Ask any designer and they’ll tell you the same thing: this season’s must-have piece is an area rug. Think about it: they’re colorful, easy to install, and offer a lot of creative choices. Area rugs have come a long way from their early days as Persian and Oriental pieces. Today, you can find modern, country, contemporary, and classical rugs all designed to suit a different kind of home. If you’re looking for a quick way to liven up your décor, you can’t go wrong with a well-placed area rug or two.
Of course, the main problem with rugs is that they don’t always come cheap. Many people have spent hundreds of dollars on designer rugs, and while they do look great in the room, not all of us have that much money to spare—especially for just one piece of décor. Well, the good news is that they don’t have to be so expensive. With the range of materials and designs available today, you’re sure to find a rug that fits your budget without sacrificing style or quality. To help you find the best deals, here are some simple buying tips.
Look for multipurpose rugs.
For home décor to be cost-efficient, it has to go beyond aesthetics and actually be functional. That’s especially true with area rugs. If you want more out of your money, look for rugs that can work for two rooms at once, or offer padding and color at the same time. The Rhody Rug Pilgrim navy blue braided area rug is a good example: it’s neutral enough to suit various color palettes, and has a simple pattern that goes with any décor theme.
Reversible rugs are another great way to stretch your dollar. Usually braided and multicolored, reversible area rugs can be used on both sides, so it’s like having two rugs for the price of one. The braided construction also helps it stay flat and eliminates the need for rug pads, even if you’re placing it over a carpet. If you’re going for a reversible rug, make sure to choose a compatible color scheme so both sides will work for your home.
Place them in the center.
Area rugs create a much stronger effect when they’re centrally located in the room. Sometimes just one rug can carry your entire décor theme, even if the rest of the room is bare or toned down. For a more interesting visual effect, think beyond squares and rectangles. Round, oval, and flower shaped rugs all add a softer dimension to an otherwise straight-edged room, and also add some dynamic and movement to your space.
When using central rugs, make sure there’s enough bare floor space around to frame it properly. Remember, you’re not trying to cover your entire floor—you want it to draw attention to your area rug. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 18 inches of floor space free on all sides of the rug. If you’re putting it under your furniture, make sure it’s big enough for the sides to show through.
Get cheaper rug materials.
Materials and construction are the biggest factors in rug pricing. Naturally, the better the quality of the material and the better it’s made, the more expensive the rug will be. That’s why genuine wool, organic cotton, and hand-knotted Oriental rugs often command the highest prices. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get much for a small budget. In fact, some of the longest-lasting rug materials these days are also among the least expensive.
If you’re after durability more than comfort, you can go for cheap natural materials such as bamboo. Bamboo rugs can cost as little as $20 and still give your home the visual kick it needs. You can also look into jute and seagrass rugs, which add a light, breezy feel to your space. They may not work as well as wool in heavy traffic, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last just as long.
Look for low-maintenance pieces.
Rug maintenance can be expensive, especially for pieces that need frequent cleaning and drying. But while all rugs will need the occasional sweep, some of them require less work than others. If you live in a busy household with kids or pets, you may want a no-frills, low-maintenance rug that stays in shape with a quick vacuum run every week or so. Outdoor area rugs may be your best bet—they work both indoors and outdoors, and they’re designed to take abuse from everyday traffic. Most of them are made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, which offers the same comfort as wool or cotton but is twice as durable—not to mention a lot cheaper. Polypropylene also comes in all sorts of colors and designs, so you can easily find one that suits your décor theme.