Purchasing an antique wool rug is an investment in decor that will enhance the feeling of a space, whether it is an office or a home. Before you begin shopping, consider what sort of feeling you want for your space. For example, a living room might call for a more casual look than an office. Bedrooms are wonderful places to display less traditional rug designs and use brighter colors and contemporary designs. Once you have an idea of what type of feeling you want the room to have, consider color.

Color is possibly the most important aspect of a rug. When shopping for an antique rug, seek rugs with colors that match the room where the rug is to be placed. If the walls are robin's egg blue and the couch is chocolate brown, look for a rug that includes those colors. Also consider the color of the flooring around the rug. In the example blue and brown room, if the floors are a dark color wood or tile, consider rugs where the blue is the predominant color. If the floors are a light, honey colored wood, look for a rug wherein chocolate brown is the predominant color. You want the rug to coordinate with the room and create a visual anchor for the furniture.

An area rug or carpet is also a great way to introduce accent colors to a room. Using the example blue and brown room, consider what other colors you might enjoy adding to the mix. If you want to display your favorite pink pillow on the chocolate-brown colored couch, look for a rug with pink accents. Likewise, if the side chairs in the room are orange, seek a rug that features orange accents. Selecting a rug design that includes not only the room's main colors, but also the accent colors will help create a more unified space. Accent colors are also a great way to add a bit of personal style to any space.

Rooms are made of color, and color evokes emotional reactions in people. Navy blues, cranberry reds, and hunter greens often add a formal feeling to a space. Bright colors such as oranges, pinks, and light blues tend to create a more casual feeling. Whether the furniture itself is more formal or casual, the right antique wool rug can change the feeling of the room and create the perfect space. For example, a family dining room might feature a formal heirloom dining set, but a brightly colored area rug will create a comfortable, casual, family dining environment. Rugs really are forgotten furniture, yet they make more difference in a room than seating. In fact, many designers recommend selecting the rug first, then decorating the rest of the space off the solid design foundation that any beautiful antique rug provides.