You have decided to take the plunge and purchase an area rug for your home, but you have not the slightest idea how to buy one and what to look for. Buying a used rug can be a fun process if you have the tools to make the decision simpler for yourself. Here are five great tips to keep in mind when you are looking for an area rug for your home.

Know Your Pricepoint

It is easy to go on a shopping excursion and fall in love with something, only to find that it is well outside of your budget. Take a look at the furnishings in the room that you are wanting to purchase a rug for and set a workable budget that will match the d?cor. Add 10% to that number, and you are sure to find a rug that will fit the d?cor and your budget perfectly.

Take Measurements

Do you want a rug that covers most of the floor space in a room, or are you looking for a smaller rug that will anchor furnishings and define functional spaces within a room? If you are looking for a full floor covering, make sure you leave about a foot along the edges of the room. This makes a rug stand out, and the contrast at the border is pleasing to the eye. Larger rugs also make a room look larger and more welcoming.

Leave Nothing Unturned

On the surface, a rug can look well kept and clean so to see if there are any stains, flip the rug over and inspect the back of it thoroughly. If you see water spots, discolorations or stains, this may be evidence of pet stains. If the rug you are buying has a very intricate design, these types of stains can go unnoticed because they blend into the patterns more easily.

The Differences

Sometimes it is hard to understand the differences between machine and hand woven rugs. There are a few things you can look for to differentiate between the two. Hand woven rugs usually have a more vivid color and sheen. If the rug has a fringe, the fringe on a hand woven rug will be incorporated right into the carpet itself. Many machine woven rugs have the fringe sewn on afterward. When you flip an area rug over, hand woven rugs have much more details as well.

The Best Fibers

When you are looking for a used area carpet for your abode, there are three fibers that are worth the extra dollars. Wool, silk, and cotton are all natural fibers and feel much better under foot than any synthetic fibers. Wool will last the longest and feels cushion-like under your toes.Silk can be pricey, but the fibers are strong. Cotton is also quite soft, and some area rugs made of cotton can even be washed. These three natural fibers are stronger, are more durable, and have better longevity than any synthetic rug on the market.