Best Area Rugs for Durable, Decorative Purposes
Area rugs come in a wide area of styles and sizes, and are popular floor coverings for everything from bedrooms to common living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The pop of color and style they provide while helping to create traction on slippery floors, improve the looks of an old, worn-out carpet, or cover problem areas until it is convenient to fix them- is invaluable and often budget-friendly.
Rug shopping can be a frustrating process, however. There is a huge selection often ranging from the affordable to the luxuriously expensive. If you are looking for a long-lasting, heirloom-quality choice, then you must already have planned and saved for this option. However, most people are considering a durable, but usable rug that is a quality pick without breaking the bank. The following article offers the various options you have when searching for a well-made, yet budget-friendly choice. These popular area rug picks are well worth considering.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Safavieh Monaco Collection
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| #2 |  Safavieh Heritage Collection
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| #3 |  Artistic Weavers Hapsburg Beige Area Rug
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| #4 |  Antep Rugs Siesta Collection Traditional Oriental Area Rug
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| #5 |  OCHAS Ultra Soft Modern Area Rugs
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You might want to read also: Best Throw Rugs
Table Of Contents
- Area Rug Benefits
- Warmth and Comfort
- Noise Reduction
- “Grounding” Effect
- Allergen Reduction
- Rug Material and Care
- Wool
- Natural Fiber
- Hair on Hide
- Cotton
- Synthetic
- What to Consider
- Our Top Area Rug Picks
- Safavieh Monaco Collection
- Safavieh Heritage Collection
- Artistic Weavers Hapsburg Beige Area Rug
- Antep Rugs Siesta Collection Traditional Oriental Area Rug
- OCHAS Ultra Soft Modern Area Rugs
- Conclusion
Area Rug Benefits
Obviously, there are some benefits to using an area rug that just about everyone knows about, such as providing a decorative touch, covering floor blemishes, or keeping your feet warm on a cold morning. However, there are uses that you might not have considered that add to the benefits of your rug use.
Warmth and Comfort
Walking on a plush surface is always going to be easier on your feet, legs, hips, and back than walking on a hard surface. A rug can help alleviate hard surface pressure, especially in the morning when your body is beginning to warm up and flex. It also is very insulating, and provides a more comfortable surface on a cold morning.
Noise Reduction
The material absorbs sound from the environment as sound waves are unable to reflect off the surface. This can help create a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, and is especially helpful for use in bedrooms to muffle noises coming from, or into space.
“Grounding” Effect
Rugs can help bring together the furniture and decorative aspects of a room to make it more balanced and anchored. The practice of Feng Shui also explains this grounding process as providing a place to rest your energy, and your body.
Allergen Reduction
Unlike smooth surfaces, rugs collect and trap allergens which you can then more easily vacuum up. When dusting or wiping a smooth floor you release dust and allergens back into the environment and may miss getting them ‘cleaned’ up.
Rug Material and Care
Rugs come in many material and fabric options to provide various durabilities and price points. Natural fibers are often the most sought after for long-lasting choices that can be passed down from generation to generation, but that doesn’t negate a quality item made from synthetic or blended material for your needs.
Wool
High traffic areas will benefit from a wool choice as they bounce back from compression and wear, hold color well, and also are naturally stain resistant.
Natural Fiber
Natural fibers, such as jute or hemp, are often woven into a flatter rug surface. Casual looking, they take dye well and often provide a more natural, naturistic look to your spaces. They also are very durable.
Hair on Hide
The hair on hide rugs includes tanned cowhides, as well as sheepskin rugs. These are highly decorative, warm, and surprisingly durable. Even though they stand up to regular traffic, they are often more of a decorative touch in areas that are not as well used since they do require regular hanging to clean as vacuuming may not work.
Cotton
Cotton rugs are soft, plush, colorful, and easy to care for. They wear more than other natural materials, but are generally highly affordable and come in many styles- such as weaves, braided, and rolled rug designs.
Synthetic
Synthetic fibers are designed to mimic natural materials at a lower price point. Popular in high traffic areas, they are affordable and come in a huge array of options. These are a favored rug type and are easy to find in many selling venues.
What to Consider
When looking for a rug, you want to take into account the obvious aspects of your top choices, such as pattern, size, thickness, and cost. But you may want to pay close attention to the material and material blends, treatments for care and stains that may be included, as well as the type of weave or ways the material is connected to the rug liner. What is used along the edges to help bind and finish off the rug is also important to pay attention to as wear often occurs along the side of the rug, and poor design will create curling or folding of the edges.
Keep in mind also that a good rug is not a way to fill space; it actually is a focal point of a room and you want to ensure it helps bring a room together and is not an eyesore. Patterns and colors that match, or are neutral and easy to work with are always suggested.
Our Top Area Rug Picks
These rugs are popular picks from reputable rug manufacturers. They highlight the differences between which materials are best for larger area options, as well as the various designs, colors, patterns, and textures for your spaces.
Safavieh Monaco Collection
Specs:
- Material: polypropylene
- Sizes Offered: 15+ sizes and 3 shapes
- Features: 4 patterns to choose from, 0.5 inch cut pile, durable dye
Affordability meets Boho Chic with this collection offer by leading brand manufacturer, Safavieh. The Monaco Collection is designed with durability in mind, and provides pops of color in a simple palette to showcase a wholly unique option at a fraction of the cost of their all wool choices.
Available in a huge array of sizes, as well as in your choice of various patterns, and shapes: including square, round, or traditional rectangles- you are sure to find one you love. Made from a durable polypropylene that can withstand high traffic, and has a dense weave and .5 inch cut pile for a soft texture and plush feel.
Pros
- Durable backing, no edge curling
- Plush feel and wears well
- Colors and patterns are beautiful
Cons
- Colors may not be well represented
Who Should Buy This
If you love the look of a wool rug, and prefer a rustic, yet colorful look- this is an amazing choice. The huge array of sizes and shapes, along with the color palette is an option worth considering.
Safavieh Heritage Collection
Specs:
- Material: Wool
- Sizes Offered: 15+ sizes and 3 shapes
- Features: Richly died, thick-cut pile, durable backing
When quality and material luxury is high on your list, take a closer look at Safavieh’s wool collection. Their Heritage series is a traditional Oriental style that provides bold color palettes and clean lines for heirloom options. Available in a huge array of sizes that encompasses various shapes, this is a perfect choice for more homes that highlight a more contemporary look that needs a rug to pull it all together.
Made from 100% hand-spun wool, it boasts a thick .625 inch pile for a plush, comforting feel. A durable backing keeps your rug corners from curling and is made to withstand years of use. If the pattern is not to your liking, simply look for another of their various wool options.
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Plush, comfortable feel
- Rich dyed colors
Cons
- Can fade in direct sun
Who Should Buy This
If you prefer a more traditional rug, and an heirloom-quality choice, this is a beautiful option. The craftsmanship of the rug is backed by the company’s guarantee, and the many years of it being in business support their ethics.
Artistic Weavers Hapsburg Beige Area Rug
Specs:
- Material: polypropylene
- Sizes Offered: 12 sizes, 3 shapes
- Features: Thick pile, textured pattern, easy to clean
Created for everyday wear, this durable rug boasts high, plush pile textured to highlight a neutral-toned color pattern. Perfect for areas that need a simple option that avoids color matching, this is a choice you will not regret. Designed for easy vacuuming with an upholstery attachment and spot cleaning, it is great to place anywhere you prefer the texture and floor protection.
Available in 12 sizes and various shapes, it is easy to mix and match throughout your house where needed. The neutral color also works well with other rugs that may be more traditionally dyed, and can be used everywhere from bedrooms to bathrooms.
Pros
- Plush and comfortable once broken in
- Great neutral tone for any decor
- Nice look and durable for regular wear
Cons
- Fibers take some time to soften
Who Should Buy This
If you need a neutral looking rug, but love the idea of a pattern or texture, this might be the match you have been searching for.
Antep Rugs Siesta Collection Traditional Oriental Area Rug
Specs:
- Material: polypropylene
- Sizes Offered: 3 sizes, 4 patterns
- Features: Rich dye, lightweight design, durable weave, stain-resistant
If a traditional, oriental style rug has been on your purchase list, this is one you don’t want to pass up. The siesta collection made by Antep Rugs provides a polyester blend material as a close, .35 inch pile for durable wear and timeless decor. Easy to maintain, the color is richly dyed and will not fade.
Available in 3 sizes (including a runner) and 4 color patterns, you can choose from a blue, black, maroon, or gray base to match your home decor. Created for use, it durable and vacuums well, plus is stain resistant. It also is not bulky, is not too heavy, and rolls easily for storage.
Pros
- More durable than it looks
- Great color pattern and hue
- Lays flat and does not curl
Cons
- A bit thin overall, and creases take time to wear out
Who Should Buy This
This is the perfect affordable, traditional oriental pattern style rug option. Made for durable use, it is richly dyed and will last for many years.
OCHAS Ultra Soft Modern Area Rugs
Specs:
- Material: polyester velvet
- Sizes Offered: 5 sizes, 20 colors
- Features: Thick 4.5 cm pile, wide color array, easy to clean
If thick, soft, and fluffy is your forte, this is the rug for you. Made from polyester velvet materials, the 4.5 cm high pile provides a shag-like style look, and incredibly soft feel. Available in multiple sizes and colors, it is perfect for children’s rooms, dorm rooms, and even as a statement piece in a living area.
Designed for durable use, it is easy to clean with a handheld vacuum, and is lightweight enough to easily shake out. The thick pile does not shed or pull free, and creates a thick, plush feeling. It also can be spot cleaned without worry of ruining the fibers as they will dry and fluff back into place easily.
Pros
- Vacuums well on low power and does not shed
- Well made and surprisingly durable
- Very versatile
Cons
- May not be good for pets
Who Should Buy This
When traditional is not what you need, this is a rug that can fit a wide array of home decor styles. The colors provide a modern take, but neutrals allow for a more rustic look where needed.
Conclusion
These top rug picks are all durable, quality choices. Their designs and styles range from more traditional to modern, and offer excellent options from which to choose from. For your bedroom, living room, or high traffic area- rugs are excellent choices for floor protection and a way to highlight your decor.
Pick and choose from these options, or explore the other colors and patterns offered by the companies to find exactly what you need. Solid color, textures, sizes, shapes and designs are all available for you to consider as well. Just be sure to always keep in mind your rug is a focal point, and should help draw your room together and not just be placed to solve a comfort or floor problem.