The fun in decorating a room is making the style choices that enhance the decor's theme. That's where fabulous area rugs come in. Have you ever seen a work of art that pulls together a room's decor with such functional versatility?

Consider some of these most familiar types of area rugs for home decorating.

Persian Rugs are famous for elaborate designs in bright colors. Their designs usually fall into one of three categories: geometric, floral or pictorial. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, Persian rugs and Oriental rugs are not the same. A Persian rug design differs depending on the region in which it's made, or by the artist who makes it. An authentic Persian rug is made in one of the regions formerly a part of the ancient Persian Empire, parts of modern day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. Persian area rugs also age magnificently, one of the many reasons they're often passed down generations as treasured heirlooms. In fact, many people believe that a Persian rug doesn't reach its best condition until 30 to 40 years after it's made.

Oriental Rugs originally were hand-woven in China. Today they're made in Iran, India and Romania as well as China, thanks to low labor costs in these regions that keep these rugs affordable while at the same time maintaining traditional quality. Quality Oriental rugs hold up well in high-traffic areas because of their excellent durability and resiliency. The most expensive Oriental area rugs are made of silk, while the more affordable area rugs of this kind are made of wool.

Tibetan Rugs come in two designs: traditional, which employs a square "tiger" pattern, and contemporary, which uses geometric designs. Tibetans have woven rugs for centuries, but much of production moved to neighboring Nepal in the late 1950s after the country's political takeover by China. Many Tibetans moved to the Katmandu valley of Nepal, bringing their rug trade with them. By the 1980s, Tibetan rug making had become Nepal's second most important industry. Historically Tibetans have used their rugs as meditation mats, bedding and saddle blankets.

Transitional Rugs is a term used to describe a wide variety of area rug designs falling between the Oriental and Persian traditions and Contemporary Rugs. Transitional rugs are among the most versatile area rugs, because they usually fit in with any home decor. Examples of this rug style include designs that focus on flower and plant patterns.

Contemporary Rugs are noted for vivid colors and unusual shapes. This type frequently can be a custom-designed area rug, created to fit an oddly-shaped room or in colors or designs that match upholstery, wallpaper or room colors. Contemporary rugs also can be one-of-a-kind creations fashioned from the artist's or rug maker's imagination.

Flokati Rugs have been hand-woven in Greece for centuries. They're made from sheep's wool, which gives them a three-to-four-inch-deep pile. Flokati rugs originated with Greek shepherds, who used them as beds and clothes as well as floor coverings. This type of area rug often is used when a Mediterranean or casual look is desired. Flokati rugs have a big advantage when it comes to care: They can be cleaned in several ways, including being washed in commercial-sized washers.

Braided Rugs are among the most popular area rugs. They originated in the early 1700s in Colonial America, specifically in the traditionally conservative "Yankee" region of New England. Colonists needed something to cover the rough, cold floors of their homes and cabins. They braided together yarn or pieces of fabric into strips and then they sewed the strips together into a round or oval shape. This functional need later evolved into an art form. Because of their eclectic materials, braided rugs are often quite colorful, making them a versatile area rug for a country or Arts and Crafts decor.

Clearly, there's a style of area rug to complement any decorating scheme.