• Area rugs enhance a room's decor.chair image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  Area rugs serve a purpose in the home just by covering the floor but the truth is, they are also decorative items in your home. Area rugs help set moods and highlight styles of any home. Learn how to use them in a way that gives each room in your house a finished and comfortable look.
  
  

Choose the Right Style

• Select a rug style that suits your decor. Rugs come in many styles, from Oriental to animal print. Choose a style that will complement your room without clashing with it. If your decorating style includes a variety of patterns, you may want to go with a rug that contains only one or two colors.
  
  Choose an interesting texture that complements your rooms. Jute and sisal rugs will enhance any room with a warm, cozy feeling. Handmade rugs also give rooms a special touch. Thick soft rugs with interesting geometric shapes will work well with contemporary styles while braided oval rugs highlight the cottage or country styles.
  
  

Choose the Right Shape

• Select a rug with the right shape for your room. Your choices include round, oval, square and rectangular shapes. Choose shapes that will flow with the lines of your furniture. If your kitchen table is round, choose a round or oval area rug. Choose rectangle rugs for long coffee tables but try something round with round ottomans.
  
  Use area rugs to define living areas. A rug beneath the kitchen table and chairs instantly defines an eating area. They can also define work areas when you place your work desk and chair on one. Separate two talking areas in one room with smaller area rugs.
  
  

Place Rugs Strategically

• Place large area rugs in seating areas underneath furniture pieces with edges of the rugs exposed on all sides of the furniture. Use small area rugs between chairs or sofas. Rugs placed under beds should show on all exposed sides of the bed.