Area Rugs – Stylish, Trendy, Alluring, Enduring

November 12, 2019

If you install hardwood floors in your new home, area rug shopping isn’t far behind! Here’s a look at some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to area rugs, like which rug materials are the most durable for high traffic (read small children and pets) to finding rugs that are on-trend but also perennially stylish.

Which Area Rugs Last Longest?

This is a tricky question because you may tire of some rugs long before the materials wear out! Take wool for example, a popular choice because it combines both durability and comfort and can last 30 to 60 years, depending on its construction. Wool rugs can grace the floors of any living, dining or family room, and the resilient wool fibers can handle lots of foot traffic. But wool is soft and comfy, too. And even though it sheds for the first month or so, regular vacuuming will remedy that after four to six weeks.

The one caveat? Be careful about exposing a wool rug to lots of sunlight because wool tends to fade under harsh UV rays.

Because they’re so durable, wool rugs can cost more than synthetic fibers, but if you have small children and/or pets, these rugs can be well worth the investment. And it pays to read up on the differences between hand-knotted (most expensive and longest-lasting), hand-tufted (not 100 percent handmade) and machine-made. A glance at the Wayfair and Overstock websites show examples of each, with prices starting at $250 for a large room rug.

Natural Fiber and Synthetic

Two other top choices and also durable for growing families are polypropylene and nylon. Nylon resists abrasions and static and dries quickly which makes it ideal for bathrooms and outdoor rugs. It also bounces back from furniture indentations and has a lot of elasticity to stretch under furniture. 

Some natural fiber rugs include jute and sisal – the latter being the strongest and most durable natural fiber. It can be woven and braided into large, non-toxic area rugs providing depth and texture to a room. The only drawback with sisal is that it may stain easily and feels rough on bare feet. But it is 100 percent biodegradable and environmentally-friendly.

Trendy, Luxurious or Retro Area Rugs?

Shag rugs were uber popular in the 1970s and are making a comeback nearly half a century later. This cotton and wool shag rug from Wayfair looks good enough to sleep on, and so does this Flokati rug, with skinny hair-like fibers mixed into the traditional shag. The multi-textured rug has both a retro vibe and a modern, on-trend feel.

But shag rugs are perhaps the most difficult to clean, given the mass of fibers that are the look, feel and appeal of shag. Manufacturers recommend you clean shag rugs twice a week with a suction-only vacuum – using the attachments rather than pushing the unit across the carpet. Gentle twice-a-week cleaning will prevent dirt from building up and retain its color and volume. Grooming rakes are handy tools, too, when it comes to keeping your shag rug looking fluffy and fresh, instead of matted and flattened down. 

Where to Shop for Area Rugs in Aurora?

You can physically go to the Costco on Havana in Aurora or the Home Depot off of Smoky Hill — although the stores have fewer choices than the selection online. We’ve mentioned Wayfair and Overstock, and Apartment Therapy offers up nine more online retailers to consider – some of which have periodic sales and deep pre-holiday discounts.

Two new sources we discovered are Lulu & Georgia and Rugs USA, both offering a variety of styles and materials with promotions (at Rugs USA in particular) of up to 70 percent off.

If you’re looking for inexpensive flat-weave rugs that have woven instead of printed designs, check out these online retailers. And don’t forget eBay. Sometimes rug manufacturers liquidate old stock on this marketplace where you can find steals and deals.

Floors and More in Southshore

Hardwood floors, both engineered and real wood, are a wonderful feature in the new homes built in the master-planned community of Southshore. And while it does take some hunting to find the perfect rug, get some style ideas from the models offered by Century Communities, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers. Life at the Lake is here in a ranch or two-story design priced between the $400s and the $700s.