Area Rug Shopping Guide: Part 2
Earlier this month, we released the first part of our area rug shopping guide. In that installment, we set the scene by briefly discussing the benefits of area rugs before delving into the first two steps of the rug-shopping process.
The first two steps we covered were:
Consider your Area Rug wants & needs
Decide on the size, shape, and placement of your Area Rug
If you haven’t already read Part 1, we invite you to do so for more detail on these first two steps. For our second installment, we will continue with our step-by-step area rug shopping guide. Without further adieu, let’s get into it!
Select Area Rug material, pile, and style
When it comes to area rugs, there are a lot of options for homeowners to choose from. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, recommended care, and tolerance for foot traffic. For this third step in your area rug shopping process, it’s a good idea to try and narrow down the type of area rug you want in your home. The best way to do so is by considering the varying materials, pile types, and styles you like.
Area rug materials are best broken down by way of fiber type. Much like carpet flooring, there are various rug fiber types, each with its own characteristics. Here is an overview of some of the more popular area rug fiber types:
Wool Fiber Area Rugs
Wool is a natural fiber that offers durability, comfort, and the ability to hide dirt and soil. Wool rugs may cost more than other fiber materials but also last longer.
Polyester Fiber Area Rugs
Polyester is a synthetic fiber resistant to spills and stains that comes at a very reasonable price. With this affordability, unfortunately, comes less durability than other fiber types like wool.
Polypropylene Fiber Area Rugs
Polypropylene as a fiber is similar to polyester both in price point and resistance to stains. However, polypropylene rugs do not absorb water to the same degree.
Other fiber options include cotton, jute, sisal, and many more.
Having educated yourself on the fiber options available, you can now consider the desired pile you want for your rug. A rug’s pile is best described as the density of the fibers. Rug pile types are as follows:
Low-Pile Area Rugs
Low-pile rugs have short loops creating a more flattened appearance. Low-pile rugs have a smooth and dense appearance. Low-pile area rugs might show more dirt and debris than high-pile, but they are also easier to maintain.
High-Pile Area Rugs
High-pile rugs have tall and loose fibers that create a shaggy appearance. High-pile rugs are more lush and luxurious than low-pile rugs but are also harder to maintain.
With fiber type and pile in your rearview mirror, it’s time to consider the desired style of your area rug. By taking an inventory of your home’s current colors, designs, and overall aesthetics, you can decide what rug look might work for your space. The right area rug style for your home depends on your personal preferences.
Depending on where you look online, there are many area rug styles and classifications. For the sake of time, we will narrow down to a few popular styles and descriptions.
Traditional Area Rug
The traditional area rug style can describe Oriental, Persian, and Moroccan looks. Traditional rugs provide ornate style and craftsmanship through intricate patterns and vibrant colors. When most people think of an area rug, they picture this style.
Contemporary Area Rug
Contemporary area rugs offer bold colors, lines, and patterns to create something more grounded in the present than in the past. Contemporary rugs contain a traditional rug’s shapes, patterns, and looks, but often with a modern twist.
Other styles of area rugs can include bohemian, natural, and transitional.
Ultimately the right style rug will depend on your personal preferences.
The Right Area Rug For You Is Available at Flooring 101
We hope this area rug shopping guide was a helpful resource. For the newest and hottest area rugs, browse our incredible area rug selection at Flooring 101, or come and see us at one of our showroom locations today.
