When choosing between area rugs and carpets, one must know what are the differences between them, to know what will be the advantages and disadvantages of each piece.

Generally if the size of an item is smaller than 40 square feet, then it is called area rugs. But the main difference between area rugs and carpets is that area rugs either large or small piece are not fixed to the floor while carpets use either carpet nail or tack or glued to fasten it on the floor.

When choosing for floor covering, it is wise to know the advantages and disadvantages before buying.

Advantages of area rugs over carpet

Area rugs are flexible

Since it is not nailed on the floor, you can move area rugs from place to place. So you can change your décor and interchange your area rugs from your other rooms.

It take less time to install

In fact area rugs require no installation; you just roll down where you want the area rugs to be put.

It provides style and color

Area rugs have multitude of colors and designs to choose from so that it will match or build around the interior decoration of your room.

It has different size and shape

Area rugs come in different size, so no matter how large the room or how small the area you want to decorate there is an area rug for your space. With shape like circle, square, rectangle and oblong, you can mix the geometric design in you home.

It can be use other than floor covering.

When we think of area rugs, we think floor covering. With different size and interesting designs, you can use area rugs as wall décor.

It uses different materials

With so many type of material that area rugs are made of, you can choose which the best is for you. Whether its the very sturdy and cozy wool or easy to clean cotton or less expensive nylon or synthetic material or opulent silk or you want eco-friendly fiber like bamboo, sisal or jute; definitely you can find what you want.

It can be cleaned easily

Some area rugs can be machine wash depending on the material and size. You can just roll it up and pop it inside the washing machine or you can send it to the special area rug cleaners.

It can be an heirloom

You can purchase a good quality silk Persia rugs or any beautifully designed and sturdy area rugs and it can be handed down from generation to generation. In fact one antique silk Persian rug dated 16th or 17th century was reported sold in Christie’s in New York for $4.45 million.

Disadvantages of area rugs over carpet

It can cause accident by slipping or tripping over the wrinkles.

Since it is not fasten or nail down the floor, without area pad or slip guard you can slip when you step on the area rug while you can trip over the wrinkle if the area rug bunch up.

Normally, carpets are sturdier than area rugs.

Some material being used for area rugs can wear out faster than carpets.

Generally more expensive than carpet per square foot

With different designs and materials, some area rugs are more expensive than carpet especially if area rugs are made from silk or wool and hand knotted or hand woven.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of buying area rugs, you can better decide what you want and need.