Carpet vs. Rugs – Which is Best for Your Home?
Whether you are moving into a new property or you want to update your current one, your choice of flooring will have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your home.
If you are currently unsure about whether to make a long-term investment in carpet or choose a selection of more versatile rugs, you have come to the right place. From size to shape, maintenance to cost, keep reading to find out the pros and cons of carpets vs. rugs. Plus, discover which one is best for your home.
1. Size
Easily the most obvious difference between a rug and a carpet is size. You can find rugs in a wide variety of different sizes, offering the ability to cover the majority of floor space in a room or just a small section. Carpets, on the other hand, cover the total surface area of a room and are installed firmly to the ground.
2. Shape
Rugs come in many different shapes, from circular to rectangular, square to runners. This makes them incredibly versatile for any room in your home. Carpets, however, typically come cut up in the shape of the room in question and can be easily customised to fit any room shape.
3. Purpose
As a general rule, carpets are seen as more a practical necessity in the home rather than a decorative item, although they do come in a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colours. Rugs, although they do also offer protection and insulation, are predominantly picked based on how they look and the added aesthetic appeal that they bring to a particular room.
4. Portability
One of the main advantages of rugs over carpet is that they can easily be moved from one room to another. They are compact and easily portable, meaning they can be stored away in the summer and easily cleaned.
Carpets, once laid down by professional Balham carpet fitters, are a long-term choice of floor covering that will last for many years to come.
5. Maintenance
As briefly mentioned above, as rugs are portable, they can be cleaned more easily than carpets. That being said, as long as you keep on top of your carpet cleaning routine, you can make sure that any carpet in your home stays in optimal condition for longer.
6. Price
As you would expect, rugs are usually cheaper than carpets but this is because they are typically smaller. However, this will be dependent on the type of material that you choose for your carpet, with real wool costing a considerable amount more than synthetic alternatives.
Furthermore, carpet should be seen as a long-term investment that will add value to your home, whereas rugs will not do this.
7. Durability
Although the exact durability of a rug or carpet will depend on the material they are made of, carpet is generally more long-lasting and durable than most rugs due to the way it is constructed.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between carpet or rugs for your home is not an easy decision to make. If you are still unsure after reading the above, it can be a good idea to think about the people living in your home. Rugs, although versatile, can pose a slipping hazard to young children and the elderly, whereas certain carpets can prove problematic for those with allergies.