If you are looking for an area rug that will stand the test of time, there are several details you need to check before buying one. There are many different types of rugs available today, especially with the recent trend in vintage home decor. However, not all rugs are created equally. Some rugs can be expensive because they have high-quality materials and features that make them last longer than others. When purchasing an expensive area rug, it is important to know what to look for so you don’t get ripped off. Here are five ways to determine if your next area rug is high quality:
1. Check the Material
The first thing you should examine closely is the material that the rug is made from. If it is low-quality, it will not last as long as a high-quality rug. If you don’t know what materials are used to make the rug you are considering purchasing, ask a sales associate and check the label on the rug. Higher quality rugs will be made from materials that are more durable and long-lasting. The most common materials used in area rugs are natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and a combination of the two. Natural fibers are naturally occurring materials like wool, cotton, or silk. Synthetic fibers are manmade materials such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic. Cotton and wool are two of the most durable materials used in rugs. However, natural fibers come with some disadvantages such as being more difficult to clean, more expensive, and less stain resistant.
2. Know What Comes With it
Another important factor to consider is what comes with the rug. The materials used to make the rug are not all that matters. You also need to see what is included. Is a rug pad included? Is it a reversible rug? What about any fringe? Is there extra cushioning in the backing? What type of fringe is on the rug? When you know what comes with the rug, you can determine if the rug itself is high quality. For example, if the rug comes with an extra thick and cushioned backing, it’s a good sign the rug is high quality. You also want to make sure it comes with everything you need, such as a rug pad, if you need one.
3. Look at the Edging
Another way to test for high-quality rugs is to look at the edging. The edging is the material that borders the rug on all sides. Is it tightly woven together or loosely woven? The tighter the weaving, the more durable and long-lasting the rug will be. A loosely woven rug will begin to fall apart more quickly. The type of edging used on the rug is also a good indication of the quality. If the rug has a flat woven edging, it is made from low-quality material. You want to see the edges of the rug to be rolled. A tightly woven rug is the best, but even a loosely woven rug will work if you have children or pets.
4. Make sure it’s Tightly Woven
Another way to tell if your rug is high quality is to make sure it is tightly woven. A tightly woven rug is much more effective at preventing stains from seeping through to the other side of the rug. Most high quality rugs are tightly woven. If you notice that the threads in the rug are loose, it might be a sign that the rug is made from low-quality materials. However, tightly woven rugs can also be low quality, so it’s important to examine other details as well. You want to make sure the rug is tightly woven, but not too tightly woven. There are some rugs that are too tightly woven and they become extremely difficult to clean. For example, that rug that you know is dirty but you can’t get it clean because it’s woven so tightly.
5. How Much Does It Weigh?
Another way to check quality is to look at the weight of the rug. The heavier the rug, the higher quality it is. Regular area rugs are typically between 2 and 6 pounds per square foot (PSF). This means that a 10 foot by 10 foot rug would weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. High-quality rugs will be heavier than regular rugs. When purchasing a new rug, you can use a measuring tape to see how heavy it is. The rule of thumb is that for every PSF on the label, the rug should weigh 3% more. For example, if the rug is between 3 and 4 PSF, it should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. This is a good indication of the quality.
Bottom line
Ultimately, your best bet is to read reviews and to try out the rug in person. That way, you can see the quality of the rug first hand. If you want to make sure you get the most out of your rug, make sure the rug is high quality. These five ways to determine if a rug is high quality will help you make an informed decision and help you get the most out of your new area rug.