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How to Clean Area Rugs

Caring for area rugs can be just as time-consuming as caring for wall-to-wall carpeting, and different types of rugs require different cleaning methods. If your area rugs look like they need a good cleaning, take our tips for caring for each fiber and weave type.

 

Pile rugs are the most common residential rugs, though they may be less common in a commercial setting. To clean and maintain this type of area rug, vacuum regularly on at least a weekly basis to remove dirt and debris that can and will get caught in the fibers. Spills can be blotted with a paper towel and cleaner specifically made for carpeting. We also recommend having your pile rug professionally cleaned about once per year to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

Flat weave rugs are more commonly used in offices because they are low maintenance and don’t hold as much dirt as pile rugs. This type of rug can be simply swept or shaken out once every week or so, though vacuuming is certainly a good idea. Blot or wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

Natural fiber rugs such as jute and sisal are made of plant-based materials and can be damaged if cleaned with too much water. Weekly vacuuming will pick up any loose dirt and debris, but spills and stains should be cleaned using a cleaner specially formulated for natural fiber rugs.

Regardless of what type of area rug you have in your office, regular maintenance will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Always check the tag and consider manufacturer-recommended cleaning instructions first.

 

Furniture Maintenance

More From NBF

The Complete Guide to Office Décor

The right office décor can make or break the look of any room in your home or office. To learn what type of décor you should incorporate into your space, read this comprehensive guide to office décor.

Wall art comes in all sizes and styles to complement the look of your workspace. Whether shabby chic or elegantly traditional, the options are endless, and you’re sure to find something that coordinates well with your workspace. Choose from gallery-wrapped canvas paintings, motivational posters, and framed prints. No matter what you choose, you’ll love how it instantly uplifts the mood in the room.

 

Desktop accessories include all those little items you use to keep your desk neat and organized. From letter trays and desk pads to photo frames and desktop décor, these items make it easy to keep your workspace living up to its full potential. These desktop accessories have the functionality to get the job done, and they’re also available in styles that will make your desk look better.

Artificial plants can be real mood boosters in an office setting, producing similar effects as real plants. Even nature photography will do! When images of greenery and plant life are present in the workplace, worker productivity increases.  

Accent chairs and occasional tables may be functional office furniture, but they’re also décor. These stylish additions may not always be necessary, but they look great. Choose from a huge range of styles and sizes to offer guests a stylish seat in your private office or waiting room.

Accent lighting also serves multiple purposes. These pieces of décor help illuminate a room, but they also add a little character.  

Clocks are a timeless trend that has stuck around despite the rise in cell phones and smartwatches. Whether a huge wall clock or a small desk clock, these elements of décor are true statement pieces, designed to capture attention and tell time.

Mirrors look great in almost every room when used correctly. From small sunburst mirrors that bring a pop of shine to huge statement mirrors that help a room look bigger, there are many options. Your only task is figuring out which option you like best!

Area rugs make great additions to a homelike private office or reception area. Available in many colors, patterns, and styles, the right area rug can help define a space.

Decorative boards go above and beyond your basic steel frame whiteboard. Whether it’s a colored glass board, a wood frame whiteboard, or a steel frame blackboard, these simple elements turn your everyday conference accessory into a piece of office décor you can be proud of.

How to Decorate with Traditional Décor & Office Furniture

Whether you’re working in a lawyer’s office or just love the rich look of classically styled furniture, traditional offices are a sight to behold and easy to achieve in most workspaces. Take our tips for bringing this high-class style into your office.

Think Warm and Welcoming

Traditional office furniture is typically made from wood in a warm brown color. When it comes to the shade of brown, you’ll have a lot to choose from, including cherry, mahogany, walnut, and dozens more. Just be sure the finished product has a warm look—neutral shades of black, white, and gray won’t give off quite as much of a traditional feel.

Choose Furniture With Elegant Details

Of course, modern or contemporary styles can also feature warm wood tones. The difference is in the details. Traditional office furniture features lavish finishing touches such as picture frame drawer fronts, bun feet, pilasters, parquet panels, and more. You may not find all of these details on a single desk, but at least one traditional element should be present to give off the right look.

Add Luxurious Leather

Traditional office chairs generally feature a wood frame and leather upholstery. This elegant combination creates a regal and refined appearance that complements the case goods in the office. Nailhead trim, button tufting, and scrollwork details are also common in this type of seating.

Get the Look for Less

Traditional furniture doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you want to get the look for less, go for furniture made of laminate instead of real wood or veneer, and stick with a faux leather chair instead of genuine leather. This will help you create the same look for a fraction of the cost.

 

How to Decorate with Modern Office Furniture & Décor

Modern office design has a signature look that’s simple and clean. With a focus on minimal silhouettes and bold décor, it’s no wonder this style is the go-to choice for most corporate offices and startup businesses today. Here’s how to deck out your workspace in this luxurious yet understated style.

Keep it Simple

If you’re going for a modern look in your office, it’s best to keep things simple. Although furniture that incorporates the latest technology, such as adjustable height mechanisms, is certainly a step in the right direction, be careful to steer clear of overly ornate design elements such as picture frame drawer fronts or bun feet. These features lean more toward contemporary or traditional. A truly modern piece will include straight lines for a sleek, sophisticated look without overcomplicated design elements.

Think Minimal

Don’t overstuff your office with tons of furniture and accessories. A modern workspace should have an open and airy look. Although this is primarily accomplished via simply designed furniture, an uncluttered work life enhances the look. Keep paperwork filed away, leave walkways unobstructed, and be careful not to fill your walls with too much stuff.

Choose Cool Colors

While warm wood tones are a staple of traditional interiors, cool and neutral shades represent modern design. Gray, black, and white are ideal for wall and furniture palettes because they can be paired with nearly any décor when you want to add a pop of color to the mix. Going with white or light gray for most of your office will also make the space appear lighter and larger.

Add Statement Décor

Whether on the walls or your desk, modern décor should make a bold statement. Choose large wall art that immediately captures attention, or go with metallic lamps and sculptures that stand out against your otherwise neutral workspace. Pops of color are also great additions to your office furniture. Just use them sparingly and don’t overdo it.

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