.
One at a time, introduce new items such as different décorpieces or furniture, until you find the most appealing combinations. Use shapes, patterns, colors and contrasts, and consider a complementary wall color or window treatment, sofacover, apestry, painting or poster art, and any other decorative accessories that interest you. When you are satisfied with the impression your new floor covering makes, take your time to complete the overall look with finishing touches that create a new and totally pleasing decorative effect.
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