Area rugs are a practical decorative element in a home. You may use one to add texture, color, and character to a space. You may also use it to define different zones and create boundaries without building walls or partitions.
Purchasing an area rug for your home interior can be challenging. With a wide range of options, it’s easy to get lost during shopping. Different materials, sizes, and designs make your choices almost limitless.
To help you find the perfect area rug, here are five essential features to look for.
1. Durable Material
The durability of your rug determines its performance and longevity. Picking one made with highly durable material is crucial, especially if you’re using it in a high-traffic area. Here are some of the strongest fibers used to create premium area rugs:
- Acrylic: Acrylic is one of the newest carpet materials on the market. It’s the least well-known fiber on this list, but it has many benefits. It’s highly durable and stain-resistant, and it doesn’t fade—perfect for decorative area rugs.
One more advantage of an acrylic carpet is its moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for moisture and liquid-prone areas. It’s also a budget-friendly option.
- Nylon: Nylon is a popular material for carpet floors and area rugs. It’s well-known for its balance of durability and comfort. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas since the fibers quickly bounce back to their original shape.
Nylon rugs are ideal for hallways and stairs. They also resist dirt, moisture, stains, and mildew, so they’re easy to maintain.
- Polyester: Polyester is one of the most long-lasting materials for rugs. It’s colorfast and resists fading, ideal for decorative carpets with intricate designs. It’s also a non-absorbent fiber, making it efficient in preventing mold and mildew.
Moreover, polyester rugs are soft to the touch, especially when mixed with cotton. It’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and nurseries.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene or olefin fibers are water and weather-resistant. These can also withstand heat. However, the material may feel plastic-like, making it less comfy than other materials.
Since polypropylene rugs can withstand water, moisture, and heat, they’re ideal for outdoor use. You may use them for your patio and outdoor living spaces.
- Natural Wool: Natural wool is a classic rug material. It’s organic, soft, and durable. It’s also hypoallergenic, suitable for those struggling with allergies and asthma. Wool can also act as a natural air purifier by absorbing contaminants.
Wool rugs are also resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, like most synthetic fibers. They’re also suitable for busy areas like hallways and family rooms.
Selecting rugs made with these durable materials will help guarantee their function and longevity.
2. Easy To Clean
One of the challenges in using rugs is maintenance. Since carpets are soft and cushy, dirt can easily seep into the fibers and harbor bacteria, especially without regular cleaning. Therefore, looking for an area rug that’s easy to clean and maintain is crucial.
Keeping the rugs clean is vital to your health and safety. While you can vacuum them daily, it’s not always convenient, especially for busy homes. To make things easier, choosing a rug with an intact structure and antimicrobial properties is a must. You may also opt for stain-resistant fibers for busy and moisture-prone areas.
Some of the easy-to-clean rug fibers are acrylic and nylon. These materials can maintain their shape and color despite frequent vacuuming and steaming. Their structure also keeps dirt and stains quick to wipe.
3. Soft And Comfy
Placing an area rug is one way to make a space feel cozier. Rugs bring comfort and warmth, making your home a great place to relax. If you’re adding a carpet for this specific purpose, look for something soft and comfy to touch.
Cushy rugs are perfect for living rooms and bedrooms since you come to these spaces to unwind and relax. The comfort of the carpet can also warm up your feet during cold days. Some of the softest rugs are those made with natural wool and polyester-cotton mix.
4. Suitable Size
Area rugs should be in specific sizes to fit the space. When shopping for one, it’s best to specify its target spot first and then find the most suitable size.
When specifying the perfect size of a living room rug, it should be at least six inches wider than your couch. For the dining room, at least the front legs of chairs should be on the carpet. It shouldn’t be too large that it reaches the walls but not too small that the room looks empty.
5. Elegant Design
Lastly, look for an elegant design that matches your interior home aesthetic. Rugs can be a perfect canvas for other elements or a focal point in a room. Take this opportunity to look for design inspirations and express your creative side.
The suitable area rug color and pattern depend on your interior design. You may consult a professional designer to guarantee a perfect match. However, you can also look for one that suits your personality and art taste to create a unique character.
Conclusion
Knowing the features to look for in an area rug helps narrow your options. Considering these factors is the best way to find the perfect rug to complete your home’s interior.