Are you confused on which rug is the better buy? Are you unsure whether to purchase a true Persian rug or one at your local hardware store? Do you wonder if there is a better placement for that expensive rug you bought? Purchasing and using an area rug can be easy - if you have the right information.

There are many factors to consider when you decide to purchase a rug. Even if budget is a primary concern, the options are unlimited. Rugs have personalities just like your room has its own unique personality. The key to a satisfied purchase is to match the area rug to your room. You must make certain that the personalities are of similar ilk.

What's Available?

There are three general types of ways to create a rug. They are:

Hand-knotted: The workmanship of the area rug is done by hand. An authentic Oriental or Persian rug is constructed by this method. When done properly with quality material, this is the most expensive and longest lasting area rug.

There are three factors that determine the quality of a hand-knotted area rug. Those factors are: the quality of the wool, the number of knots per square inch, and the wash.

Machine-made: This type is what the name indicates - made by machine. With the advent of improved technology, machine-made rugs now offer a wide variety of quality area rugs in unlimited fibers, natural and synthetic. The price also varies. The lifecycle is not as long as with a high quality hand-knotted area rug.

Handgun-tufted: This type of rug consists of yarn forced into a grid followed by an application of latex or fabric backing.

Now that we have defined the types of rugs to be considered, let's review the possible fibers that can be used in a rug. The earliest surviving rug, the famous Pazyryk carpet, was a hand-knotted covering created from wool. A good quality area rug can be made from natural or synthetic fiber or anything in the middle.

Wool is Your Friend!

Wool is the most functional fiber available to man. In addition, it is the oldest fiber known to man. Some of the characteristics of wool that make it such a unique and valuable fiber are that it is:

Flame retardant - Fireman uniforms are made of wool. That's the best testament to this fabric's ability to withstand fire. This makes a wool area rug safe for the family in that it will retard the flames.
Repels liquids - Wool is constructed such that its outer layer, called scales, stops liquids from reaching the fabric's inner core. This is a great characteristic when associated with area rugs. Now, you don't have to worry about spills on your rug becoming a stain.
Absorb moisture - Wool has the unique ability to "breathe" by absorbing moisture, and disbursing it into the atmosphere.

The Right Choice Is …

With all things equal, even with budget being the driver, a wool machine made rug is the best buy for the buck. This versatile workhorse will stand the test of time. Various looks can be purchased at a reasonable price. It can complement any tastefully decorated room.

A machine made rug can give you high quality carpeting. This type of rug is put together using a machine and then secured with latex backing. This construction leaves the back of the rug rough and gives it a grid like appearance.

One Size Does NOT Fit All

It would be so much easier if all homes were the same size, all rooms were the same size, etc. But, what fun would that be? None. With the variety of sizes comes the abundance of creativity in what rugs are suitable for a particular room.

If you want to use one large area rug for a room, remember to leave a border of floor around the placement of the area rug. That border should be equal distance all the way around that rug.

You could also use multiple rugs in the room. There would be one rug for each separate conversation area. In this instance, be sure that both rugs have something in common that ties together both of the conversation sections. That tie could be pattern or color or even shape.

Now that we've taken a look at different types of rugs, made a recommendation, and looked at the best way to size a rug, let's look at how to care for our purchase.

Care and Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your quality rug to last you a lifetime. Taking care of your rug purchase is a simple regimen.

Area rugs have four basic enemies: general wear, grit, moisture, and moths. Vacuum cleaning your rug at least one per week is the first order of business when taking care of your investment. Vacuum it twice per week when it is in a high traffic area.

In addition to a common sense approach to rug care, the other safeguard against your rug's enemies is padding. Rug pads decrease slipping and bunching, cushion your step, and extend the life of your rug. This padding will "lock" your rug in place on hard floors. In addition, it will provide superior cushion and lend extra protection against premature wear or pile crushing.

The rug should be rotated once per year, especially in high trafficked areas. Direct sunlight can cause discolorations in some rugs. Rotation will help to even out this type wear pattern. Inspection is another technique to safeguard your area rug. Look on both sides of your rug for any tears or punctures. If any damage is located, have it promptly repaired by your local rug professional.

Looking for the right rug is not rocket science. Know what your decorating style is for a particular room. Keep that information in mind when looking at various area rugs. Purchasing the right rug is as much inspiration as it is perspiration. Figure out what you want in a rug and then go look for it - it's there waiting for you to find it.

About the Author

Sandra Wilson is a writer and marketing consultant who enjoys providing home improvement tips to consumers when shopping for the right area rugs, braided rugs, and bath rugs. .

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