Area Rugs on a Budget
Ask any designer and they’ll tell you the same thing: the best way to jazz up your décor is to buy area rugs online. But what they probably won’t tell you is that rugs can be quite expensive. Persian rugs, oriental rugs, and genuine wool and silk rugs can easily run you back several hundreds of dollars. While they’re definitely stylish and made to last, not all of us can afford such an investment, especially in these hard economic times. Fortunately, technology has spawned a new generation of budget-friendly rugs that give you just as much value.
Modern manufacturing techniques have allowed companies to produce high-quality rugs for a fraction of the cost of most handmade pieces. These savings are naturally passed on to the buyers, which means you save up to half the price. And since they can make more rugs in less time, there are often clearance sales in shops that carry popular brands. Although not all of them are high-quality, you can easily find cheap area rugs that look just as good and last just as long as the more expensive ones. Here’s a quick buying guide to help you find the right piece.
Know your rug materials.
Much of the price you pay for a rug goes to the material used in making it. Cheap natural materials, such as bamboo, are surprisingly durable for their price. Bamboo area rugs can cost as little as $15, but with proper maintenance, they can keep looking like new for years. You also get a lot of variety compared to other natural materials. Bamboo fibers can be dyed and designed in a wide range of styles, made into unusual shapes, and often treated with clear coats for added protection. Some varieties freeze in winter and remain hard throughout the year, which makes for even sturdier rugs.
Another major selling point of bamboo is its eco-friendliness. Bamboo plants grow extremely fast and require very little maintenance, so they have minimal environmental impact. Some brands even harvest their bamboo from uninhabited areas, so they don’t get in the way of the animals’ habitat. This makes them quite popular among new homeowners, who either want to "go green" or simply save money in home décor.
Look for low-maintenance pieces.
Area rugs go through a good deal of wear and tear. While you mostly get what you pay for, some materials last better than others for pretty much the same price. If you get a lot of foot traffic, you may want to consider polypropylene area rugs. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber designed to be as soft as cotton or wool, but much more durable. Many people use them for outdoor areas such as patios, as well as harsh indoor environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Because it’s synthetic, polypropylene is very cheap to make. Prices still depend on the design, quality and type of pile, but you can get a pretty good one for under $70. The manufacturing process allows a wide range of styles, from plain colors to large, intricate patterns typical of oriental rugs. And as long as they’re properly kept, the colors usually last several years even with constant use.
Go for multifunctional rugs.
One good way to save money is to get things that do double duty. That’s why you have tables with built-in shelves, or kitchen islands that serve as secondary counters. When it comes to décor, you can do the same thing with reversible braided rugs. As the name suggests, these rugs have designs on both sides, so you can turn them over when you want to change the look. You’re basically getting two rugs for the price of one—how’s that for stretching your dollar?
Most braided rugs have a positive-negative effect, which means the colors are simply interchanged from one side to the next. If you have a color scheme going in the room, a braided rug is a great way to tie all the colors together. Just find a piece that contains one or more of your room colors, and put them in the middle of the room for a strong visual impact. As an added perk, turning them over also keeps both sides from wearing out.
Go for neutral colors.
When you’re on a budget, you don’t want to waste money on things that don’t fit in with the rest of your décor. Fortunately, it’s possible to "play it safe" without making your room drab or boring. Modern design has put a new spin on neutral-colored rugs, offering more vibrant shades that nevertheless fit in with any décor theme. Cream area rugs, for example, now come in various designs from plains and prints to traditional and contemporary styles.
Use a neutral-colored rug in common areas such as the living room. Since most people gravitate towards the living room, it’s important to have accents that suit everyone’s tastes. With a rug that matches any color and pattern, you can make sure your home looks chic and stylish at all times.
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