Only modern rugs of domestic or foreign manufacture will be considered here, as the choice Oriental rugs are not within the compass of the average purse and the ability to select these wisely is acquired only by long study and experience.

The functions of either a carpet or rug are to protect the floor, to obviate noise, to give warmth in both fact and effect,, and to add a decorative note to the room. To protect the floor in much-used rooms, rugs should cover the larger part of the floor.

If a number of small rugs are used, they should be placed where the wear is greatest - on lines of travel, before a fireplace, a lounge, a bed, or a dresser. The term carpet will be used in this connection to designate a fabric that covers the floor completely; the term rug, for a fabric not completely covering the floor.