Decorating Tips
Here are some tips and tricks as you measure your room and think about what size carpet you need.
Any Room
When you visit our rug gallery, bring as many representations of your room and decor as you can: swatches of materials & upholstery, paint chips, pillows, etc. The more items that represent the room where your carpet will go, the easier the choice will be. Be excessive when planning for your visit to the rug room.
Measure your room as well as the area you would want your rug to cover. Large rugs are impressive while smaller rugs can be more versatile. Take a digital picture of your room and its contents to bring along. Since we carry three types of rugs, Persian, Bokhara and Tribal, visit our Types and Designs section to determine which style you are most drawn to. Bring along any accessories you wish your rug to complement and perhaps a picture of other rugs which will lie near your new rug.
Look at rugs you are drawn to, but keep in mind that it is often the rug you least expect that looks best in your home. Be open to taking rugs home on approval. Seeing a rug on a platform in a showroom or even on the floor does not compare to seeing it in your own home, with your individual furnishings and lighting. Don't be overly concerned about the rug "matching" other items in the room. A rug that "speaks to you" will provide more pleasure than one that goes well with its surroundings. Rugs contain many colors which will be drawn out by the accessories in your room.
Also, keep in mind that, while your furniture, upholstery and home may change over the years, an Oriental rug will last for generations. So, ultimately you should choose a rug that you love for its own sake and not simply because it goes with your current decor.
Dining Room
To choose a proper size rug for a dining room, count the chairs that accompany your table. For the chairs to remain on the carpet while guests are seated, you would need a 6'X9' rug for 4 chairs, a 8'X10' rug for 6 chairs and a 9'X12' rug for 8+ chairs. If the room is exceedingly large you may need a rug that is larger than your table warrants. Consider whether a Persian, Bokhara or Tribal rug would help create the look you wish for your dining room. Viewing our Types and Designs link would help you determine the different looks of each style. Some dining rooms will have the table located to the one side with a smaller rug beneath and a complementary runner or small rug beside. Bring along any samples of draperies or dinnerware that you would like to complement.
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Living Room
When you look for a rug for your living room, decide if you want the rug to carpet the entire room except for 1 1/2' on each side or whether the rug will be the focus in a conversational area with other rugs as accents. Also decide if you want to place your furniture on top of the carpet or around it. Placing the furniture off the carpet will allow the entire design of the rug to be enjoyed. Measure the area you wish to carpet. View our Types and Designs link for the type of rug (Persian, Bokhara or Tribal) that would create the look you desire for your living room. Bring along any items you wish to complement including, paint and fabric samples, pillows etc.
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Kitchen
Many people assume that oriental rugs and kitchens don't mix. This is absolutely not the case! Our rugs make beautiful additions to any space and because of their exceptional durability and stain-resistance, they are especially suited to the hussle and bustle of kitchen use.
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Bedroom
Oriental rugs beautifully accent a bedroom in many locations. Rugs or runners can be placed on either side of a bed, at the bottom of a bed or in front of a dresser. Although one large rug may be used, placing it under the bed does not allow the rug's design to be seen. Measure carefully the area you wish to carpet.
Sample bed sizes
Twin: 38" x 75"
Full: 53"x75"
Queen: 60"x80"
King: 76"x80"
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Hallway
When carpeting a hallway, measure the length and width of the hallway as well as the area you want covered. The standard runner width is 2 1/2' but wider and narrower runners are also available. You need to decide where you want your runner to begin and end. We carry runners between 6' and 15'. Fringes are not included in the stated length of a runner. Consider how much light is available in your hallway when choosing a runner. If the hallway is very long or involves an "L" shape, two complementary runners may be used.
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Stairs
Careful measurements need to be taken of your stairway. Measure first the rise and depth of your stairs. This measurement times the number of steps you have including any landings should give you an idea of the lenth of runner you will need.