Right now hardwood floors seem to be all the rage in home decor, but, surprisingly that doesn't mean that carpeting is any less popular. Carpet has many advantages even in a home that has hardwood flooring. Particularly popular are area rugs, runners for stairs and even outdoor rugs.

Area rugs are the most versatile type of carpeting. They can be used in rooms with hardwood, linoleum or tiled floors to produce a splash of color or to draw an area together. For example, placing chairs and a coffee table together over a large area rug will make a defined conversational space within a room. Large rugs can also be helpful during the colder months so that your feet are not as chilled when you get out of bed in the morning, especially if you have tile or stone floors.

Another type of carpeting that has many usages are runners. They come in a large variety of lengths, colors and styles. They can be used in a long hallway to accent the area and also on stairs to help with traction. A dining room is another great place to use a runner where it will help to show off your table.

Runners are also worth considering when carpeting your stairs. They are a high traffic area and consequently collect dirt easily which shows more on wooden stairs than it does on carpeted ones. A runner will make them look better and ensure they are easier to clean and maintain. Also, carpeting on stairs makes them safer and, and as long as its installed correctly, will mean less chance of guest and family members slipping and falling.

If none of the above usages of area rugs or runners are what you're looking for in your home you might want to consider the outside. One of the trendiest things to do this summer is to place a steel gazebo over a very large colorful area rug and then hang coordinating curtains to have create a bright and unique sitting area in the garden. And in the boundary between outside and in, a large welcome mat will not only keep dirt from entering your home but will also serve as a decoration for your porch.

So, whether you've hardwood flooring, stone or tiles, you're thinking about decorating the inside or outside or your home, there are plenty of areas or rooms where you can incorporate carpeting to improve the space. A beautiful area rug, long runners and carpeting for stairs are all great ways to ring the changes and improve your home.