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Carpet vs Rug: A Comparison Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published September 23, 2024

Although both rugs and carpets are meant to cover your floor, they have significant differences. So, if you want to cozy up your living room or make your hallway look better, you must know all about rugs vs carpets. Let’s look into the differences between the two.

Understanding Carpets and Rugs: What Sets Them Apart?

At first, both carpets and rugs may look alike. But they are different as per needs and benefits. Let’s look into rugs vs carpets in detail:

Carpets: Versatile Floor Coverings

Carpets are cloth floor coverings. These are mostly made of woven or tufted fibers. They cover the entire room and are meant for insulation. You can use them in all residential and commercial spaces. They are mostly used in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.

You can get them in many colors and finishes that match your home décor. They are available in both larger and smaller sizes, classified into:

  • Low pile (0-0.3 inch): These fabrics are shorter in size and offer a smoother look. Very easy to clean and maintain. Best to use in living rooms, staircases, hallways and entryways. 
  • Medium pile (0.301-0.550 inch): These fabrics are slightly longer in size. It’s perfect for both durability and comfort. Best to use in living rooms or bedrooms.
  • High pile (0.550 inch and above): These fabrics have long and plush fibers. It adds a touch of luxury to the house. Needs more maintenance. Best to use in formal living rooms or bedrooms.

Rugs: Decorative and Practical Additions

Rugs are mainly used for decoration as they change the look and mood of the room. These improve the aesthetic appeal of a space and also add practical benefits. For example, ​​minimizing echo, giving a better grip, and protecting the underlying floor from scratches, spills, wear, and tears.

You can find them in many colors, patterns and finishes. Rugs are used to complement all interior styles and choices. You can lay them straight on the floor. These are best for spaces that need style, comfort and protection.

You can keep them in all areas, such as living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, entryways, etc. The difference between indoor and outdoor rugs is:

  • Indoor rugs are softer and more luxurious. These are meant for living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, etc. They are made with fibres like wool, cotton, silk and synthetic fibers. 
  • Outdoor rugs last long and can be used in all weather. They’re made with materials like polypropylene, polyester and other synthetic fibers. These are best to use in patios, decks, porches and other outdoor seating areas.

Detailed Comparison: Carpets vs Rugs

Let's help you make the right choice for your home and better understand the difference between a rug and a carpet:

Location of Use

  • Carpets: Carpets are installed wall-to-wall. They are meant for comfort and insulation. They also add warmth to your home. Carpets can also reduce noise. 
  • Rugs: Rugs are versatile and portable. You can easily move them and change their place as you want. They are perfect for defining spaces within a room, commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, hallways and entryways. They are also placed over existing carpets to add color and texture.

Fiber Types

  • Carpets: You can find carpets with many types of fibers. For example, nylon, olefin, polyester and triexta. Nylon and olefin can repel moisture and polyester is best for vibrant colors and stain resistance. Solution-dyed nylon and polyester are also popular. Triexta carpets resist stains and are durable. 
  • Rugs: Rugs are made of fibers like jute, sisal, wool, seagrass, polypropylene, leather, etc. Jute rugs are an eco-friendly option. They add an earthy touch to the home décor. Fibers like sisal, seagrass and nylon are known for their durability. If you want to add warmth to your room, you can opt for wool, which provides insulation. If you want to place a rug outdoors, opt for a polypropylene rug or polyester rug with moisture and stain resistance.

Special Features

  • Carpets: Carpets are often made from fibers that are resistant to spills and stains, making them perfect for houses with children. They prevent liquids from getting into the subfloor.​ However, they must be cleaned regularly to get rid of dust, dirt and pet dander. 
  • Rugs: Rugs are quite versatile and can be used with several interior décor styles. They are usually smaller in size and, hence, easier to clean. Some rugs also won’t fade from sun exposure and can handle extreme temperatures. These are perfect for outdoor use and ideal for areas with high moisture.

Caution

Carpets and rugs can worsen allergies if not cleaned frequently. Vacuum them regularly to reduce allergen levels. Dry them completely to avoid any mold and mildew buildup.

Care Instructions

  • Carpets: When cleaning carpets, it’s important to consider the material they are made from. Most carpets are easy to clean and maintain with the right tools, such as a carpet cleaner. However, if there is a spill on the carpet, be sure to clean them immediately. Use mild soap and water on the stained area. Scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush or a cloth to clean it. To prevent the carpet from fading, you can also draw curtains or blinds, when it’s sunny.
  • Rugs: Rugs are more effortless to clean as they are smaller in size than carpets. You can  wash the rugs completely or use mild detergent and water on the stained area. If you notice dust deposits, shake off the dust first and then clean the rug.

Carpets and Rugs: What's Best for Your Home?

Consider the following factors before deciding on either carpets or rugs for your home.

  • Installation and mobility: If you want to cover your floor completely, go for carpets. They also provide insulation and can make your home cozy. If you want to add to your décor and need mobility, opt for rugs.
  • Material and durability: Opt for a carpet if you want long-lasting floor covers. You can find them in many fibers like nylon, triexta, etc. These materials are durable and resist stains. But, if you want something that makes your space feel more lavish, opt for rugs. Rugs made of wool or seagrass last longer while adding a luxurious feel.
  • Features: If you are looking for hypoallergenic fibers, go for carpets. But, if you want something for areas that have high moisture or for outdoors, go for rugs. You can find rugs with features like UV protection and water resistance.
  • Maintenance: Carpets need deep cleaning once a month, but rugs are low maintenance. Opt for rugs if you are looking for a low-maintenance option.

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