How to Choose the Right Area Rug for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Area Rug

Overview

A good area rug is an investment that can help make any room look and feel more complete. Whether you want to spruce up an existing living room with a stylish area rug or find the perfect addition to a newly decorated bedroom, there are a few things to consider when selecting the perfect area rug. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of area rugs on the market, the sizes available, the materials and colors you should consider, and how to choose an area rug that best suits your space.

Key features

  1. Size: Area rugs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you'll want to measure the space you plan to use your rug in to determine the size you need.
  2. Style: Choose a style that matches your home's décor. Common styles include traditional, modern, and coastal.
  3. Material: Select a material based on the rug's use and the feel you're looking for. Popular materials include wool, cotton, polyester, and jute.
  4. Color: Pick a color that will complement the other items in the room. Consider the existing furniture, paint colors, and other design elements.
  5. Backing: Many area rugs have a nonslip backing, which can keep them in place on hard surfaces and prevent slips and falls.
  6. Durability: Look for rugs that are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear over time.
  7. Maintenance: Consider the amount of care and maintenance a rug requires before purchasing. Some materials may require regular vacuuming, while others may need to be spot-cleaned.
  8. Price: Set a budget before shopping and look for area rugs that fall within your price range.

See the most popular Area Rug on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Size: Area rugs can be used to define a space, add warmth, and create a focal point in a room. The size of the rug should be chosen based on the size of the room and the desired purpose of the rug.
  • Style: Area rugs come in a variety of styles such as modern, traditional, Persian, Oriental, and Southwestern. Selecting the right style of rug to suit the décor of the room is important.
  • Fabric: Area rugs are made from a variety of fabrics, including wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic materials. The type of fabric should be chosen based on the desired look and feel, as well as the amount of traffic the rug will experience.
  • Shape: Area rugs come in a range of shapes, from rectangles and squares to circles and ovals. The shape of the rug should be chosen based on its intended use and the size of the room.
  • Pattern: Area rugs can feature a variety of patterns, from stripes and plaids to florals and geometrics. Selecting the right pattern for the room is important, as a rug with the wrong pattern can look out of place.
  • Durability: Area rugs are available in a range of materials, from hand-knotted wool to machine-made synthetic fibers. Each type of rug has its own level of durability and should be chosen based on the amount of traffic the rug will experience.

Cons

  • Cost: Area rugs can be expensive, depending on the type, material, size, and brand.
  • Maintenance: Area rugs require regular cleaning and possibly professional treatments to maintain their appearance.
  • Shedding: All rugs shed fibers over time, especially when new, which can make vacuuming challenging.
  • Damage: Area rugs can be damaged by pets, heavy objects, and liquid spills.
  • Fading: Depending on the material, area rugs may fade with time and exposure to sunlight.
  • Wrinkles: Area rugs may develop wrinkles if left in a single position for a lengthy period of time.

Best alternatives

  1. Carpet Tiles - Carpet Tiles are a great option for those looking for an alternative to an area rug. They are easy to install and can be customized to fit any space.
  2. Hardwood Floors - Hardwood floors are an attractive and long-lasting option for any home. They are also relatively easy to maintain and keep clean.
  3. Laminate Floors - Laminate floors are a great option for those looking to install an area rug without the expense of real hardwood floors. They are durable and generally easy to install.
  4. Vinyl Tiles - Vinyl tiles are an affordable and durable option for those on a budget. They are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles.
  5. Tile Floors - Tile floors are a great way to add style and beauty to any space. They are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and textures.
  6. Cork Flooring - Cork flooring is an eco-friendly and comfortable option for any home. They are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and textures.

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Common questions

  1. What are the advantages of buying an area rug?
    • Area rugs can instantly add warmth, color, and texture to a room.
    • Area rugs can help define individual living areas within a larger space.
    • Area rugs can hide unsightly floor flaws or stains.
    • Area rugs can help protect your floors from wear and tear.
  2. What should I consider when purchasing an area rug?
    • Size: Consider the size of the space and the desired coverage for the room.
    • Shape: Area rugs come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, oval, and round.
    • Color: Choose a color or pattern that complements the existing décor of the room.
    • Material: Different materials have different benefits, such as durability, stain-resistance, and comfort.
    • Budget: Consider the cost of the rug and any additional costs, such as padding or cleaning.
  3. How do I maintain an area rug?
    • Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
    • Spot clean stains as soon as possible.
    • Use a rug pad to help protect the rug and avoid slipping.
    • Rotate occasionally to ensure even wear.
    • Professionally clean as needed.

Trivia

An interesting story about area rugs could be the one about Berber rugs, which are a unique type of area rug originating from the Berber people of North Africa. Legend has it that the Berbers used to weave these rugs out of goat hair, which they would then sell to traders. It is thought that the characteristic looped weave of the rugs was developed to make them stronger and more durable. The traditional Berber rug designs, with their geometric patterns, are still popular today and they are used to add color and interest to many homes. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.