What are area rugs?

Area rugs are decorative rugs, usually woven, used to cover floors for functional or decorative reasons. Area rugs are primarily used as accents in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and living rooms. Area rugs may be as small as 3x5 feet or as large as 10x14 feet. Area rugs do not cover the entire floor from wall to wall.

Why should I buy an area rug?

Area rugs are practical and decorative. They can be used to protect wood floors, tile or carpet in high-traffic areas, to help avoid tracking in dirt and mud from shoes, are soft underfoot, help create spaces in rooms, and coordinate with any interior design style.

What style is an area rug?

Area rugs can be any style. They can be simple or detailed, and come in any color and many different finishes. The height of the rug is called the pile, and area rugs can be high-pile or low-pile. Braided wool rugs are a country favorite, woven Oriental rugs work well with traditional interiors, and shaggy Moroccan area rugs are perfect for eclectic style. Cowhide area rugs work with modern interiors and seagrass rugs are ideal for a cottage look.

What are area rugs made of?

Area rugs can be made of nearly any material. From painted canvas to carefully dyed wool threads, area rugs come in all materials. Wool is highly sought after for the colors it takes when dyed and its natural durability. Small cotton area rugs are convenient for high-traffic areas since they are easily washed. Natural materials, such as rush and seagrass, are great if you live in an area where sand will be tracked indoors.

How much do area rugs cost?

The cost of area rugs varies based on quality and material. Inexpensive, small area rugs can be found for under $30 for bathrooms and kitchens. Large Oriental rugs are hundreds of dollars, as is any wool rug or any hand-loomed rug. Wool and hand-loomed rugs are more expensive but will last for years.

How do you clean an area rug?

Most area rugs can be safely vacuumed so long as you avoid any delicate fringe. Small cotton or polyester rugs without rubber backings can be machine washed. Any rug with a rubber backing should not be washed in the washing machine. Delicate, antique, or particularly shaggy rugs can be brought outside and shaken upside down to release any dirt and debris. You can also hang the rug over a clothesline and beat the back of it with a flat paddle or rug beater to get even more dirt out.

Are area rugs only for homes or are they good for rentals too?

Area rugs make any space, owned or rental, feel more like home. Since area rugs can be brought with you when you move, they are perfect for renters and apartments. Area rugs help any room feel grounded, and can help visually create “rooms” in studios where everything is in one space.