Area rug by Dovetail click here to learn more So, why cover those gorgeous hardwood surfaces? Echoes and noise- Hard surfaces reflect noise, area rugs help manage some of the noise that is life. Warmth- As cold weather settles in, the hard wood or tile retains the cold. A area rug gives warmth literally by being warmer than the tile or wood and visually gives a feeling of and warmth with the layer of texture. Expansive hard floors can be slippery- especially when something h