Carpets and rugs are two common types of floor coverings that we use to complete the decor of any room. Both are usually made of thick and heavy materials but feel soft against the skin.
It is common for most households to use a rug or a carpet for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Rugs and carpets can give plain rooms a pop of colour without exerting too much effort. People often use the two words interchangeably. However, despite how similar they may seem, rugs and carpets have a few significant differences.
Some common differences between a rug and a carpet are their use, moveability, and size. Before deciding which floor covering to purchase for your home, it’s best to understand each type.
What Is a Carpet?
A carpet is a thick material usually laid over a floor or a staircase. Due to their trip-and-slip-resistant nature, carpets are generally the best choice for homes with small children or the elderly. Moreover, carpets give the floor an additional layer of insulation and warmth. So, there is no need to be concerned about walking on cold hardwood floors.
Wall-to-wall carpets cover the entire floor and are secured with glue or tacking strips. As a result, they create a seamless aesthetic that complements the home’s colour palette and architectural style. Moreover, neutral hues and vibrant oriental patterns are both common in carpets.
What Is a Rug?
Similar to a carpet, rugs are also large pieces of thick fabric often used to cover the floor. However, a rug only partially covers the floor like a carpet, as it is significantly smaller than a carpet.
Additionally, rugs are often not attached to the floor. Therefore, they can easily be moved to different areas in the home. However, to prevent slipping, you can opt for the best non-slip rug pads based on your rug features and requirements. Rugs are also low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Rugs come in a variety of colours, patterns, and shapes. They are typically square, rectangular, or oval. Various materials, including nylon, wool, silk and polyester, are commonly used to create rugs. They are a great way to add a finishing touch to any room, as it helps create an aesthetically cozy mood. Rugs also require minimal maintenance and are simple to clean.
The Main Differences Between a Rug and a Carpet
One of the critical distinctions between a rug and a carpet is their size with regard to the area of the room. Carpets can cover an entire room, while rugs often extend no further than two meters. And secondly, carpets and rugs serve different functions.
- Size
One of the most apparent differences between a rug and a carpet is their size. Compared to a carpet, a rug is significantly smaller as it usually doesn’t go over 2m in length and only covers up to 40 square feet.
Meanwhile, carpets typically cover the entire floor space of a room. Before buying a carpet, you must consider the general area where the carpet will be installed. It’s important to choose the right carpet size as they come in a wide range of sizes. The carpet can be attached to the floor as soon as the correct dimensions have been determined.
- Installation
The installation process is one of the most noticeable differences between rugs and carpets. Due to their large sizes, removing and installing carpets frequently require a professional, and both procedures are expensive. As the rugs are not permanently attached to the floor, moving them is as simple as unrolling them in the new spot and placing over an anti-slip mat.
- Uses
Carpets usually serve as a second flooring. People would often resort to using carpets when their floor has lost its aesthetic appeal. These floor coverings are also a good option for people who want to add a touch of personality to their space.
On the other hand, rugs aren’t limited to being placed on the floor. Rugs are the best option to complement the modern or ethnic appearance of your interiors, and they can be used anywhere from the front door as attractive door mats to the wall as gorgeous wall hangings. They can also serve as a bed or sofa throw.
- Mobility
Rugs are more versatile compared to carpets. This can be a pro or a con to the homeowner depending on their preference.
Although carpets may be better for some households due to their anti-slip nature, the cement or adhesive used to connect wall-to-wall carpeting might cause damage to the hardwood flooring beneath. Additionally, carpets may wear out faster, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Consequently, the carpet owner may have to install a new carpet again, resulting in extra work and expenditure.
On the other hand, rugs are great for homeowners who do not want to commit to a specific aesthetic as it can be removed or replaced easily. However, while the added mobility of rugs may seem convenient, it also comes with disadvantages. Because it is not adhered to the ground, people may trip over rugs, which makes it dangerous for the elderly and small children. We recommend using good quality rug-pads to prevent this. As rugs are frequently used to separate two areas, they fail to give your room a uniform aesthetic.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Rugs are more practical than carpets if you have pets or small children around. Carpets are notoriously difficult to clean because they cannot be removed for quick, easy washing and drying. Although there are countermeasures for this issue, they may require the purchase of an expensive carpet cleaning machine, the hiring of expert aid, or significant time spent washing and drying the floor.
A rug, on the other hand, can be rolled up and transferred elsewhere without much trouble. It’s more cost-effective than carpet replacement and will keep your flooring safe. It’s portable and dries rapidly when hanging up.
Although the terms ‘rug’ and ‘carpet’ relate to similar products, they differ significantly. When decorating your home, it is crucial to understand the finer nuances of the words and the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
It can be challenging to shop for a rug or a carpet because most people are unaware of the specific differences between the two.
Since we’ve covered the key distinctions between rugs and carpets, you can make an informed decision about which to use in your home.
Whether you own a rug or a carpet, if you are looking for affordable and high-quality rug cleaning and carpet cleaning services in Toronto, consider Love Your Rug.
Get Your Rugs or Carpets Professionally Cleaned Now
Love Your Rug specializes in offering professional rug cleaning services in Ontario, Canada. We employ practical and efficient rug cleaning technology to dust, clean, and dry area rugs.
Every rug undergoes our comprehensive, careful, and complete rug cleaning and restoration process, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction.
We provide Southern Ontario with FREE pickup and delivery. After scheduling a pickup, we will come and retrieve your stained or damaged rug and deliver it back to you in pristine condition.
