Myndu Interior Design

Area rugs are fast becoming a must-have in modern homes. You don’t need to be an expert to see why: they’re cheap, comfortable, and add a nice splash of color to any space. But what makes them really popular these days is the variety they offer. Besides the usual Oriental and Persian rigs, you can now find country, Victorian, and postmodern rugs on the shelves. And if you want even more variety, you can buy rugs online—there are literally hundreds of sellers on the Web, each one offering an equally attractive deal.

Buying online is also a great way to save money on area rugs. Because they don’t have to maintain an actual store, online sellers don’t pay much for overhead costs. These savings are usually passed on to buyers in the form of lower prices, discounts, or package deals. Of course, there are risks to buying online—some stores offer better quality than others, and some can’t be completely trusted with your private information. That’s why it pays to be informed. Before taking any steps, here’s a quick guide to help you find the best deals.

Measure your area first.

One of the drawbacks of buying online is that you can’t see the item for yourself until it arrives at your doorstep. Many homeowners have bought rugs online only to find that it’s the wrong size for their room. Before even browsing for designs, make sure you have the room’s measurements down and know exactly where the rug is going. That way, you can choose your size more accurately. It also allows you to explore more options, such as square or round area rugs.

Remember that rugs are meant to highlight your floor, not cover it up. Plan your space so that there’s enough space around the rug to frame it properly. If you’re putting it under a dining table, choose a piece about 54 inches longer and wider so there will be room to move the chairs. For bedrooms, rugs should be about 24 inches longer on each side than the bed itself, so that there’s enough padding on the floor when you step down.

Take advantage of online deals.

Discounts are fairly common among online sellers. This is because they have more competition, and they have to make their prices attractive in order to draw in buyers. So don’t settle for the first site that turns up—chances are you’ll find the exact same rug somewhere else for a much lower price. Prices can vary by as much as 50% from one site to another, so it really pays to do your research.

If you’re buying heavy pieces such as wool rugs, you may also want to look into shipping discounts. Many sellers offer free shipping on purchases above certain costs, so it’s worth looking into. This can come in really handy considering it can cost an extra hundred dollars or so to ship a heavy rug. Make sure to check out the delivery times, couriers, and other shipping details to see if they’re worth the discount.

Order rug pads at the same time.

Rug pads are a must for most types of area rugs. They keep your rug from sliding around and folding over, which helps them stay flat and keeps them from fraying at the edges. It also protects your floor from skid marks and scratches. If you’re laying the rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, rug pads also protect the carpet material from thinning out due to the constant friction. These usually have to be bought separately, although some contemporary area rugs have rug pads already sewn in.

If your rug doesn’t come padded, it’s usually best to get the rug pads from the same seller. That way, you can be sure they have the right measurements, and you don’t have to wait a week to lay it out. Some places can even put the pad on for you before shipping, or offer discounts on the rug pad if you buy them at the same time.

Get firsthand advice.

Designers may know what works and what doesn’t, but when it comes to value, fellow homeowners are always your best source. Before making your decision, ask around for tips on getting the best prices, reviews of different rug brands, and practical buying advice. On the Web, you’ll find lots of forums where people share their ideas. It’s a great way to keep up with trends and share your thoughts at the same time.

You can also look for a blog on area rug decorating. These are usually run by professional designers or design enthusiasts, so you’re really getting first-rate advice—and the best part is that it’s free. If you’re the type who likes to stay in style, reading decorating blogs can help you stay ahead and keep your décor in fashion.