rug 101

Are Area Rugs and Carpets the Same Thing

• 24 March 2022
• |
• 5 Min Read
• |
• By Jaipur Rugs

Area rugs and carpets are not the same thing and to get in the depths of major differences that set them apart, keep reading.

There are so many things around us that we use on a daily basis but know so little about. Our floor coverings are one of such things. How much do we really know about the area rugs that grace our floors and help in making our place stand out? How much do we know about the carpets that our rooms adorn? Do we even know the difference between the area rugs and carpets? Certainly not. Well, this question is something that we get the most. So lets clear it once and for all and know our floor coverings better.

Some of us must be aware of the fact that the most basic difference between area rugs and carpets is their size. While area rugs cover only a certain area of your room depending upon the size you wish for, carpets are laid from wall to wall. However, there are a number of things that you must know about area rugs and carpets that make a lot of difference, not just to your room but also to your usage of them. Therefore, no, area rugs and carpets are not the same thing and to get in the depths of major differences that set them apart, keep reading.

What makes the difference?

• While carpets are designed to serve as a permanent layering to the floor of a room, rugs are multi purpose. There is a wide range of shapes and designs available in rugs that sets their usage apart. They are not permanent unlike carpets and can be changed according to the change in decor and sometimes even according to the seasons.

• Due to their larger size, carpets are also more expensive as compared to area rugs. The total area covered by rugs is lesser than the carpets making them much more affordable for people who prefer economic decor elements.

• Due to their permanent nature of placement, carpets also become inconvenient for the owners over time. Area rugs being smaller in size, are convenient to move. Their placement can be easily changed, giving the room an evolved look every time.

• Area rugs are versatile in looks and usage both. They are designed to suit a purpose. There are round rugs that are designed to cover the corners and there are shag rugs that are designed to add warmth to a bedroom. Multiple area rugs can be layered together to elevate the aesthetics of a room. Carpets are not capable of such versatility. The nature of carpets leaves no scope for experimentation.

• Coming to the quality of carpets and area rugs, carpets surpass area rugs on this front fair and square. Due to their permanent nature, carpets are designed in a way that their durability becomes unparalleled. They are created to withstand higher footfall as compared to area rugs. Its construction differs in various ways from area rugs in which it goes through a laborious process to achieve higher durability. In case of hand knotted carpets and hand tufted carpets, the durability multiplies manifolds.

• As carpets extend from wall to wall, an edging piece is used for finishing its edges and making it suitable to serve its purpose. On the other hand, the corners of area rugs use side fringes to elevate its style quotient. Sometimes, the area rugs are also kept open ended depending on the way it is designed while there are round rugs as well that have no corners at all. You can find area rugs online available in a wide range of designer shapes that carpets can't adorn.

• The cleaning process of area rugs and carpets are extremely different. While area rugs can be washed and dusted easily due to their smaller size and movable structure, they are comparatively easier to clean than carpets. Carpets being permanently glued to the floor can be cleaned only with the help of a vacuum cleaner. In case of a rigid stain or spill, they might need the assistance of a professional cleaning expert.

• The variety that area rugs offer in terms of textures, designs and colors is immense. Be it a modern contemporary setting or a classic traditional living space, there’s a rug for every part of a house. A rug can be easily coordinated with the entire color scheme of the home and can be changed as per the convenience of the owner. On the other hand, the color scheme of a room has to be coordinated around the carpet as it is glued permanently to the floor. They aren’t something that can be changed with changing trends.

Guide to choose between rugs and carpets for home 

Being an aware customer, it is important that you know everything about the product you are investing in. Moreover, as you move towards luxury handmade products like hand knotted carpets and hand tufted carpets, the amount of investment gets higher. In such a case, if you are not aware of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a carpet or an area rug, you might regret your buying decision later. Therefore, to prevent you from buying the wrong product, here’s a guide that explains exactly what would suit your space amongst area rugs and carpets. So, checkout these points that would serve as a guide to choose between rugs and carpets for home.

• If you are experimental at heart and love to explore new trends in home decor, area rugs are the perfect pick for you. However, if you want to get rid of the hassles of updating your home decor from time to time, carpets are always at your service.

• If a one time investment in floor covering is your goal, carpet is the best suited item for you. However, if you prefer small investments in floor coverings with a change from time to time, area rugs should be your choice. 

• If you wish to delineate your room with the help of various home decor elements, area rugs would serve your purpose. If you’re seeking harmony in your room with minimal decor elements, carpets might be a preferable choice.

• Having children at home is another major deciding factor. Homes with children should prefer area rugs as cleaning them is easier.

These were the major differences between area rugs and carpets. Keep these points in mind while picking an area rug or a carpet for your home to make an informed purchase decision. You can find the best carpets and area rugs online to embellish your home with art and culture in style.