By: Rachael Thrush
Rachael Thrush is an interior designer at Vertical Interior Design Studio. She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Rachael joined the team as an interior design intern and has continued to refine her skills in residential interior design.
“Home is where the heart is.” We have all heard this common phrase. Although it is a cliché, truth can be found in it. Creating the best version of your home allows you to become the best version of yourself. You might find yourself wanting to make a change in your household, but you don’t know where to begin. When thinking about how to create your dream home, finding a starting point can be a challenging task. This is why when renovating, one of the first aspects to consider is the flooring. A house’s flooring allows you to lay down a proper foundation—which can determine the overall aesthetic of your home.
One way to create a lasting impact through flooring is to determine whether or not you should purchase a rug or install carpet, and if one is better than the other.
From an interior designer’s standpoint, here are some compelling reasons as to why we believe rugs offer more long-term benefits rather than carpet:
the negatives to carpet
When making your selection, understanding the negative aspects to carpet is essential. One of the first things to consider is that carpet is much more expensive to install and it is very labor-intensive to replace. The installation process can become long and exhaustive. These factors lead to the daunting task of selecting a carpet that will stand the test of time, because replacing the carpet is not an easy or affordable option.
Choosing a carpet for your home is a long-term commitment. Interior design trends and your own personal taste will change over time, which is why a permanent decision such as installing carpet can be tricky.
Maintaining your carpet over time can also be a challenging task. When your carpet gets dirty and lived-in, maintenance is required. The labor that comes with this includes processes of vacuuming and shampooing your carpet, which is a time commitment. Many people do not have extra time on their hands to take care of their carpet, which results in it becoming neglected. This is an easy way that your home can lose that “put together” quality that everyone strives to have.
4 reasons why you should choose rugs over carpet
- Rugs are easier to replace. Your rug will eventually face normal wear and tear after many years, and replacing it is an easier task than if you were to own carpet. When the time comes to say goodbye to an old rug, the steps to discard and find a replacement for it are hassle-free. There are so many options when it comes to selecting a rug; you are not limited. However, a rug will be a staple in your home, which means that it is an investment. In order to make sure that your rug lasts a long time, you can start by selecting one that is good quality so that it can live in your home for its maximum amount of years.
- Rugs are also easier to maintain. Taking care of your rug is a simple yet important task. There is no need for long hours full of labor intensive work when it comes to maintaining your rug. However, you should know the care your rug requires. One of the first steps in taking care of your rug is to understand what materials it is made from. Different rugs require different care, and maintenance might look different depending on the rug. One way to be careful regarding this area is either consult your designer or read the care and cleaning labels on your rug. Each type of fiber and materials are so different, and all require different care including vacuuming instructions, spot cleaning, and general maintenance.
- Rugs are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Rugs are impactful to a home’s interior design and you can be creative when selecting a rug! Some ways to allow for creative expression is to select a rug with a unique pattern or color. You should be sure to pick a rug with a couple of hues within your space. Don’t be afraid to be bold by adding a statement color or pattern to a space. In contrast, you can also choose to soften a space—in a home with hardwood flooring adding a rug can make it feel cozier. The material of the area rug will also help with the acoustical properties of the space.
- Rugs travel with you from home to home. If you move, you cannot bring your carpet with you. This is a significant aspect when it comes to owning a rug—they are mobile. Another benefit is that you can rest assured that the money you invest in a quality rug will not be wasted because you can take it with you wherever you go.
how to shop for rugs
If you are unsure of what kind of rug to use or how to properly size a rug for your space, start by deciding what room you are looking to add a rug to. One aspect to avoid is centering the carpet in the room, you will want to pay attention to the pathways and the furniture within the space in order to figure out sizing and placement for your rug. Another element to consider is having all of your furniture on or touching the rug.
When shopping for a rug, keep in mind the materials that the rug is made of. The material of the rug may depend on usage of the space. For example, a wool rug is the best in durability and is good for areas of high foot traffic. In contrast, synthetic fiber rugs are more cost effective for lower budgets but will not last as long. If you are prone to switching up your rooms often, this option may be more effective for you since a synthetic rug is less of an investment. Regarding cotton rugs, you want to use cotton in places that are regularly switched out such as your kitchen, entryway, or bathroom. Silk rugs are beautiful but will require professional cleaning, low foot traffic, and indirect sunlight. Viscose rugs are another beautiful fiber that can add an eye-catching sheen to a rug. Although it is beautiful, once this fiber gets wet it is difficult to regain its natural beauty.
If you make the decision to purchase a rug, you can get excited! You should want a rug in your home because they can complete a space and tie any room together. If you’re looking to lay the foundation for your home’s interior design, start by rug shopping!
Consult our design team for rug selections for your home at (847) 760-8206.