The Key Differences between Rug and Carpet

Although the terms rug and carpet refer to a similar types of product, there are distinct differences between the two. Knowing the subtleties between the terms and the pros and cons of each choice is essential when you come to decorate your room.

The Comparison: Carpet vs Rug

The main difference between rugs and carpets is their size, especially in relation to the room. Rugs tend measure up to 2 metres in length, whereas carpets will take up the entire space and tend to be attached to the flooring. Most people are not aware of the specific differences between the two, and this can make shopping for them confusing.Now that we’ve clarified the differences between rugs and carpet, it is important to understand which is best for your space. This is dependent on a few factors:

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you live in a home full of muddy paws and messy eaters, a rug will be a more sensible choice. Carpets tend to be much harder to wash as they can’t be removed for easy cleaning or drying. Of course, there are ways around this, however it might require you to purchase an expensive carpet cleaning machine, hire professional help or spend a great deal of time scrubbing and drying your floor.On the other hand, a rug can easily be removed from the area. It will keep your floors protected as it is cheaper to replace than carpet. It can also be moved and hung up to dry faster.

Installation

The installation element is a key difference between rug and carpet. Carpet often requires professional removal and installation, a service which comes at a considerable price.Replacing a rug is a much cheaper process as it won’t be fixed to the floor, simply unravel it in your chosen location over an anti-slip mat and you’re ready to go.

The people using the space

A lot of people don’t consider the safety risks which come with using a rug. For example, when stepped on a rug could slide along the floor, a potential health and safety hazard. This isn’t the case with carpet, which is level throughout the room and tends to be attached to your floor. If an older person were to trip on the corner of the rug or lose their balance, it could cause a serious injury. This can be managed with an anti-slip mat, however rugs should still be used with some level of caution.

The vision

The way you want your room to look is a huge part of the final design, and this should be a deciding factor for your choice of flooring. A wooden floor looks great with a feature rug as it can accentuate and add a focal point to the space.Whether you choose a tribal, geometric or traditional design, a rug can provide an extra bold element which might be overwhelming as part of a carpet or wall pattern. It also allows for changing tastes, making it the perfect option for the non-committal home designer.

Installation

The installation element is a key difference between rug and carpet. Carpet often requires professional removal and installation, a service which comes at a considerable price.Replacing a rug is a much cheaper process as it won’t be fixed to the floor, simply unravel it in your chosen location over an anti-slip mat and you’re ready to go.If you’re wanting to decorate your room, get inspired by browsing our online rug range today.