Round rugs are one of the best kept decorating secrets. I don't know if you were aware of this but, one of the top 10 design tips on most designers' list is to use round rugs when working with smaller spaces. I have to say that I concur. A round area rug in a small space will open up the space and make it appear much larger than it is. You might even open up a little more by adding a round ottoman for example, but this article is not about opening space necessarily but about round area rugs. I will explore what are the possibilities with round rugs.
Round oriental rugs
Most traditional homes have always turned to oriental carpets, but tradition seems to always leads to a standard response. The fact is that you can find round oriental rugs that have all the characteristics that we love in oriental rugs. If you are going to opt for a round oriental rug you need to be aware of a few facts.
While there are a few antique round oriental rugs there are a few and they are very pricey as they are close to being museum quality. However for most homes today that is not what consumers are looking for, and we can find some very nice quality round oriental rugs that have been produced with more modern methods than the old hand knotting. As far as design is concerned what is available for a traditional rug will be available for a round oriental rug as well. It is
only a question of finding what you want. The internet has made the process much easier, as you can now find any producer online, for anything including round oriental rugs. You should be aware that the likelihood of buying a US made round oriental rug is that it will be a machine made reproduction, but machine made reproductions can be of excellent quality in both manufacturing and design.
You should also know the difference between oriental rugs and persian rugs. While many people will use the terms interchangeably a persian rug is one that is make in Persia, (today Persia is called Iran). Round persian rugs can be found both antique and modern day persian rugs, but no rug manufactured outside Iran can claim to be an authentic persian rug.
Braided round rugs
An other option is to use a round braided rug. Braided rugs do not carry the prestige or the ancient history of oriental rugs but they should not be dismissed as being any less valuable as a decorating option. Some round braided rugs can also have real monetary value as you can find antique round or oval braided rugs going back to pioneer days. Remember that some of the first rugs placed on American floors were braided rugs. If the oriental rugs are more traditionally found in a rectangular shape the opposite is true for braided rugs that are often round or oval. Both cotton and wool are used to make these rugs as they normally were made from discarded old clothes, evidently if you were to buy or make a round braided rug today, synthetic materials would be used as well. One big advantage of braided rugs is that they are machine washable. One disadvantage is that on hardwood or tile surfaces they can slip and be hazardous, but pads are available to prevent this and make them safer.
Round braided rugs should not be limited to colonial furniture as they are becoming more trendy in other settings as well. Because they are available in so many sizes and are so easy to take care of, they make a perfect area rug for the kitchen or eating area, but do not limit yourself to small kitchen round or half round braided rugs. The variety of styles and colors is endless and a visit to one or two online stores will quickly show you the richness and potential of these rugs.
Contemporary round rugs
If you have read my blog before, you know that I tend towards contemporary design for my home decor, needless to say that my heart is going to lean that way in area rug choices. There is such a large choice that I cannot even begin to touch all the possibilities you will be able to find when looking for a round contemporary rug. Let's first talk about the materials available for contemporary rugs. We no longer have any limitations, you will find rugs made of felt as well as any synthetic fibers, but you will also be able to buy a round wool rug if that is what you want. Designs will only provide you with the embarrassment of choice. From a multicolor intricate design to a simple tone on tone design, to a central medallion all is possible. One of the more interesting rug I have found was a round contemporary rug made of vinyl with the design cut by laser giving the impression of an opening flower. A very poetic image on your floor. I have also admired many of the round felt rugs that I have seen. Some of the rugs that most impressed me were produced in Nepal. The felt used is made from carded wool soap and hot water, a time consuming work that allows to bind the wool fibers and to obtain this warm and extremely soft material. This kind of round contemporary rug can find a place in any room, except the kitchen or bath, and any decor you might have in your home.
Contemporary round rugs are also inspired by pop culture and as such will fit in any eclectic environment. Any design will often be available in many color combinations so the options that you have are truly limitless.
Where can you use round rugs?
You can have a round bathroom rug as easily as you can have a round living room rug, you can also put a round rug in a bedroom, and if you have a round table then your dining room or eating nook will look better with a round rug than it would with a rectangular one. You can also have a round outdoor rug on a patio or porch. As you can see there are no limitations.
Is there an advantage to using a round rug?
As already suggested there is an advantage to using a round rug in a smaller room as it will visually enlarge it, and to using one under a round table, but aside from these two reasons the shape of the rug you use is clearly esthetic and a personal choice. There are however several advantages to using area rugs instead of wall to wall carpeting.
Hardwood floors are easier to keep clean and free of molds, mildew and insects than are carpets, a rug on this kind of floor makes it warmer and more comfortable. An area rug will be better for families where allergies are present, as they can be washed, they harbor fewer of the allergens that cause misery to so many people. Even wool area rugs that cannot be washed in your washing machine can be cleaned regularly. Maintenance of your round area rugs will be easier.
What are round area rugs prices?
Depending on size and materials round rugs range in price in the same way as other shapes. You will not spend more because of the shape. Rugs will range in prices from as low as $30 to several hundreds for an average rug, if you are looking at a one of a kind rug, or an antique you could be spending thousands of dollars for such a rug. The average home will spend a few hundreds for a round living room rug or a round bedroom rug, and only a few dollars for a bathroom rug.
