Before You Buy: Crucial Things to Know About Area Rugs

An area rug can be one of the most transformative elements when decorating a room. It brings warmth, comfort, and personality to any space. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect rug. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing an area rug.

What Is An Area Rug?

An area rug is a rug designed to define a space within a room. It is typically large enough to sit under major furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and dining tables. Area rugs come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, materials, colors and patterns. They can be made from natural or synthetic fibers. The purpose of an area rug is both functional and decorative. It can add visual interest, comfort, sound absorption and warmth to a room. Having the right area rug can pull a space together, elevating the interior design.

Consider The Purpose And Placement

Before beginning your area rug search, it’s important to consider where you plan to use it and why. This will help narrow down the options and ensure you select the best rug for the space.

A. Purpose of the Area Rug

Do you need the rug more for style or function? Here are some common reasons people use area rugs:

• Warmth – Rugs add thermal insulation and warmth to hard surface flooring like tile, concrete, laminate or hardwood. Wool and cotton rugs provide the most warmth.
• Comfort – Cushiony rugs add softness underfoot in high traffic areas. Look for medium to high pile heights.
• Decor – Rugs pull together a room’s decor by layering color, texture and visual interest.
• Define Spaces – Rugs distinguish different zones like living and dining areas in open concept rooms.
• Reduce Noise – Rugs absorb echoes and ambient noise in loud spaces. Dense, wool rugs work best for sound dampening.
• Protect Floors – Rugs protect hardwood, marble and other flooring from scratches, dents and wear.

B. Placement of the Area Rug

The room you intend to use the area rug in should inform your choice of size, shape, material and style:

• Living Room – A large rectangular rug defines the primary seating area. Choose a low-pile rug that extends 18-24″ beyond furniture.
• Dining Room – Rectangular or round rugs fit under dining tables. Make sure chairs can slide back without slipping off.
• Bedroom – Larger rugs pull the bed and other furniture together. Ensure nightstands sit on the rug.
• Hallway – Runners are ideal for high-traffic halls. Avoid thick pile that could trip people.
• Home Office – Contain cords under the desk with a rug. Prioritize ergonomic comfort.
• Entryway – Durable, easy-clean rugs collect dirt and moisture at exterior doors. Use smaller sizes.

Understanding Rug Materials

From wool to silk to synthetic blends, area rugs come in a diverse array of materials. The fiber you choose affects the rug’s appearance, durability, maintenance needs and price point. Consider these common options:

A. Wool

• Pros: Extremely durable, stain resistant, insulating, noise absorbing, comfortable underfoot
• Cons: More expensive, can shed if not woven tightly
• Best For: High traffic areas, sound dampening, added warmth

B. Cotton

• Pros: Natural fiber, breathable, comfortable, absorbent, easy to clean
• Cons: Less durable than wool, prone to staining, wrinkles easily
• Best For: Casual living spaces, enhancing comfort

C. Jute

• Pros: Natural fiber, versatile, insulating, resistant to mold/mildew
• Cons: Coarse texture, stains easily, sheds fibers
• Best For: Informal spaces, underneath higher pile rugs

D. Silk

• Pros: Extremely soft, luxurious sheen, versatile
• Cons: Delicate, expensive, high maintenance
• Best For: Low traffic bedrooms and formal living rooms

E. Synthetic Fibers (polyester, nylon, acrylic, olefin)

• Pros: Colorfast, stain resistant, durable, easy to clean, inexpensive
• Cons: Not as cushiony, can appear “shiny”
• Best for: High traffic areas, basic rugs, kid’s rooms

When assessing fibers, consider factors like family lifestyle, pets, durability needs, comfort preference, allergy concerns and maintenance capabilities.

Rug Size And Shape Matters

Beyond the material, getting the right size and shape rug is key for both aesthetics and function. Take measurements of your space before rug shopping.

A. Size Guidelines

Here are some general size guidelines for area rugs based on the room:

• Living Rooms – Rugs should extend 18-24 inches beyond the front legs of the primary seating. Size ranges from 5×8 for apartment living rooms up to 9×12 for spacious family rooms.
• Dining Rooms – Rugs must be large enough for chair legs to slide back without falling off. Round dining tables look best with round rugs. Rectangular tables work with rectangular or oval rugs. For 8-person tables, a 9×12 rug is ideal.
• Bedrooms – Choose a rug that reaches at least 18-24 inches under the bedframe on all sides. Nightstands should sit atop the rug as well. 5×8 and 8×10 sizes work for most bedrooms.
• Entryways – Entryway rugs can be quite small (2×3 to 3×5 feet). Make sure it’s large enough for traffic flow and taking off/putting on shoes.
• Hallways – Runners work perfectly in hallways. Choose a size that allows at least 18 inches of floor showing on either side.

B. Shape Considerations

While rectangular area rugs reign supreme, don’t overlook other creative shape options:

• Round – Can soften a space and feel more casual or vintage. Works in dining rooms and bedrooms.
• Oval – Provides a nice directional flow while still feeling soft. Complements rectangular spaces well.
• Octagon – Fits nicely in the center of a square room. Feels a bit more contemporary.
• Runners – Ideal for hallways and foyers. Can define linear spaces.
• Custom Cut – Have a rug made to your exact measurements for a perfect fit.

Style And Design Considerations

With endless options for colors, patterns, and textures, selecting an area rug involves personal style preferences. Keep these tips in mind:

A. Types of Rug Styles

• Traditional – Floral, oriental, damask designs. Intricate patterns. Luxurious fabrics like wool and silk.
• Casual/Boho – Natural fibers like jute or cotton. Earthy neutral colors. Simple flatweave textures.
• Modern – Graphic prints. Geometric patterns. Bold contrasting colors. Trendy shag pile.
• Transitional – Blends traditional and modern. Clean lines meets floral accents. Mixed textures.
• Shag – Long pile height creates plush comfort. Stain resistant synthetic or wool.
• Flatweave/Kilim – Tightly woven. Reversible designs. Durable and easy to clean.

B. Coordinate With Your Decor

• Match colors within the existing room – accent rug or harmonizing hue
• Repeat other textures: velvet pillows → plush wool rug
• Extend pattern scale – small motif throw pillows → large motif rug
• Contrast intensity – airy curtains → dense braided rug

C. Mixing and Matching Patterns

• Limit combinations to 2-3 design styles for cohesion
• Vary scales between patterns – large rug, medium throw, small pillows
• Keep background colors consistent
• Use plain rugs with bold patterned furniture
• Make bright patterns the focal point in neutral rooms

Maintenance And Care

To extend the life of your area rug, proper care and cleaning are important. Follow these tips:

A. Maintaining Area Rugs

• Vacuum high traffic rugs frequently using proper attachments
• Immediately clean spills by blotting with a white cloth
• Rotate periodically to evenly distribute wear
• Shake out outdoor rugs regularly
• Consider professional deep cleaning every 2-5 years

B. Cleaning Different Rug Fibers

• Wool – Vacuum regularly. Dry clean for deeper cleaning. Avoid washing or soap-based cleaners which can strip the lanolin in wool.
• Cotton – Washable, but dry cleaning is gentler. Avoid high heat.
• Jute – Vacuum regularly. Blot spills immediately. Can be hosed outdoors to remove dirt. Avoid excessive moisture.
• Silk – Delicate. Vacuum gently with proper attachment. Dry clean only. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Synthetics – Usually durable and stain resistant. Vacuum regularly. Many can be washed gently or spot cleaned as needed.

C. Tips for Longevity

• Rotate your rugs seasonally to evenly distribute wear. This will help them age gracefully.
• Shake out rugs used in high-traffic areas or entryways regularly to prevent dirt and grit from embedding.
• For rugs with fringes or tassels, avoid vacuuming. Instead, shake and brush gently by hand.
• Turn your rug over periodically to prevent matting and uneven wear patterns from developing.
• Protect rug corners and edges with felt pads or other buffers to minimize fraying.
• Invest in rug pads for hard floors. Padding prevents slips, scratches and maintains the rug’s shape.

Budgeting For An Area Rug

Area rugs vary tremendously in price. Setting a realistic budget before shopping is wise.

A. Factors Affecting Cost

Several key factors determine area rug pricing:

• Fiber/Materials – Natural wool, silk and cotton are the most expensive. Synthetics and jute are cheaper.
• Construction – Hand-knotted and tufted rugs cost more due to intensive labor. Machine-made rugs are lower priced.
• Origin – Rugs from countries like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, and China have different price points.
• Size – The larger the rug, the higher the price due to greater labor and materials.
• Dyes – Rugs made from plant-based and natural dyes are typically more expensive than synthetic dyes.
• Knot Count (for knotted rugs) – More knots per square inch increases cost but also longevity.
• Design Complexity – Intricate patterns, multiple colors, and high pile density raise the price.

B. Cost Ranges

As an approximate guideline, plan on spending:

• Basic synthetic rugs: $50 – $300
• Mid-range wool or blended rugs: $300 – $1000
• Premium hand-knotted wool rugs: $1,000 – $10,000+

Of course, you can find great deals on the lower and higher ends of the spectrum. Outlets, department stores, and online sales are good places to look for bargains.

C. Getting the Best Value

• Set your max budget before falling in love with a rug beyond your range.
• Measure the room and purchase the exact size needed – oversized rugs waste money.
• Simple patterns and neutral colors are most versatile long-term.
• Synthetic rug fibers are budget-friendly and have improved in quality.
• Frequent sales and auction sites can offer huge discounts.
• View a rug purchase as a 10+ year investment. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better value.

Shopping For An Area Rug

Armed with knowledge about materials, size, and budget, it’s time to start shopping. You’ll encounter a vast selection both online and in stores.

A. Where To Buy Rugs

• Big box stores – Affordable selection including synthetics. Limited sizes.
• Home improvement stores – Wide range of styles and prices. Helpful size guidance.
• Rug specialty stores– Expert guidance. Large inventory of all types. Custom sizes.
• Department stores – Ranging from low to high budget options. Frequent sales.
• Online – Convenient. Helpful filtering and size calculators. Hard to assess quality.
• Estate sales – Unique vintage and antique rugs at discounted prices.

B. Questions To Ask

Don’t hesitate to ask rug retailers plenty of questions:

• What is the fiber content and construction?
• If wool, what’s the country of origin?
• How is the rug dyed?
• What certifications does it have for ethics, organic materials, etc?
• How thick is the pile height?
• How many knots per square inch for knotted rugs?
• Does the store offer repair services?
• What are the return and exchange policies?

C. Assessing Quality and Durability

• Examine the underside – are knots secure? Backing intact?
• Test density by pressing down on pile – does it spring back?
• Look for uneven wear, color fading, or other flaws.
• Smell for musty or chemical odors that suggest poor quality.
• Confirm natural fiber rugs have a tag with content details.
• Check edges for surging and finishing.
• Give a gentle tug on the corners to test if it’s securely constructed.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect area rug requires a blend of aesthetics, function, quality and budget. Defining your needs for size, shape, style and material purpose will ease the selection process. Measure carefully, read labels, assess construction, and don’t compromise on comfort and longevity. Although rugs come at widely varying price points, view yours as a long-term investment that enhances your decoration and provides enjoyment for years to come. With the tips from this guide, you’re ready to confidently evaluate rugs and find one to suit your space.