Area Rugs Versus Carpeting

(548 Words)
If you want something soft under your feet, then you might want a type of carpeting or rug. Two options are installed carpeting and area rugs. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
First, you should think about how permanent you want the look to be. If you like to change the look of your room often, then area rugs make sense. Any time you want to change the rug, you simply go out and purchase a new area rug. In a matter of seconds, the room will look completely different. Obviously, it is far more difficult to change out permanent carpeting. When you buy carpeting, you typically commit to having it for a period of time.
You also generally find many more options when it comes to area rugs. Of course you can get carpets in every color of the rainbow, and there are some patterns and different types available. However, you can find the area rugs with many more different patterns and designs on them. You can look for something specific, such as a child’s character for a child’s bedroom. You will also find many vibrant area rugs that would seem too much if they were on permanent carpeting, but which look acceptable as an area rug. Also, an area rug works best if you just want the rug covering part of the floor.
Area rugs definitely have the advantage when it comes to keeping them clean. You can take an area rug off of the floor and send it somewhere to get professionally cleaned. This can help get the stains out and keep it nice. Also, if you get dirt on it, you can simply take it outside and shake it out.
Permanent carpeting is much more difficult to clean. It needs to be vacuumed often. If it gets stained, you can use different cleaning products; but since you cannot pick it up and actually send it out to get cleaned or run water through it, it can be much more difficult. If an area rug gets ruined because of a stain or another problem, you can simply replace it; however, it is much more difficult to replace a permanent carpet.
Carpeting that is permanent is also more of a hassle to change when problems occur. For instance, if it gets flattened or raggedy, you will have to incur the cost and effort to replace it.
The exact type of area rug and carpeting you are considering will dictate which one is more cost-effective. If you buy an inexpensive area rug from a discount store, this will generally be cheaper than paying to buy and install carpeting. If you buy a very expensive area rug, such as an Oriental rug, then permanent carpeting may be the cheapest one. If cost is a consideration, then look at the different options available in each to decide which one works the best for you.
Allergies are also an issue for some people with carpeting. Obviously this can occur with both area rugs and permanent carpeting; however, you can wash the area rugs more easily and that may help minimize the allergies.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing between area rugs and carpeting. Look at the above factors when choosing the right one for your home.