Area rugs & carpets are not interchangeable, contrary to popular belief. There was a time when both definitions applied equally. No longer is that the case.
In contrast to carpets, which are always affixed to the floor with carpet nails and typically cover the entire floor in a single room, area rugs can be either large or small decorative pieces of material that aren't fastened to the floor in any way. You can use this simple list of pros and cons to help you decide which option is best for you.
Area rugs are the best option if you need floor covering but want more variety and customization options. Area rugs can be found in a wide variety of sizes, as well as countless color, texture, design, and pattern permutations. In case you decide to rearrange your furniture, area rugs are simple to move. Additionally, sending them out to a professional cleaning service is all it takes to get them looking like new again.
Area rugs are typically more expensive than carpets due to their decorative value and the rarity of their materials. Area rugs, despite their high cost, are stunning decorations for any indoor space. Family heirloom area rugs have been known to be passed down through the ages and still look as good as new after decades of use.
When compared to area rugs, carpets are much more durable. Carpets can last for a long time and are easy to clean. You can attach them to the ground, and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs that are simple to maintain. Carpet padding is available in a range of thicknesses. When walking barefoot on a thick carpet, it feels like you're walking on a cloud. Stain and wear resistance are built into some carpets. Carpet can be bought in bulk from any area hardware store or carpet outlet.
One of the carpet's drawbacks is that it's more challenging to perform a thorough cleaning. If you really want to clean under your carpet, you are required to pull the carpet up off the floor and remove the padding underneath to get to the actual floor for cleaning. If your home floods, you'd better believe that your carpet will need to be replaced. This can be super expensive because not only do you have to buy new carpet, you will have to have all the old carpet ripped up, the floors disinfected, and the new carpet put down. This isn't something you can skimp on. Floods cause dangerous molds and mildew to grow under your carpet. Another downside to carpet is that, for one room, you can only have one color. Yes, there are carpets on the market that come in several different colors but these will tip the scales toward the more expensive side.
Now that you know the pros and cons of area rugs and carpets, you can make an educated decision about which one will fit your home and your lifestyle.