Rugs can be used to good effect on different kinds of floorings including wooden floors, tiled and any other kind of flooring. By adding a rug to your floor you can not only protect the floor (especially where there is lots of traffic) but you can also improve the decor of the room. An area rug in particular is a very desirable piece that is available in a number of different styles, materials, sizes as well as weaves.

It is really very easy to shop for an area rug online though you must know beforehand the different rug categories so that when you go online to do your shopping you know what to expect. The more you know about various categories the easier it becomes to search for the desired article and it also aids in finding the best piece. For example, a home that is predominantly French country can do with a more contemporary kind of rug.

The casual styled area rug will generally have little if any pattern on it and is more monochromatic with perhaps a border to it and it is often made from wool, bamboo or even leather shag. On the other hand, the contemporary type of area rug will boast of more geometrically shaped designs including shapes and waves as well as squiggles and even stripes and blocks. This kind of rug will also boast of very bright colors which are in stark contrast to the subdued colors found in the casual area rug.

The country style rug comes with nice floral patterns as well as gardens and will have vines/flower that exist in bold as well as in muted colors. In addition, these rugs can also have animals and roosters as well as foods like fruits, vegetables that will co-exist with roosters and also garden fare.

The traditional style rug on the other hand is very easily distinguished and will show a lot of Persian influence and this kind of rug will boast of having designs of intricate nature. Typically, these designs are of flowers, vines and some scrollwork and the borders are a major feature as well that can be filled with more intricately designed vines and flowers.

A transitional area rug is basically a mix of traditional and contemporary design and this kind of rug does boast of having bold colors as well as has styles that come from Persia. This kind of rug will also have borders. Another kind of rug, the novelty area rug is often used in a child's room though it can also be easily used in an adult's room.

These rugs will have animal prints featuring tiger stripes and zebra stripes as well as cheetah and even leopard spots as well as other kinds of animal prints. Some people however like a novelty rug to have sports teams on them, especially a favorite football or basketball team. Still others prefer to have their novelty rug with animals and instruments as well as licensed characters on the rug.

Finally, there is the outdoor area rug that is available in numerous styles and which have the ability to withstand the effects of the elements. These rugs must also be mildew as well as mold resistant so that you can safely leave them out in the open all through the year.