Quick tips before buying rugs this season

Know the fibres, colours and more before picking up a rug for your home.

Kavita Chaudhary, design head of Jaipur Rugs, India, suggests how:

* Before you go looking for your favourite floor covering, have a close look at your space and measure the dimension to work out the approximate space you have for a rug and any constraints you have (door openings). If you want one rug to cover the floor for the room, choose a rug two feet shorter than the wall in the room. Try to leave an equal amount of flooring showing on all sides.

* The fibre used to weave a rug affects the end-look and feel of the finished product. It isn't so much a question of which one is best overall, but which one suits best for your space.

Wool is strong and durable, while still soft to the touch. On the other hand, it is resistant to water, dirt and stains, so it is easier to maintain than other materials. Silk rugs are often the softest you will find, and have an elegant finish. Also relatively durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Plant-based fibres like jute and hemp are highly versatile and can easily work with any number of styles and decor schemes.

Natural fabrics are neutral and fit into any space flawlessly (traditional, modern, country cottage or beach house). They also have earthy texture, so they still keep things exciting. These fibers have a golden and silky shine.

* Memories of retro pleasures, folkloric and floral art, and tropical landscapes inspire a sense of comfort as we head into warmer months. The lead colour this summer is aquamarine which is an airy blue with a dreamy feel.

--IANS

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