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Area rugs are a great way to accentuate portions of a room and add to the mood and ambience of the interior decoration by harmonizing colors and shapes. Ideally, the primary colors of the rug should complement the wall, furniture, and furnishing colors. The rugs can be used to focus attention on another aspect of interior decoration or can be used as the center of attraction. Large, centrally placed medallion rugs garner maximum attention. Area rugs are available in a variety of materials, textures, and shapes.

Area rugs are an excellent combination of form and utility and beautifully crafted hand rugs are veritable works of art. Most handmade area rugs are made from fine quality wool that is capable of withstanding the rigors of heavy traffic and regular cleanings. High quality handmade area rugs may have a density of 750 knots per square inch and above.

Area rugs have evolved into unique shapes and designs all over the world. Oval braided rugs have history dating back to the colonial period in the U.S. They are popular even today and oval braided rugs in shades such as brown, blue, or green lend a rustic feel to a room. Area rugs can also have a luxurious lush pile in warm colors that accentuate a feeling of cozy comfort. Mexican rugs and dhurries from India can alter the tone of an arrangement of furniture such that it acquires a characteristic distinct from the rest of the room.

Area rugs require to be taken care of and if the rug is not too bulky, it can be taken to the cleaners who have the expertise of handling area rugs made from different materials. Care should be taken that furniture is not placed on the newly washed wet rugs otherwise the rugs will carry permanent marks. Spills should be diluted with water and brushed gently from outside to the center.

The cost of an area rug depends upon its manufacturing process and materials used. Handmade Persian and Oriental rugs can be expensive. Machine-manufactured rugs that are durable and can stand wear and tear are available for as low as fifty dollars; at the same time there are area rugs that can cost a few thousand dollars and are often used in mansions and hotel lobbies to complement the fine furniture in these places.

Wood floors and area rugs complement one another amazingly well; wood floors are elegant and easy to clean and area rugs offer a variety of options to accentuate the character of a room with wooden flooring and also act as a source of warmth for the feet on cold winter days. Area rugs fit in with the d'cor of every room and this adds to their appeal; they not only enliven a dull room but also help to reduce noise levels.