There are many things we should know and consider when buying area rugs. The pattern, color, shape, size, religious symbol, and the location you want to put it, all these make up the uniqueness of your area rug.

Patterns of area rugs have the most long lasting first impression to people. As its history suggests, a certain rug style evolved along with the development of a certain group of people. The tradition and belief of these people was abstracted into motif, pattern, and colors on the rug. Most area rugs we see in the market today are well-designed to cater to the taste and commercial needs of modern society, and most of them are well-accepted in the Western world. This is somehow different than the origianl rugs that have been existing in the region for thousands of years. The rug trading has a long history that can be traced back to fourteenth century, when Italian merchants introduced the first pile carpets to Europe from Ottoman Empire. As European and American merchants' involvement into the carpetmaking industry, the patterns and style are more or less influenced by Western culture.

The color and pattern of an area rug usually goes hand in hand together. The traditional color comes naturally from the original material and very basic dye technology. The modern contemporary rugs inherit and improve the coloring techniques. With so many choices, there is actually no standard of choosing a right theme color for a given room and each person has own judgement and taste. The choice of color also depends on the furnitures in the room. Whether cool or warm, the basic tone of the room needs to be harmonious. As a rule of thumb, visually, a light rug enlarges a room and a darker one reduces the size.

The location of the rug is part of the plan when you purchasing the area rugs. Will it be hanging on the wall? Will it be covering bedroom where the traffic is low, or living room where the family chat together, or the hallway where you meet your guests? These questions lead to the choice of color, material, and shape of the rug. Don't underestimate the traffic where someone sits. The digging-moving feet can wear out the carpet quicker than you think.

The rug you choose is the one you love and you want to enjoy it every moment. Put it where you and your guest can see, well protect it, and you will admire it for a long time.

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