Shag rugs are soft and comfortable and feel great on your feet. They provide interest and drama to a room and are easy to incorporate into any decorating scheme. Modern decorating trends lend themselves well to shag area rugs and these area rugs are now being designed with geometric earth tones and stripes in addition to solids. The range of colors available is much broader than it was in the past as materials and dyes have improved and expanded.

Synthetic fibers, as well as natural fibers, are used to make shag area rugs. 100% Nylon rugs are easy to care for, non-twisting and static free. They are also less expensive than wool or cotton. Wool blend shags are a popular option because the synthetic adds texture and a bit of sheen to the pile while the synthetic adds durability and luster.  Some Nylon rugs have also been designed to keep the pile fluffy and are not prone to fattening as some natural fiber rugs are. Polyester and acrylic are other synthetics used in the making of area rugs.

Leather shag area rugs are an interesting option for use in a den, office or teen’s room. They are made using strips of leather, in a variety of colors that are attached to a backing to create a rug.   Some are made from wide strips of leather while others are made of spaghetti sized strips.  They vary in price and quality.

People who enjoy natural products such as wool or cotton can enjoy them in a shag area rug that has special properties. Environmental considerations make the use of natural products and the avoidance of synthetics more important to many.  Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and if you are prone to allergies a good option.  Wool, in fact, has properties that will actually clean the air in your home and does not become a haven for dust mites and bacteria.

For those who are interested in protecting our environment, bamboo shag area rugs are another option. Similar to wool in its beneficial properties, bamboo shag is softer than cotton and has sheen akin to silk. It is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Bamboo is considered a renewable resource because it grows so quickly and is being used for hard wood floors as well.

An area rug can add warmth and interest to a room and a shag area rug in particular can add interest and drama to your decorating scheme.  They work as well in a modern setting, and color scheme, where solids and bold colors look spectacular as in a more traditional setting where earth tones and shades of blues and burgundy are used. Soft and inviting, you can’t go wrong by adding a shag area rug to any room in your home.

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The modern style of decorating uses clean lines and streamlined furniture lending itself well to the use of black. White floors and walls and tone-on-tone fabrics work well with minimalist décor and a clutter free lifestyle. Black, white, gray and chrome with geometric designs and shapes dominate the scene. Large, unadorned windows create an open, airy environment that supports the predominantly neutral tones of furniture and fabrics.  Black area rugs fit right in to a modern style.

Black and gray is a very common color scheme for a living room decorated in the modern style. Soft gray walls, black furniture with silver and glass tables are often complimented with several black area rugs and black and white geometric designed pillows. A splash of color is then added by strategically placing a large modern design painting in bold primary colors to one wall or a large unique sculpture in a central location. A bright yellow or red accent pillow can placed on the couch to add interest and tie the room together.

A white tufted leather headboard can kick off the transformation of a traditional bedroom into a modern styled bedroom.  Using white bed linens and dark mahogany modern styled furniture will take you a step further. Add floor to ceiling white drapes and white flooring and your ready to add some color back in. Scatter black area rugs on either side of the bed and install modern wall sconces for nighttime reading. Choose chrome and white or bright red and yellow scones depending on whether you prefer to leave the room stark and clean or add a splash of color.

The modern style trend is finding its way into kitchen design as well. Red, black and white produces dramatic results. Again using simple clean lines, we are beginning to see black, gray and chrome cabinets and white countertops. Shiny surfaces, solid white or black large ceramic tile flooring, and chrome and glass light fixtures add dimension. Now and again a bold splash of red is added by adding red appliances or a single red kitchen island. Black area rugs are easily added for warmth to this interior decorating scheme as well.

Shag rugs have also returned to the interior decorating world.  A black shag area rug can look spectacular in a bathroom or bedroom. Black doesn’t compete with the decor of a room and is easy to add into any decorating scheme. A black area rug of any size or type is adaptable and versatile. You can’t go wrong with purchasing one for your home and may even find you go back to the store for another.

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A rug that is not the right size can look awkward and misplaced. If it is too small it will not pull a group of furniture together as you had planned or may have a tendency to get bunched up under furniture. If an area rug is too large it may hang out beyond the furniture and find its edge right in the middle of the path where people most often walk. Room size rugs can enhance the look of a room if they are properly sized.

Begin by deciding what you want to accomplish with your area rug. A small area rug placed in the middle of a room and not meant to be a room sized rug should leave bare floor between it and the furniture in the room. On the other hand, a rug used to bring the furniture together in a group should be large enough that all the legs of the furniture are on the rug with room to spare and without interfering with the traffic flow.

Dining rooms require room size rugs that again are large enough to accommodate the space needed for the chairs. A common rule of thumb is to add four feet to the size of the table on all sides. Likewise, a hallway runner should allow no more than four inches on all sides.

Room size rugs are a good choice in rooms where you want to add warmth and interest and bright colors and modern designs may become a focal point in the room. They are a popular option for use in homes with hardwood floors as they protect the floor while making a room feel homier.

Before you purchase a rug evaluate the room and décor. Decide whether or not you want it to be a focal point in the room or a foil for other features. Notice the traffic pattern in the room and then begin measuring. If the rug you are considering has a border, measure the border and note where it will fall when the rug is in place.  Will the border be visible? Do you want it to be? As much as possible choose a rug that leaves an equal amount of space on all sides.

Room size rugs should be large enough to fill the room while leaving at least a foot from the edge of the carpet to the wall.  For example, if your room is 10′ x 12′, an 8′ x 10′ rug should fit nicely. Area rugs are available in the following sizes: 3′x 5′, 5′ x 8′, 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12′ and 10′ x 15′. If none of these sizes will work, a custom sized rug is probably your best option.

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Especially with the rise in popularity of contemporary decor and modern styling, an octagon rug with its geometric shape may be the perfect choice for your living room or den. Rectangular area rugs carry the weight of tradition and while they are available with geometric designs, if you want a solid color rug, a rectangular rug may not add anything to a contemporary setting. On the other hand a solid colored octagon rug might be just the spark the room needs.

The foyer is also a location in a home that benefits from a properly shaped area rug. Many foyers are square and it is therefore difficult to place a rectangular area rug comfortably in them. The space is more conducive to a round rug. Round area rugs are most commonly found in traditional patterns and designs and the soft edges do not always blend well with some contemporary decorating styles. An octagon rug can look stunning in a foyer as it fills up the area more completely than a round rug.

Area rugs are often used to visually bring a seating area together. A seating area that is visually rounded will look best if a round or octagon rug is used. That is why you will often see them used in hotel lobbies where several chairs are grouped together. If you prefer chairs and love seats to long sofas you may find this option works well in your home as well.

Use an interestingly shaped rug as a focal point in a room. If you are looking for a way to bring your living room or den into a unified whole and don’t yet have a focal point, consider using an area rug with a dramatic design or shape as your focal point. Placed in the center of the room with little visual interruption, it will be the first thing people see when they walk into the room.

A colorful octagon rug may be the perfect choice for a children’s room. They are very good for feeling up odd spaces and filling in around the edges. Or choose three small rugs in three different shapes and colors, round, square and octagon. Use each one to create a unique play area within the room. Use one rug area for art supplies and an easel, the other for building blocks and the third for a dress up corner.

There are so many options when choosing an area rug for your home that sometimes it can be overwhelming. Begin by studying the area for which you are planning to buy a rug. Measure it, determine the traffic flow and use, and choose a size, shape and color that will work to complete the room. An octagon rug may be just what you need for your living space!

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Dynamix area rugs start with cost effective solutions for the person who wants a well made area rug at a reasonable price. Those with a taste for Modern design and décor will want to take a look at the “Evolution” line of machine-made 100% Olefin area rugs. With stunning colors and combinations of colors, geometric designs, circles, swirls and curves, any of these Dynamic area rugs will enhance the trendy, clean lines of contemporary styling. Extremely affordable, they range in price from $75.00 for a 3’3″ x 4’7″ rug to $385.00 for a 7’10″ x 10’2″ rug.

The “Catalina” collection is Dynamix’s collection of contemporary designed area rugs from Turkey and machine made using 100% Polypropylene yarn. They are heavy weight area rugs with hand carved effects that include outlines and details with a contemporary theme. Colors include blacks, grays, reds, burgundies, greens, tans and beiges, all colors that look spectacular with modern décor. The rectangular area rugs in this collection range in price from $40 for a 3’3″ x 5’2″ rug to $145 for a 7’10″ x 10’5″ rug.

For a more traditional setting, the “Empress” collection of Dynamix area rugs include traditional and European themed rugs machine made of 100% Olefin. These are beautiful not only as area rugs but as runners and look stunning in the round shape. All of these area rugs are made with one million points per square meter of 100% fine heat-set yearn. The “Crystal” collection consists of rugs made of 100% viscose yarn that gives the look and feel of natural silk for half the cost.

Home Dynamix area rugs also include a higher priced selection of wool area rugs. The “Monaco” Collection was inspired by traditional hand-knotted Oriental rugs using traditional colors, styles and techniques. The “Nobility” collection also consists of 100% pure wool pile rugs in traditional designs.  In addition, a small selection of hand tufted area rugs are available made of 100% Polyacrylic in a variety of designs and colors.

A collection of children’s designs rounds out the offerings of Home Dynamix area rugs. Colorful, fun and durable, the soft poly-acrylic pile is ultra plush. Hand tufted, the whimsical designs are sure to brighten up any children’s room or playroom. Their wonderful cobalt blue area rug with images of a train, airplane, helicopter, works perfectly for a young boy’s room and the strawberry pink design of flowers and stripes would delight any little girl. It is easy to find the perfect area rug for any room in your house from the many collections available through Dynamix Rugs.

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A hand tufted wool rug is made by pushing loops of wool through a backing using a tufting gun. They are quickly taking the place of hand knotted rugs because they are so much faster to make and require considerably less skill. The hand-knotted rug requires a weaver to tie thousands of knots by hand. The hand-tufted or gun-tufted construction speeds up the process and increases the design options while still producing a rug that is durable and less expensive.

Once the craftsman who is making a hand tufted wool rug has completed the process of injecting the wool into the backing material, a second backing is applied and anchored in place with latex glue. Then an additional protective cloth backing is added to provide a finished look. Finally, the rug is sheared to create the pile. The number of tufts, just as the number of knots, determines the thickness of the pile.

A quality hand tufted wool rug is a relatively new addition to the imported rug market and can be distinguished from hand tied rugs by the presence of the backing. They look much the same and even wear the same depending on the quality of material and construction. Consumers can expect a hand tufted rug to hold up in heavily used areas, such as hallways and entryways, for 12 to 20 years and longer in areas that see less traffic.

Many hand tufted rugs are being made with a wool blend that combines wool and synthetic fibers. Wool is a very durable fiber and has decided advantages. It is not prone to collecting allergens, is warmer, will not easily burn or melt like synthetics and is easily dyed. But, adding a small amount of a synthetic such as nylon to the wool will increase its durability. The combination most often used is 80% wool and 20% synthetic fiber.

By far the biggest advantage of the hand tufted wool rug is that it gives the consumer the option of a better quality rug at a better price and these rugs are beginning to make their presence felt in the retail world. They are quickly taking the place of other types of rugs on the showroom floor. Like any area rug, you often get what you pay for in terms of quality. Even hand tufted wool rugs can be constructed with less fibers, offered at a cheaper price and not hold up over time.

When purchasing a hand tufted wool rug be sure and look for a reliable manufacturer and a reputable retailer to insure that you are purchasing a quality area rug. Verify the fiber content and the density of the pile. It may be to your advantage to spend just a bit more for a better quality rug. A hand tufted wool rug will still be less than a hand knotted rug and look just as beautiful.

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As fabrics and dyes improved, the color options for oval braided rugs expanded. They have always been a popular choice for country style décor and are used in log homes and cottage styled homes almost exclusively. Because of their history and their rustic feel they blend well with natural woods and stones.

A top of the line oval braided rug is still made of wool, cotton and other natural fibers. Others are made of blends and synthetics that lend themselves well to brighter colors and enhanced durability. Synthetic rugs are usually less expensive than wool rugs and this is an advantage to many consumers.

Oval braided rugs are more common than other shapes and not only have a traditional feel but are easier to use in most rooms than a circular rug. Available in every color imaginable, it is easy to find a color combination for any existing home decorating scheme. They look beautiful in front of a stone fireplace or placed atop hard wood floors. Braided rugs have a way of making a room look homey and inviting no matter where they are located.

Precisely because braided rugs often have so many colors in them, they brighten up a room and can quickly improve a tired decorating scheme and make a living room or den more beautiful. An oval braided rug warms concrete, stone or tile floors and pulls a furniture group together. They are commonly used to protect floors and are versatile enough to be used for a variety of purposes. An oval braided rug looks as good in a kitchen as it does in a den. A circular braided rug is a great accent for a bedroom, foyer or sun room.

100% wool braided rugs are perfect for the allergy prone as they do not collect allergens and even discourage them. They are easy to clean and maintain and can be moved from room to room with ease. They are extremely durable and are often even placed on top of wall to wall carpeting to help protect the carpet beneath.

As synthetic fibers were added to braided rugs and they began to be mass produced, even large oval braided rugs became affordable to the average person. Contemporary designs are also emerging in braided rugs using bright colors and interesting weaves. 100% polypropylene braided rugs are extremely durable and a perfect option for high traffic areas. They can even be used in outdoor living spaces and on patios as they are unaffected by moisture and do not attract mildew.

Decorators have used an oval braided rug consistently in certain types of decorating styles for years. Their versatility and durability can’t be beaten and they promise to remain a decorating staple for years to come.

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Marshall Field, the well known industrialist and retailer, modified the traditional loom being used at that time, to produce rugs with complex designs in a wide array of colors. His looms were the first to produce near replicas of “oriental” style rugs and reproductions of antique designs. It was almost impossible to tell real oriental rugs from Karastan area rugs. Karastan began producing broadloom carpets in the 1930′s and by doing so were the first to introduce carpets for the home on a wide scale.

To this day Karastan area rugs are known for the intricacy of their design and outstanding quality that is supported by a 20 year guarantee. A Karastan rug will look good and wear well for a many years. They are not inexpensive, but their durability more than makes up for the added cost.  They are constructed with an interlocking technology that makes them feel buttery soft.

Harwood floors have become more popular in recent years. Karastan area rugs are a perfect option for adding comfort and color to a room with bamboo or hardwood flooring. Made of worsted wool they eliminate allergens that other types of materials can harbor. Area rugs are the perfect choice to pull a room together visually and the colors and designs of a Karastan rug provide an elegant and sophisticated look yet are easy to maintain.

Karastan area rugs are available in three shapes, round, rectangle and runners and in ten sizes, ranging from 2’6″ x 4’0″ to 11’5″ x 16’0″. There is an area rug that will fit comfortably into any location in your home.  Choose from contemporary designs that include geometric patterns and animal designs or a tradition Persian design. Casual checks, stripes and plaids are perfect for a casual setting and floral calico designs work well in a bedroom or sitting room.

Karastan area rugs were originally made of 100% wool but they now include blends as a part of their selection. When man-made fibers, such as Nylon, are added to wool it makes the rug less expensive. Nylon also gives the rug more sheen than wool can by itself. Polypropylene is another man-made fiber used in some rugs to minimize cost. Polyester can be used to make rug more resistant to staining and fading. It is used in carpets that contain brighter colors.

Silk is by far the most expensive ingredient to add to a rug. It adds a beautiful sheen to the Karastan area rugs and can be found in their Persian Renaissance collection. Viscose is sometimes used as a substitute for silk as it is less expensive. Made from wood pulp it is used in wool blends for accent purposes. It is, however, prone to matting.

Karastan area rugs, whether made of 100% wool or a wool blend, are a perfect addition to any home décor. Available in a wide variety of designs and sizes, they will enhance the look of a foyer, a living room or anywhere you wish to add color and warmth.

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The most important elements of contemporary styling are simple, straight lines and a clean, minimalist approach. Contemporary interiors are uncluttered and focus on space, shape and color. Black, white, and neutral tones are the colors most often used and tone on tone fabrics are popular. A splash of bold, bright color may be added. Walls and window treatments are usually neutral and provide the backdrop or foil for the rest of the rooms furnishings.

Contemporary area rugs display this palette and can provide an accent as well. Neutral tones, geometric designs, off balanced floral designs are all trendy options. Before you set off on a shopping trip to find one of these spectacular contemporary area rugs, take some time to plan your decorating scheme.

The first thing you must decide before purchasing an area rug is whether you want it to be a focal point in the room or an accent. Do you want it add color and drama or do you want it to tie the room together? Perhaps it is a bit of both. Many contemporary rugs are far from subtle even if they are in neutral tones. Designs tend to be edgy but clean.

A contemporary area rug made of natural bamboo will create an entirely different look than a bold colored shag rug. Many people fear that modern décor will feel cold and uninviting but choosing the right area rug can instantly warm up a room. Earth tones even in geometric patterns are warm and inviting. It’s as much about the colors and materials as the design.

Animal print contemporary area rugs are being used more often in recent years in modern interior decorating. A shaggy Zebra rug made of 100% Polypropylene may be just what you need in a den or kids room. A hand tufted 100% wool area rug in a bold motif may bring a touch of the contemporary to traditional décor. A hand carved rug will add depth while a dense pile will hold up well in high-traffic areas.

Contemporary area rugs are made from a variety of materials that will have an impact on both the price and the durability of the rug. High end rugs are often made of 100% wool and are hand tufted. Man-made fibers, such as Nylon, polypropylene and polyester are frequently added to form a blended fiber that has properties that wool alone does not have and to reduce the price. Nylon, for example will give a rug a sheen that wool does not have alone. Polyester will keep a rug from fading and make it more resistant to stains. Brighter colors can be obtained with synthetic fibers.

Wool, cotton, bamboo, viscose and silk are natural materials that are used in contemporary area rugs. Silk fibers added to wool creates a beautiful sheen but is extremely expensive. Viscose, which is made of wood pulp is often substituted for silk and is much less expensive. Wool is the best choice for homes where allergens are a concern and bamboo often appeals to the environmentally concerned. Whatever your taste, style or political persuasion, there are numerous area rugs that will look great in your home.

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