People most of the time think that area rugs and carpets are the same since both are use to cover floor. We use them to decorate rooms. Both soften or minimize the sound of the footsteps. Both area rugs and carpets vary in designs like Persian, oriental, casual, southwestern, shag, animal patterns and many more. Both have all sorts of different materials like for natural fibers – ex. wool, silk, cotton, sisal, jute and bamboo, synthetic fibers – viscose, rayon, nylon and polypropylene. Both have varied colors and shapes. With these similarities no wonder how easy it is to interchange area rugs and carpets.

But according to floor covering industry’s terminology, the basic difference between the two is the size of the item. If the item’s size is less than 40 square feet then it is called an area rug while if it’s at least 40 square feet or bigger then that’s a carpet.

Aside from the size, area rugs are decorative materials that are not nailed or fastened to the floor while carpet are nailed to the floor with carpet nails and usually covers the whole floor from wall to wall.

Since area rugs are either small or large items that are not fasten to the floor, then it’s more flexible and versatile. You can move the area rugs from room to room. While carpets once fasten to the floor, you can’t just take it out and put it back easily. Mostly, you use area rug to accent or the focal point of the room while carpets are generally in solid colors to match the room furniture. Since carpets are installed permanently, the materials used are sturdier and most are synthetic fibers that are treated for stain resistance.

It is also safer since it is nailed to the floor; you won’t be tripping because it won’t bunch up or sliding while with area rugs if you don’t use rug pads it may cause accidents. Carpets are harder to clean than area rugs, if you want to clean under the carpet, you have to unfasten the carpet on the floor. If you prefer to walk bare foot and don’t want to feel the cold floor, then carpet is better since it covers the entire floor while area rugs leave part of the floor uncovered.

Knowing the difference and the advantages and disadvantages between area rugs and carpets can help you choose wisely on which floor covering you will use.