Are you thinking about purchasing an area rug? The right rug gives your room personality, offering a formal flare to a stately dining room or a fun and relaxed vibe to a bedroom or sunroom.
But you probably have plenty of questions about how to choose the right area rug. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Get helpful answers to all your questions about area rugs here. In this article, we answer the seven popular questions about area rugs so you’ll feel confident selecting the perfect rug for you.
1. Are area rugs bad for allergies?
Because carpets are notorious for triggering allergies, area rugs make a great alternative. Carpets trap allergens throughout the entire space of the room and therefore aren’t recommended for people with allergy sensitivities.
Area rugs are easy to clean. Quickly run the vacuum over them, or in situations when they get extra dirty, just take them outside and beat them to knock out excess dust. Some rugs are even washable, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
Alternatively, area rugs allow you to choose hardwood floors while also providing the softness and aesthetics of carpet, all without the stuffy and runny noses associated with allergies.
2. Are area rugs bad for hardwood floors?
No. 99% of the time, area rugs won’t damage hardwood floors. That said, even though area rugs are completely safe, it’s a good idea to inspect the back of the rug before purchasing.
Is the backing rough? Though a rough backing won’t damage properly sealed hardwood floors, a non-slip rug pad provides an extra layer of protection.
If you don’t want to purchase and apply a non-slip rug pad, consider a wool rug. The soft fibers in these rugs are guaranteed not to scratch or scuff your hardwood floors.
3. Can area rugs ruin laminate floors?
Laminate floors are tough and durable, so you don’t have to worry about an area rug damaging them. But as with hardwood floors, add some extra protection with a non-slip rug pad. Though it’s super rare, there have also been instances of rugs when a wet rug has caused discoloration to laminate flooring. A non-slip rug pad completely eliminates that risk.
4. Can area rugs be cleaned and shampooed?
Yes! And in most instances, you can handle the job yourself — no need for professional carpet cleaners! The only exceptions are extremely delicate rugs such as Persian or antique and vintage rugs.
To clean your rug, all you need is rug shampoo (dish soap works great, too!), water, a bucket, a vacuum, and a soft brush or sponge.
First, vacuum your rug on both sides to remove dirt, debris, and hair.
Next, mix the shampoo with the water according to the directions. Don’t use hot water, as high temperatures can shrink your rug. Test the solution on an inconspicuous portion of the rug to make sure it doesn’t cause fading. If everything looks good, use your sponge or soft brush to work the solution into the area rug.
After letting the solution rest for 5 minutes, take the rug outside and rinse it with fresh water from a hose or bucket. Finally, let the rug dry.
5. Are area rugs recyclable?
Being mindful of eco-friendly practices is all the rage, and we all want to do our part to prioritize the environment. That’s why we get this question all of the time: are area rugs recyclable?
And the good news for the Earth? Almost all rugs can be recycled!
But there are a couple of hurdles; the procedures for recycling rugs vary by your location. You may have to do a bit of searching, but many companies offer to pick up your rug at your home and recycle it. Alternatively, try calling your local recycling center to see what the procedures are according to your area.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of eco-friendly rug options available. Natural fiber rugs, such as jute and seagrass, are excellent options for the eco-conscious consumer.
6. Can area rugs go on carpet?
Absolutely! When it comes to your home, do what you think looks best for your aesthetic and decor.
First, you don’t have to worry about area rugs damaging your carpet; they won’t.
Area rugs make a great addition to any room, especially perfect for covering portions of carpet showing signs of wear-and-tear.
They also make a nice option if you are renting. Many rentals utilize neutral, drab carpets, which can make your space feel dull. The right area rug can offer a pop of color to offer renters the sense of creating their own space without physically altering the apartment.
Area rugs are as unique as the people who craft them, so no matter the color or pattern you’re searching for to match your room’s aesthetic, you can find the right rug style for you.
Here are some tips for picking an area rug to go on carpet:
- Choose the right texture — If you have a high pile carpet, you probably don’t want to pick a thick area rug. It will make it look bulky.
- Size matters — The larger the better when it comes to placing an area rug on carpet.
- Avoid noisy patterns — Even a plain carpet features a textural pattern. If your area rug features a pattern that is too loud, it can make your room look overly busy.
When placing an area rug on carpet, make sure to anchor it. Area rugs tend to shift on carpet, so anchoring the edges with corner grippers makes sure it won’t become a tripping hazard.
7. What area rugs are in style?
Style is a very personal thing, and what works for one home might not match the aesthetic of another. That said, the following are some currently in-demand styles.
Moroccan Rugs
These rugs lend a vintage and sophisticated vibe to any room. And you don’t even need to head to Morocco to get your hands on this classic aesthetic. There are plenty of reproduction options that offer similar patterns at a fraction of the price.
Herringbone Patterns
Want your room to make a statement? Herringbone patterns are bold and eye-catching. But these area rugs still offer enough subtlety that they won’t overpower the room.
Unique Sizes and Shapes
A unique-sized area rug lets you place one in unlikely spaces. Try a long and narrow rug in a hallway or a circular option in a traditional square room to highlight the geometric differences.
Faux Cowhide
Faux cowhide area rugs, and all animal prints for that matter, are coming back in style. These vogue rugs add warmth to a country cottage aesthetic.
Geometric Patterns
Currently, interior designers are in love with geometric shapes and patterns. Why not get your floor in with the in-crowd with an area rug sporting some wacky shapes?
Worn and Vintage Options
You don’t always need to pay top dollar for a brand new rug. Sometimes a faded and slightly tattered area vintage area rug from a thrift store is the perfect match for a home study or library.
Now that we’ve answered some of your most pressing questions about area rugs, you’re ready to find the match that works best for your home and living space. Using these popular questions as a guide, it’s never been easier to find the right rug to match your style and aesthetic.
Have more questions about area rugs? Post them in the comments below.
