Are you trying to decide the best way to decorate your interior space? Do you think it might be time for a few changes in your home, but find yourself wondering whether or not area rugs are really the way to go? If any of this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place! Below, we’ll give you several reasons you might want to keep in mind about why area rugs are a better option than carpeting. Although carpeting has its place and can be a nice addition to your home, these suggestions may help you decide to go with area rugs for your interior décor, instead.
Rugs are easier to clean.
Area rugs are much easier to keep clean than carpeting. When something stains your carpet, it sets into the fibers and sinks into the rug pad below. This may make it impossible to get rid of, and may cause a lingering smell in the home as well. Area rugs can be turned over and scrubbed from both sides as needed. They can also be taken outside and cleaned much more thoroughly if necessary, too. And after they’ve been cleaned, they’re much easier to dry than carpeting, as well—which is extra helpful.
Rugs are easier to replace.
If something happens to your carpeting, you’ll have to pull it up and replace it entirely to fix the issue. However, if something happens to your area rug, you simply need to purchase a new area rug to replace it. This may be costly, but it’s still much less expensive than replacing an entire room of carpeting. And rugs are a little bit easier to repair, too, so there’s always a chance you can fix the problem if something unfortunate should happen to your area rug as well.
Rugs can be changed with your room’s theme.
If your carpet is starting to look a little “last decade” or if it matches an older style you had chosen for your home, you may have to spend a lot of money to either replace it or upgrade to hardwood or tile flooring instead. However, if you have area rugs that get outdated or no longer match the look you want in the rooms of your home, then it’s a lot easier to change them. All you have to do is get rid of the old rugs and buy new ones. You may even be able to repurpose your old rugs in another part of your home to update the look elsewhere, too.
Rugs can be rotated for longer lifespan.
Using an area rug in a part of your home that gets a lot of foot traffic is often a better choice, simply because you can easily rotate an area rug as needed to prevent wear and tear from building up in just one part of the rug. Carpeting, however, can’t be moved around, so it’s going to get worn down more quickly in areas where people frequently walk on it. This will make the carpet look drab and shabby in no time, so it’s a good idea to stick to area rugs for heavy foot traffic parts of the home.
Rugs are less likely to mold.
Area rugs can be aired out a lot more easily than carpeting can if water is spilled on them. Because of this, it’s less likely for a rug to become mildewed or moldy. You can also turn over an area rug and clean any mold or mildew that may build up on the back of it. Carpeting, however, is prone to molding in areas where spills take place or in places where humidity is very high. It’s difficult to clean mold from carpets, so area rugs are much more convenient in this way.
Rugs can be used to define your home’s spaces.
A carpet is the same throughout the room where it’s located, but an area rug can be used to define a space or visually separate parts of your home. Area rugs can be chosen in a variety of different sizes to make this happen, and they can provide a great way to decorate open concept homes because of this, too. You can use runners to separate a living room from a dining room, or you can use larger rugs to visually indicate where your sitting area is located instead. Carpeting doesn’t provide this design option.
Rugs are good for people with allergies.
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, carpeting may make this much worse. Carpeting can absorb moisture and grow mold or mildew that contributes to allergies, and it may also harbor pet dander, dust and dirt, and other substances that make allergies worse, too. Even pollen can be challenging to get out of carpeting in some situations. However, if you have area rugs instead, you can clean them much more easily and ensure that these allergens don’t build up or cause any issues for anyone living in your household.
Rugs can be moved with you if you leave the home.
One of the most beneficial features of using area rugs for your floors instead of carpeting is that area rugs are portable. Even the largest of area rugs can be rolled up and moved to a new location when the time comes for you to go to a new place. Carpeting, of course, can’t be moved, so if you’re looking for something temporary you can use when you relocate, area rugs are the way to go.
In the end, the choice is up to you. If you opt to go with carpeting, your home will look inviting and comfortable. However, area rugs can be a better choice for many homes and families, so be sure to keep all of the above information in mind when you’re trying to make the right decision about what to use for your floor coverings.