Area Rug Or Carpet: Which One Does Your Heart Desire?
Despite what many people think, there is a vast difference between carpets and area rugs. At one time, the terms were interchangeable. That is not the case anymore.
Size – area rugs come in various sizes of small, medium and large. Their size is dependent on the desired area to be covered. It can cover one whole furniture set such as a dining set or only a small spot by the bed. Carpets are big in size. These floor coverings are meant to cover up the whole floor. For this reason, carpets are not as easy to change and to clean as area rugs. However, the bigger size of carpets means more floor coverage in one piece.
Area rugs have more variety than carpets because of the choices in size, color, design, pattern, shape and material. Carpets are always huge and long for maximum coverage on the floor, the texture is practically the same, the shape is rectangular, there is no pattern as carpets are mostly in monotone colors and therefore, has limited choices in the rainbow category. Carpets are usually in neutral and dark colors. Furthermore, area rugs are transportable, easy to maintain and can be changed or removed in an instant. To these three, carpets are not. They are more permanent and require major work to have them removed.
You might be surprised to know that there are more expensive area rugs than carpets despite their difference in size. Looking at authentic Persian and Oriental rugs and you might as well be paying for several carpets. Why the higher price? Rugs have more benefits in functionality and aesthetics. The choices are more diverse and their usage wider than those of carpets. The artistic factor is also more evident in rugs.
Carpets are the tougher counterparts to area rugs. Carpets are durable and stain resistant. They can be fastened to the floor, are easy to clean and come in hundreds of different colors and patterns. Carpet comes in several different thicknesses. The thicker the carpet the more luxurious it feels under your feet. Carpets can come pretreated to fight stains and wear. Carpet can be bought in bulk from any area hardware store or carpet outlet.
Practicality – bigger and more elaborate area rugs are as meticulous to clean as carpets. But carpets can also be vacuumed and brushed just like with area rugs. Both will benefit much from a professional cleaning service. The disadvantage of cleaning carpets is that it\’s only in the surface, unless you pull them off in order to clean the floor underneath them. The weight is not as lift-friendly as area rugs. Cleaning time can also be longer than their smaller counterparts. Meanwhile, area rugs, especially the thinner and smaller ones can be easily thrown in the laundry and dries just as quickly. Some don\’t even require washing, just a good dose of old-fashioned shaking and thumping to beat off the dust. Area rugs are also lighter to roll and carry, as well as very easy to change for an instant room makeover. Carpets require more work in removing and installing. However, carpets are safer in a way because they are securely fastened on the floor no matter how much you move or how waxed the floor is. Area rugs, without a safeguard pad can be hazardous, especially for kids playing around as they can cause slipping accidents.
Laying down the pros and cons of carpets and area rugs will hopefully give you a better idea which floor decoration suits your lifestyle, home interior and personal style. I hope this article enlightened you on which floor covering is perfect for your home.
Abigail Foster is a senior staff writer for HouseofAreaRugs.com. Stop by for floor rug decorating ideas and all assortment of flokati area rugs.
