The Dos & Don'ts of Buying Area Rugs_ What to Know

For those who want the luxurious feel of a carpet but dislike the challenge of maintaining wall-to-wall carpet flooring, area rugs are a great alternative to have. Not only are they easier to clean, but they also allow you to change the look of your home every season to match your home’s interior aesthetics. But when it comes to choosing your home carpet, there are several steps you must take to ensure that you make a well-informed purchase.

In this article, we will share valuable dos and don’ts when buying area rugs for your home:

Do Choose a Rug Large Enough for the Furniture in the Area

Always consider the furniture you have in the area where you’ll have the carpet. The rule of thumb is that at least the front legs of upholstered furniture should be on the carpet. For instance, if you’re going to have an area rug in your living room, the sofa’s front legs, the center table, ottomans, and other smaller key pieces must be on the mat. 

Don’t Go Smaller Than What You Need

A common mistake that homeowners often make when buying an area rug is that they tend to buy ones that are too small for the space where they’ll put it. Perhaps the cost is a factor, as smaller ones are often cheaper. However, just think about the wanted money if you end up buying a rug that you can’t use because it is too small and looks awkward in the room. 

Do Check the Cleaning Instructions

Buying a decorative area rug for your home is indeed an exciting experience. However, you must not solely base your choice on the design or texture of the mat. Make sure that you also consider its cleaning requirements because some rugs that look amazing, like jute or sisal, are less expensive than other materials. However, they can’t be cleaned, and when they get soiled or spilled on, they might need a replacement. 

Don’t Shy Away From Bold Designs

Remember that area rugs are not like permanent carpet floors. This means you can experiment more with colours and prints, so if you’re feeling like adding a splash of colour for spring or you want to give bold graphic designs a try, don’t be afraid to do so!

Do Leave Enough Space Around the Rug

If possible, leave equal floor space all around the rug. It should be at least eight inches to as much as 24 inches. Although it depends on how much space you do have, the goal is to have the carpet in the centre of the room. 

Don’t Use Your Favorite Rugs in Danger Zones

Remember that certain areas in your house can put your rugs at a higher risk of getting spilled on. As you may expect, that would be your kitchen and dining area. While it’s common to have an area rug in the dining room, consider using a less expensive carpet there or at least choose a dark-coloured one that can handle spills better. 

Conclusion

Area rugs are a great way to add texture and warmth to any room in your house without committing to something more permanent, such as carpet flooring. But even if the rugs can be easily replaced, you should still carefully consider when choosing one from carpet stores. Consider the size of the carpet in relation to the room where you’re planning to put it. Likewise, think about the rug’s maintenance and choose a colour and design that will work well with your home’s interior design!

Global Carpets has a selection of decorative area rugs that will efficiently help transform your home's look. We also install carpet, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services!

Meta Title: The Dos & Don'ts of Buying Area Rugs: What to Know

Meta Description: When it comes to choosing a carpet, you must take several to ensure that you make a well-informed purchase. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider.

Keyword: decorative area rugs