Material to suit every taste
� Wool: they are both durable and soft to the touch. Because wool is a ductile material, it can be knotted in several ways. These knots tend to be thick, giving a rustic look. To offset this, it is given a sort of haircut called a fris�. Contrary to what many people think, they are not hotter rugs made with synthetic fibers. But they do regulate the humidity in the air, absorbing it when the air is too moist and returning it when the air is dry. Some manufacturers mix wool and synthetic material.
� Cotton: weaves with cotton are finer, so they tend to have more knots and thus the patterns can be more elaborate. These rugs are very resistant to friction but look less natural than wool because the material is a bit more rigid. They come in a variety of finishes.
� Synthetic fibers: these are the most affordable and the most varied in terms of materials, colors and designs. They  can be made of polypropylene, of high quality and low price. These are used to simulate wool and plant fibers; nylon, which is very sturdy; polyester, which is stain-resistant and nice to the touch. All of these materials can be treated with anti-stain product based on teflon or a similar compound, or include layer of carbon that avoids accumulation of static electricity. 
� Plant fibers: can be coconut, sisal, jute. They are totally natural, but tend to have a rubber base so they adhere to the floor and don�t slide around. The only problem with this kind of rug is that the fibers rot if they got wet.

Designs, colors and sizes
� The trends of the 1970s are returning to the world of interior decorating and in particular, rugs.  Designers catering to homes with a young, urban look are coming up with bright shades, psychodelic shapes, combinations of diamonds, circles or checkerboards. The latest fad is to use several small rugs instead of one big one. They can be combined in a variety of ways to lighten up the decorating style of the home. What is really in are round shapes with irregular silhouettes, like an amoeba, winding outlines and above all, asymetry.
� Traditional Persian, Afghan, Turkish and kilim designs are still seen in more restrained, classical settings. For a decorating style that seeks to combine older pieces of furnitre with modern elements, it is better to use natural fiber rugs or wool ones with neutral colors, such as stone, chocolate or beige. It is also a good idea to use a big one because a rug in this shade with no pattern never makes a room look smaller.