Area Rugs or Area Carpets: Which Is the Best Choice for Your Home?

Area rugs and area carpets serve distinct purposes in home design. Rugs are perfect for adding a decorative touch and defining specific spaces, while carpets provide full-floor coverage and a seamless look. The choice depends on your desired balance between style, comfort, and functionality.
Whether you are sprucing up your living room, creating a cosy bedroom, or designing a functional dining area, choosing between rugs and carpets can make all the difference.
Both options have their appeal – area rugs add versatility and style, while area carpets bring uniformity and warmth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for your needs? This blog will walk you through the key differences, practical benefits, and styling tips.
A Quick Comparison
The table below explains the differences between rugs and carpets, and can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Aspect |
Area Rugs |
Area Carpets |
Definition |
A movable and versatile floor covering that is designed to cover specific portions of a room. Defines spaces or adds texture, warmth, and visual interest to certain areas. | A fixed, wall-to-wall floor covering that provides full coverage of the room’s flooring. Gives uniformity and insulation, while reducing noise. |
Size / Measurements |
Comes in a variety of predefined sizes, such as:
Kitchen and living area rugs are generally sized to fit furniture layouts or open floor spaces. |
Carpets for living rooms, kitchens and entrances are commonly measured and cut for specific room sizes, often covering edge-to-edge flooring |
Styles & Designs |
|
|
Materials |
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Read to know more: The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Rugs for Every Room
Setup & Style
This room-by-room guide ensures your rugs and carpets are styled and set up for functionality, aesthetics, and durability.
Room |
Area Rugs |
Area Carpets |
Living Room |
Large, round area rugs for living room accommodate at least the front legs of the furniture, including sofas and chairs | Wall-to-wall carpets for living rooms are ideal for large gatherings, as they reduce noise and add comfort.
Neutral or earthy tones are commonly preferred, to balance various decor elements. |
Bedroom |
A large rug placed under the bed, extending at least 2-3 ft beyond its edges. Alternatively, runners or smaller rugs on either side of the bed are excellent options. | Thicker, padded carpets offer added comfort and make the room feel cosier. Pastels or neutral-coloured carpets for bedroom are often preferred, to create a peaceful environment. |
Dining Room |
Choose a rug large enough to accommodate the dining table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. Flatweave or low-pile rugs are practical for this area, as they prevent tripping and are easier to clean. | Carpets in the dining room are less common due to the high likelihood of spills, but they can create a seamless, luxurious look if chosen carefully. |
Kitchen |
Placed in high-traffic zones, such as in front of the sink or stove. These rugs should be made from materials with resistant and anti-slip backing properties. | Impractical for kitchens, due to high exposure to moisture and spills. However, in rare cases, low-pile carpet tiles may be used, as they are easy to clean and replace. |
Bathroom |
Small rugs or bath mats are placed near the sink, shower, or bathtub – to provide comfort and prevent slipping | Wall-to-wall carpeting is not advised, but washable, water-resistant carpet tiles can work in certain dry zones in the bathroom |
Home Office |
A medium-sized rug placed under the desk and chair can delineate the workspace while protecting the flooring | Carpeting in home offices provides noise insulation and a soft surface underfoot, which is especially useful during long work hours |
Hallway |
Runners or small rugs made of jute or sisal are ideal for withstanding high foot traffic. Darker colours or patterns are practical to conceal dirt and wear. Anti-slip pads are essential to keep the rugs securely in place and prevent accidents. | Due to high traffic, durable materials like nylon or polyester are preferred. Dark or patterned carpets are more practical for hiding dirt. |
Children’s Room |
Choose colourful and soft materials like foam or cushioned rugs, to ensure safety during play. To minimise allergies, hypoallergenic materials are recommended. Avoid rugs with tassels or loose threads, to prevent choking hazards. | Wall-to-wall carpeting provides a comfortable and safe surface for play. Stain-resistant and hypoallergenic materials are highly recommended for easy maintenance. Bright colours or fun patterns in carpets for bedroom can make the space more appealing to children. |
Basement |
Moisture-resistant materials like polypropylene are crucial to prevent mould and mildew. Dark colours or patterns can mask potential stains, while rug pads add insulation and stability – especially on concrete floors. | Moisture-resistant materials are necessary to prevent mould and mildew, and darker shades or textured patterns help conceal stains. Dehumidifiers are recommended to maintain the carpet’s condition in this environment. |
Read to know more: How to Style Your Living Room with Area Rugs?
Maintenance Tips
To keep your area rugs in top condition, vacuum them regularly to remove dirt and debris – while using the appropriate setting for their pile height. For high-traffic areas, vacuuming twice a week is recommended. Every 6 months, rotate your round area rugs for living room and entrance, to prevent uneven wear and fading from sunlight exposure.
Use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and reduce friction with the floor. For spills, blot the area immediately with a clean cloth, and use a mild detergent or a specialised rug cleaner. Avoid scrubbing, as it can damage the fibres.
Area carpets demand consistent care to maintain their appearance and functionality. Vacuum them at least once a week, using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or rotating brush, to remove deeply embedded dirt.
Address spills immediately, by blotting with a white cloth and using a carpet stain remover specifically designed for the material. Avoid over-wetting, as excess moisture can lead to mould growth. Carpets in high-traffic zones should be deep-cleaned or steam-cleaned professionally every 12 to 18 months.
Conclusion
Choosing between area rugs and area carpets ultimately depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and the functionality you want in your space. By understanding their differences and aligning them with your needs, you can take an informed decision that enhances the aesthetics and practicality of your home.
Read to know more: Outdoor Floor Mats: Weather-resistant Solutions for All Seasons
FAQs
1. What is bigger, a rug or a carpet?
Carpets are bigger as they cover the entire floor of a room wall-to-wall, while living area rugs are smaller and designed to cover specific areas.
2. Which is more expensive, carpet or rug?
Carpets are more expensive than rugs, due to their larger size and installation costs.
3. What is better for allergies: area rugs or carpets?
Area rugs are better for allergies, as they are easier to clean and can be removed for deep cleaning or replacement.
4. Can area rugs be used on top of carpets?
Yes, area rugs can be used on top of carpets, to add texture & colour, and define spaces within a room.
Read to know more: 8 Design Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug