A good rug makes perfect floor art; it can make or break your room’s aesthetics. Whether you want to upgrade your space or are planning the interiors of your new space, the right rug will tie your room together. You can choose to mix, match or layer to suit your taste.
Shopping online for a rug offers more variety than a physical visit to the store. While this is an advantage, variety makes shopping overwhelming as you have to decide on size, material, shape, pile, and retailer.
Here is what you should look for in a great selection of online rugs to ease your online rug shopping.
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Discern Between An Original And Replica Rug
Like any other commodity, rugs can be original or replicas. Originals are made by a brand, while replicas are mass-produced. If you are looking for uniqueness, shop for an original, but if you are under a budget and uninterested in the rug’s history, then a replica is ideal.
Rug Versus Your Room Size
Size is a key component to attaining a great selection of online rugs. The size of the rug you buy depends on the room size and where you intend to place the rug. When buying rugs online, the rule of thumb is the bigger, the better.
A larger rug will offer a visual lift to your space. If placing your rug in a dining room, have at least two of your furniture legs fitting in the rug. Small rugs come in handy as accents in small spaces such as entryways.
If you are uncertain of the size to buy, you can measure the length and width of your room and use the sizing chart on the online shops to get the approximate dimensions of the rugs.
Consider Different Materials
When picking a rug material, select one that will suit your lifestyle. The material will affect the cost of the rug but is economical in the long run. Ideally, select a durable and easy-to-clean rug. Common rug materials include the following:
Natural fibers include:
- Wool
- Cotton silk
- Jute and sisal
- Synthetic fibers include:
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Polypropylene
Artificial silks include:
- Bamboo silk
- Banana silk
- Viscose
If you are looking for durability, invest in natural fiber rugs. These rugs are resistant to stains and dirt, hence an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Natural fiber rugs also boast natural insulation, making them a good option for colder climates. However, these rugs are expensive and require professional cleaning services.
Synthetic rugs are affordable and easier to clean. However, their durability and insulation are lower than natural fibers, hence unsuitable for colder climates.
Artificial silks are the most affordable of the three rug categories. Their quality is low, and you should avoid them in spaces prone to water spills as this will easily damage their fibers.
Check The Durability
As you review different rugs in stores online, check a few buzz words, the pile, line, and needle count, for a great selection of online rugs. Understanding these words will help in picking a durable rug.
The pile of a rug determines how deep the rug fibers are. A rug with a low pile is stiff and with less push. Low-pile rugs are suitable for high-traffic areas and front doors. Cleaning and maintaining a low pile rug is often easier, and its wear is better than a deep pile. A high-pile rug has longer and looser fibers. These rugs are ideal for cold and sound insulations in living rooms and bedrooms.
Line count represents the stitches or knots per square inch. Rugs with above 200 knots per square inch are mainly durable.
The needle count represents the fiber or yarn loops making the rug. A higher count means a denser rug, hence much more durable. While most online sites only feature the pile height, knowing how to interpret the line and needle counts will also help you get the best selection of online rugs.
Compare The Costs
Shopping for a rug for your home is an investment, especially if you buy a large piece. Most rugs will range between $100 and $3,000, and proper financial planning is advisable to secure the best quality for your home.
Several retailers are available online, and comparing prices across stores can save you a few dollars. While doing this, you should also factor in the shipping costs. Rugs are heavy, and buying from some stores can attract high shipping costs.
Match The Rug With Your Style
The most overwhelming part of finding a great selection of online rugs is settling for one that reflects your personality and matches your room style and furniture. You can achieve this by mimicking key design elements in your room, the shape of your room, or a piece of furniture. Some of the rug styles you can explore include the following:
- Area rugs
- Persian rugs
- Oriental rugs
- Antique rugs
- Hand tufted rugs
- Turkish rugs
- Machine-made rugs
- Runner rugs
- Kilim rugs
Other Considerations For Great Selection Of Online Rugs
Here are other factors to consider when looking for a great selection of online rugs.
Pattern Of The Rug
A functional rug pattern should complement your accessories and furniture. Consider an eye-catching pattern to improve the room’s aesthetic and energy if you have neutral walls and furniture. A subtle and tonal pattern will work well in colorful or large printed walls and furniture.
Color Of The Rug
Selecting a rug color mimics choosing a wall color. Your room will look smaller with dark rugs, furniture, and walls, while a brighter color will open up your space. If your room is prone to accidental spills from kids and pets, a darker color will be ideal for hiding the mess. Match your rug color to your accent colors for a unified and seamless look.
Shape Of The Rug
The shape of the rug you buy depends on the room’s space and shape. Round rugs suit entrances and seating areas, while runner rugs match your bathroom, hallways, and kitchen spaces.
Consider The Great Selection Of Online Rugs
Online shopping simplifies your acquisitions as you can shop across different stores for the perfect rug with just a mouse click. With the wide selections, knowing what to look for in a quality rug is ideal. Therefore, the next time you shop for a rug, consider the above factors and have a quality rug delivered to your doorstep.
