How do you feel about area rugs? Do you think of them as a design tool or do you only use an area rug at the door to catch dust and make house cleaning easier? Some professional decorators shared with HGTV their ideas for how to incorporate area rugs into room designs.

Below are some favorite tips from practical to artistic!

When you decide to buy a new area rug for a room, there are an awful lot of things to consider: size, shape, color, and fabric. But there are two important things to keep in mind, as well:

1. You, your family, and your lifestyle.
2. The room in which you'll put the rug.

If you've got children or pets and this rug is going in the dining room, you probably want a sturdier rug, one with short, tight fibers and built-in stain resistance. If, on the other hand, you have older children and the rug is going in the living room, soft plush is a great choice.

As you're choosing your rug, the options and ideas are a bit overwhelming. Who even knew that many people were designing rugs? Here are some tips for using a rug well in your design:

• If the room is mostly neutral or light colors, go with something bold. A distinct pattern or color in a neutral room will create a focal point. 
• On the other hand, if a room is already bold, vibrant, or full of patterns, opt for something neutral to pull the room together and make it comfortable.
• Leave a bit of a border around the outside to create a framing that makes the room feel cozy and pulled-together.
• Don't be afraid to work in the opposite direction: find a rug you love and design your room around it!

The best thing you can do for any of your area rugs is keep them clean—on both sides! If your time is short, ask cleaning services for help.