How to pick out area rug? (colors, designs, room, neutral)

[Jedi5]

Is there a correct way to pick out an area rug?

Should the area rug pull in all the colors in the room?
Could the area rug be a color or have colors not used in the room?

What about shape?
Are some shapes better than others for certain rooms?

[GloryB]

Kind of depends on whether it is going to serve as an accent or just used to define the area. There are so many different ways you can go depending on the look you are going for. If the other fabric in the room has patterns...you may want a solid color run. If the fabrics are solid....you may want to opt for a rug with some interesting prints or designs.

As far as the shape....again....just depends on the look you are going for. I LOVE oval rugs, but have found there is more diversity out there in rectangular/square rugs.

I was at a huge flea market right after Christmas that had INCREDIBLE prices on rugs. I'm really thinking about going back and getting a couple. I love rugs.

[Cattknap]

I do think area rugs should have a color or two that are in the room but certainly a rug can introduce other colors that aren't in the room too...as long as those colors don't clash with existing colors. I really want my rooms to not prohibit a wide range of colors being used in the room - I like to change accessories out once in a while.

Important to remember: Area rugs can be a huge statement of color or so subtle that they become a neutral.

I also never determine the size or shape of a rug until I place my furniture. When we bought our home 16 months ago, we placed all the furniture, determined where we wanted rugs and what shape those rugs should be - then we bought rugs.

[Hopes]

I think the biggest mistake people make is buying an area rug that's too small.

I think it looks silly to have the furniture surrounding a 5x7 area rug.

It's much better to go one size bigger and have part of the furniture on the rug.