Area Rugs Buying Guide
Area rugs bring softness and warmth to solid floors and can define smaller zones within an open plan space. For renters, area rugs are a great way to personalize and style a space, even if you're not allowed to paint or change the carpeting. Unlike the wall-to-wall stuff, area rugs can simply be rolled up and swapped out when you're ready for a change which also makes area rugs a better choice for allergy sufferers because they can be thoroughly cleaned to remove dust and other allergens for a healthier home.
Area Rug Buying and Styling
Area rugs can work in any room in the house including outdoors! It's just a matter of finding the right rug for your space. Let's walk through some common design situations.
- A small area rug inside the front door, or other high-traffic areas, can help keep your home cleaner and protect your floors from wear and tear.
- Place a runner in a hallway to add color and draw the eye towards the next room.
- Use a soft, comfortable area rug to define a conversation grouping in the living room.
- Create a focal point in your dining room or home office with a stylish area rug.
- Warm up the kitchen with a cozy area rug on the floor.
- Make your bedroom feel luxurious with a soft and cushy area rug to step out on.
- Create a comfy spot to play in a child's room with a round area rug.
- Define an outdoor room with an indoor/outdoor area rug on the porch, patio, or deck.
Styling tips:
- Style that carpeting: Did you know you can use area rugs on top of carpet? It's true! In fact, adding an area rug to a carpeted space is a great way to add style and prolong the life of your carpeting.
- Love to layer: Layer a smaller area rug in a bold color atop a neutral natural fiber area rug in a larger size. This is one interior designer trick you can (and should!) try at home.
- Circle round: Pair a round area rug with a round dining table for a polished look.
- Bump up curb appeal - Coordinate the color of your indoor/outdoor rug with patio furniture, flower pots and planters in a matching hue to make a stylish and welcoming outdoor room.
Other things to consider when buying an area rug:
- Foot traffic: Before choosing a rug, it's important to consider how much foot traffic the room you're planning to put it in will get. Save more delicate styles (like shag rugs) for less-trafficked areas.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Most area rugs need regular, gentle cleaning with a suction-only vacuum attachment, plus occasional professional cleaning.
- Matching with decor style and colors: Consider the colors of furniture, wall art and the general style of your space when choosing a new area rug. A good design rule-of-thumb is to have no more than three main colors in any given room.
- Pile height - Thickness is an important consideration for where you will be placing your rug. Shorter pile rugs generally last longer and are easier to care for. Dining room sets or other heavy furniture may leave dents or markings in high pile rugs, but they do allow for a more plush, luxurious feel.
Most popular area rug styles to know:
- Traditional Area Rugs: These design classics work seamlessly alongside many other styles. Some varieties include persian or oriental rugs and they can be hand woven or hand-knotted as well.
- Indoor/Outdoor Rugs: Not just for outdoors, these easy-care rugs are also great for busy households with kids and pets.
- Contemporary: Sophisticated and current, contemporary rugs look right at home in today's homes.
- Beach/Tropical: Easy, breezy beach house rugs are not just for homes on the coast use these wherever you want serene, casual style.
- Shag Rugs: Soft and fluffy, today's shag rugs are perfect for sinking your toes into.
- Vintage Overdyed Area Rugs: With rich, super-saturated colors paired with traditional designs, these rugs offer the best of both worlds.
- Southwestern: Warm, colorful, and textural, southwestern style rugs look equally at home with modern and rustic looks.
- Runners: These long, narrow rugs are made with hallways in mind.
- Blue Area Rugs: Like your favorite pair of blue jeans, a blue rug can go with just about anything.
- Round Rugs: Round rugs are great for carving out cozy nooks, highlighting round architectural details, and can even make a small space feel larger.
- Jute Rugs: The natural color and raw texture of jute will create an organic feel to your home decor.
Find Your Area Rug at Rugs Direct
If you need help, you can always contact us by phone, email or live online chat. Just because you're shopping online doesn't mean you need to go it alone! When you order from Rugs Direct, you'll enjoy free shipping in the contiguous United States and our 110% price match policy. And remember, every rug comes with a 30 day in-home trial period, so you can try out your new rug in your actual space. If it's not right for any reason we'll take it back, no questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Rugs
What is the most popular rug size?
The most common rug sizes are 3'x5', 5'x8', 8'x10', 9'x12' and 12'x15'.
How much does a rug cost?
The price of a rug varies depending on the quality, materials, and size. Rugs usually range from $200 to $10,000 or more for luxury rugs.
What material is best for rugs?
Depending on your needs, high quality rugs are usually made from wool, silk, cotton and nylon.
