First impressions matter and when you invite guests to your home, they will form an opinion about you and your home. Did you one of the first things that people notice when they enter a home is an area rug?
A majority of people invest in carpets because they are under the misconception that area rugs are meant solely for areas that receive high foot traffic and hence, they will wear quickly. However, that is not the case. While carpets have a long history since the nomads conceptualized them in Mongolia and Turkey, area rugs have transformed into work of art that can easily withstand high traffic with relative ease.
If you are looking for the best rugs for your home, here is a buyer’s guide to help you. You will be able to choose the best type of area rug for your home.
-Hand-knotted Rug
This type of rug is a piece of art as it requires a skilled weaver to create it knot by knot. Since it requires a lot of time and effort, usually a hand-knotted rug is quite expensive. This rug can be made from wool, silk, or cotton. Hand-knotted rugs are extremely durable and can easily withstand high foot traffic without a problem. If you invest in such rugs, they can easily last for around 20 years. These area rugs make the best living room rugs as they are attractive and can create a focal point.
-Hand-tufted Rug
Hand-tufted rugs are always made from high-quality wool and closely resemble hand-knotted rugs. The difference is that these rugs are made without tying knots and hence, they do not take time to make. That means they are less expensive than hand-knotted rugs. These rugs can easily be put in high-traffic areas and can last anywhere from 12 years to 20 years.
-Braided Rug
Braided rugs were made by American settlers and they used cotton strips in different colors to give color and warmth to their log homes. These rugs make great kitchen rugs and can make the space inviting and cheerful. While you can get braided rugs in cotton, if you are looking for durable materials, you can opt for chenille or woolen braided rugs.
-Hand-hooked Rug
Hand-hooked rugs are made in China and come without a pile. Instead, these rugs have small bumps that protrude from the surface, giving the appearance of a needlepoint. The weave is held together with the help of latex backing. Hand-hooked rugs are great for medium-traffic areas and make good bedroom rugs.
-Kilim Rugs
Also known as dhurrie rugs, kilim rugs that you find online are made in India. They can be hand-woven or machine-made using animal, plant, or synthetic materials. Usually, weavers in India use wool or cotton to make kilim rugs. If you are looking for authentic kilims, you will have to get them imported from Turkey or Egypt. You can use kilims as outdoor rugs on the patio or in your living room or bedroom.
-Machine-made Rugs
In case you are looking for washable area rugs for your home, you should opt for machine-made rugs made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, rayon, or nylon. These are great for kids’ bedrooms or any other high-traffic area in your home. They are woven using power looms and are quite durable. They can last from 12 years to 20 years.
-Natural Fiber Rugs
As the name suggests, these area rugs are made from natural fibers extracted from plants. Usually, bamboo, coir, or sisal fibers are used. The fibers are woven tightly to create the rugs. In the past, natural fiber rugs were used in the entryway of a home. However, today, they are used in family rooms and bedrooms. You can get dyed natural fiber rugs, and that makes them cheerful rugs for a bedroom. However, you should be forewarned that the dye will ultimately fade and the rug will revert to its natural color.
-Flokati Rugs
These rugs are made in Greece using pure wool that is imported from New Zealand. The weavers use ancient weaving techniques to hand weave the wool. While these rugs have been around since the 5th century, the laws in Greece require that weavers wash Flokati rugs for 40 hours in Pindus Mountains waterfalls. The water pressure from the waterfalls cleans the rugs, causing the wool to shrink. As a result, the pile is thick, soft, and fluffy. After washing, the rugs are carefully dried in the sun before shipping them around the world. You can use these rugs as indoor or outdoor rugs with relative ease.
-Baluch Persian Rugs
The nomadic Baluch tribe living in Southern Iran uses a 2,500-year-old tradition to weave these rugs. The tribe leads a simple life but is extremely generous and willing to share what little it has with guests and outsiders. Each Baluch rug is unique and you will not find another one like it. That is because the rugs are woven to express the weaver’s thoughts and feelings. The pattern can be random or a prayer symbol. Usually, these rugs are in vibrant colors, such as burgundy which is mixed with a little bit of navy blue and ivory. So, they are perfect for the living room.
-Oriental Rugs
If you are looking for a high-end rug that is plush, stylish, and elegant, you cannot go wrong with Oriental rugs. These rugs are hand-woven using silk. If you are willing to splurge on your area rug, you can invest in an Oriental rug that has real gold threads interwoven in the silk. Of course, you can get cheaper Oriental rugs that are made from wool. These woolen Oriental rugs are as beautiful as the silk ones and are considered a great investment.
Bonus Rug Type
Today, Ruggable rugs have become quite popular among people looking for washable area rugs. These branded rugs are made from polyester and have a water-resistant coating of polyurethane. All Ruggable rugs come with a removable pad made from rubber. You can remove the rug and toss your Ruggable rug into the washing machine if it gets dirty. These rugs can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom room, living room, and even outdoors.
What to Look for When You Are Buying Area Rugs
While price is a factor when you want to buy an area rug for your home, here are the three most important factors that you should consider:
-Material: Today, area rugs are available in natural or synthetic fibers. The material you choose affects not just the price but also the durability and ease of cleaning the rug. So, find out about different materials, like wool, silk, bamboo, sisal, nylon, and polypropylene, before choosing one that you feel is right for you.
-Construction: Area rugs can be made by hand or machine, and they can be tufted, braided, knotted, hooked, or have a flat weave. Besides having a high-quality construction, you should look at how the rug appears and feels as that will affect your choice.
-Lifestyle: You also need to consider your lifestyle when choosing an area rug. Choose a rug style that reflects your personality and also fits in with your room and furniture. If you do not have time to clean and maintain the rug, choose a washable one.
Now you know the 10 best area rugs and how to select one that is right for you. So, go ahead and begin shopping for one that fits your budget, lifestyle, and home décor.
