Area rugs are exactly what their name implies. They are rugs that only fit a particular area of the home, instead of being wall-to-wall like traditional carpeting would be. These rugs can be thin or thick, small or large, expensive or inexpensive, and can provide your home with a great look while putting something soft underfoot through designated areas. Rugs like this are a great choice for nearly any room in your house, and you can put them over stone, laminate, wood, and other hard flooring surfaces. To choose the right rug, consider your budget and the look you're going for.

The Cost and Quality of Area Rugs

When choosing an area rug, your budget will need to come into play. Some rugs can be very expensive, but it's also possible to find more inexpensive versions that will look similar, feel comfortable, yet cost you significantly less than their higher-end counterparts. Rugs that are machine made or made overseas will typically cost less than rugs that are USA-made or that are handmade. The more work and/or the better quality materials that go into an area rug, the higher the price you can expect to pay for that rug. However, you can also expect that higher-priced rug to look better and last longer than its less expensive counterparts.

Getting the right area rug can mean the difference between really loving it, and wishing you would have done something different with your flooring choices. When you go to select your rug, take a careful look at how it's constructed. You want something that's going to be durable and last a long time, especially if you have children or pets, or the rug will be in a high traffic area where a lot of people will be walking on it throughout the day. Durability is important.

Where to Find Area Rugs

There are many different places to find area rugs. Carpeting stores carry them, as do home improvement stores and larger chain retailers. That gives you choices when you're looking for a rug that will be the right size and shape for your home. Having these options also lets you consider quality, so you can find a rug that is what you're looking for with a quality that you will be happy with and a price that fits your budget.

Area Rugs Can be Made of Karastan and Berber, Like Carpeting

Many people who have hardwood flooring use area rugs to break up the expanse of wood, and to keep it protected. These rugs can be made from Berber and Karastan, like more traditional carpeting, or they can be made of other types of fibers or from other materials. Where the rug will be located, the look you're going for, and whether you have children or pets in your home should all be considerations when choosing an area rug based on what it is made from and how well it can be expected to hold up to foot traffic and daily living.

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