Best Places to Find Stylish and Affordable Rugs

Looking For a Great Rug at Great Deal?

 An area rug can lay the foundation for a room and help you elevate your own personal aesthetic.

Finding affordable rugs that are also stylish is easy, as long as you know exactly where to look, and what qualities to look for.

Read on to discover how you can find the perfect rug for your space that won't break the bank or overtake your budget.

Consider Durability

When shopping for affordable rugs, the first thing to think about is the material and durability of your new floor covering. Certain rug materials will hold up better than others, and this is important if your new rug is going to a part of your home with a lot of foot traffic.

Area rugs come in a ton of different options when it comes to what they're made of. Look for something crafted of a synthetic material like polyester or polypropylene if your main concern is how well the rug will hold up over time. These types of materials tend to handle a lot of activity better than some natural materials, like silk.

If you're shopping for rugs online, always look for the material content of the product before you make a purchase. This will make the entire process easier since you don't want to end up with a rug that won't last in the long-term after it arrives on your doorstep.

If you really want to get more bang for your buck, consider a washable rug. These rugs tend to be a little bit more expensive, but the cost is well worth it if you're looking for something you plan to keep for many years into the future. Check the reviews before buying rugs online to see what other customers are saying about quality and ease of care.

Jute is a popular area rug material that can handle lots of action, too. This natural material is right in line with the current boho trend, and it adds texture to your floors without being overly fussy.

Another fabulous material to consider is wool, although it's not quite as budget-friendly as some other options. Wool also tends to shed, but it's a beautiful choice that should hold up well into the future with the right care.

Where do You Plan to Use Your Rug?

How durable your new affordable rug should be will depend on where you're planning to put it. For example, if the rug is going under the dining room table, it doesn't need to be as heavy-duty as something you plan on adding to the center of your living room.

Bedroom rugs can be high-pile and ultra-soft since they won't need as much TLC as rugs in the major traffic areas of your home. Look for something affordable, plush, and beautiful that will enhance your bedroom and make it cozier and more inviting.

Runner rugs that you plan to put in a hallway or kitchen should be constructed of something durable and easy to clean. Overall, the material you choose should hinge on your beautiful new rug's location.

Stores like Home Depot and Lowes should have a wide selection of durable, quality rugs. If you're looking for something a bit more high-end, retailers like West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Crate and Barrell are excellent choices, but be aware that their prices tend to be higher, too.

Buying Affordable Rugs Doesn't Mean You Should Sacrifice Style

Finding a rug you love can be challenging, especially when so many retailers have tons of stylish rugs to offer. Although there's a huge selection of rugs out there, it's important to narrow down your choices when it comes to style, too.

While it might be tempting to buy into the hottest rug trends, remember that this is something you'll probably plan to keep in your home as the newest trends come and go. The more versatile your rug is, the easier it will be to decorate and change the rest of the things in your home.

A classic, traditional area rug tends to be a good option for areas like the dining room. These rugs typically have a vine or floral pattern with a classic look to them that can easily be enjoyed with a variety of furniture and decor.

If you prefer something bolder, go for a modern or contemporary rug that features a geometric or abstract motif. These stylish rugs are awesome in a living room or home office space, as well as a man cave or den. West Elm and CB2 are great resources to find this style.

For those who prefer a global-inspired aesthetic, check out Bohemian or Morrocan rugs. Southwestern rugs are another awesome choice for this decor style, and they all bring bold designs and unique details to your home.

When buying a rug, remember that the color should complement and not clash with everything else in the room. If you're not sure about wild patterns and colors, stick to something solid that you can easily pair with artwork, accessories, and other textiles.

Where and How to Shop

Before you commit to a brand-new rug, it's important to find places that offer a wide variety of options at affordable prices. Check your local Home Depot or Lowes to find durable, quality rugs that come in a range of sizes and colors. Both of these home improvement stores have a decent selection of rugs online as well.

Home Goods is another excellent place to find unique rugs that won't break the bank, and their inventory is constantly changing. If you prefer to shop online, definitely check out Rugs USA. This retailer sells a wide variety of gorgeous rugs in a range of styles and price points that will make shopping easy.

Another terrific online retailer is Wayfair, which carries a massive selection of gorgeous area rugs for every room. They also sell indoor/outdoor rugs so you can decorate your patio, too.

For the discerning shopper who prefers unique rugs, be sure to explore the latest at Revival Rugs. The company sells a stunning array of hand-tufted and vintage rugs that will elevate your home. Their inventory of handmade rugs is affordable, beautiful, and ethically sourced.

Whether you decide to shop in-store or online, keep your budget in mind. Sort through the available rugs by size, style, and material to make the process easier.

Narrowing down your favorite rugs will make it a lot easier to make a decision when you're ready to hit that "buy" button or head to the checkout line. The size and color scheme are just as important as the price, so don't compromise what you want if you don't find something in your budget right away.

Choosing a Quality Retailer

When you're finding a rug for your home, it's important to remember that the retailer you choose is just as vital as the rug itself. Look for places that have a wide selection of designs, sizes, and manufacturers so that you have a lot of options to choose from.

Most online retailers offer free shipping to your doorstep. Some may have a minimum purchase requirement, but in most cases, your new rug should meet that threshold anyway.

It's important to find a retailer that has easy access to customer service just in case something goes wrong. Live chat, a toll-free number, or an email address that goes directly to customer service reps is ideal.

Before you pull the trigger on buying affordable rugs online, make sure you read the fine print regarding the company's return policy. Some retailers will allow free returns within a certain timeframe, but others could charge a restocking fee or make you pay for the return shipping.

If you're concerned about buying rugs online, shopping at a local store is your best bet. This way, if you find that the rug just isn't for you, it will be much easier to return it for a quick refund.

Some online retailers, like Wayfair, have a few stipulations in their return policy. For example, you can't return open box items or clearance items to Wayfair. They also ask that you return your item within 30 days of purchase, and you're responsible for the return shipping costs.

As long as you find a retailer with a great selection, good prices, and excellent service, there's a good chance you'll be thrilled with your purchase. Remember to take your time and make sure that the rug you decide on will be something you'll love in your home for years to come.

The Rug Low-Down

Whether you're shopping at Crate and Barrel or Lowe's, there are a few key things to remember when you're looking for affordable rugs. The material and "weave" of the rug is one of the most important things to consider. 

Here's some information about rug construction and materials to help you find the right one for your home:

• Wool rugs are comfortable, extremely durable, and stain-resistant. These beautiful rugs tend to shed and can be a bit more pricey than some other options out there.
• Look for cotton rugs if you want an affordable alternative to wool. Many of these types of rugs are washable, which gives you more for your money.
• In most cases, a silk rug will be a lot more pricey than other materials, unless you can find one for a great deal on clearance.
• If you love an earthy look and feel, check out jute, sisal, or bamboo area rugs. These durable rugs are thick and really complement the popular boho aesthetic.
• Polypropylene rugs are one of the best choices in terms of affordability and durability. This synthetic material is easy to clean and can be dyed in a rainbow of bright colors.
• Nylon, polyester, and viscose rugs are also affordable, but they're not quite as durable as some other materials so read the care instructions carefully.

Rug Construction

How your area rug is made can also have a big impact on the price. Here are a few different options to help you determine which one will work for you:

• A rug listed as power-loomed is machine-made and tends to be an affordable choice that will still provide your home with intricate patterns and bright colors.
• Tufted rugs are soft and durable, and most come in a low pile height which makes them great for high-traffic areas.
• Hand-tufted or hand-knotted rugs are made by professional artisans which means they tend to be a lot more expensive than their machine-made counterparts.
• Braided rugs are tightly woven and have a coarse, firm feel underfoot. They're also very durable and great for busy rooms or anywhere you want to add a touch of texture to your floors.
• Flatweave rugs tend to have unique designs, but they're also quite thin and may need a rug pad or grip to keep them in place. 

In addition to how the rug is made, look carefully at the pile height. Shag rugs are super soft, but they also tend to get dirty more easily than area rugs with a lower pile height. A good rule of thumb is the thicker the pile, the more difficult the rug will be to keep clean.

Find Your Perfect Rug

With just a little bit of research, it's easy to find stunning and affordable rugs for your home. Shop several retailers in-person and online to help you decide which options will work best for you and your favorite rooms.

Do you have any questions about area rugs and your interior design? If so, contact me today and I'll be happy to help!