How to Choose a Rug for High-Traffic Areas in Your Home
When it comes to buying new rugs for the busiest parts of your home, style may not be the only deciding factor. High-traffic areas such as hallways, entrances and living rooms need a bit more robust design.
Luckily, we have dozens of options for high traffic rugs that look great and offer style without sacrificing function or comfort. The low-pile, easy-to-clean designs are perfect for most homes with high traffic. In this blog we will be exploring what to look for when choosing rugs for high traffic areas.
Choose a Durable Rug Material
Material is an essential element to consider when buying a rug. For heavily trafficked areas, go for hard-wearing materials.Heat Set Polypropylene and Polyester rugs are easy to maintain, easy to clean and are able to withstand constant traffic.
If you have kids or pets, go for easy clean rugs. After all, these types of rugs are made for messy homes and will save you the trouble of spot-cleaning.
Consider a Low Pile For Busy Spaces
Pile height is another criteria when shopping for a rug. It refers to the length of the rug fibres. In this case, consider choosing rugs in less length. For high-traffic areas, it is best to choose low pile rugs.
These rugs vacuum easier and are less likely to attract dirt and dust. Moreover, their short fibres lie flat, preventing the rug from bunching under heavy furniture or at the doorway. A low pile is also a good choice for hallways, as it will minimise the disturbance factor.
Think About Durability
Durability should be an important factor when purchasing a rug. After all, the last thing you want is to invest in a nice rug that only looks beautiful for a year. When looking for durable rugs, keep in mind how much foot traffic the rug will endure. As a rule of thumb, the higher the traffic, the denser the weave should be.
It is also important to think about the rug’s exposure to sunlight, dirt, and moisture. Also think about whether the rug will be under heavy objects or pets or if the furniture will be moved around often. All of these factors can lessen the look of your rug, so it is important to choose durable materials for areas of heavy traffic.
Think About Stain Resistance and Cleaning
High-traffic areas such as hallways and entries are also the most vulnerable to spills and accidents. So it’s a good idea to buy a rug that’s stain-resistant or easy-care. Always check the care instructions from the manufacturer to be sure you know how to care for the rug properly. Remember regular vacuuming will help to remove surface dust and debris, and any spills should be wiped up as soon as possible.
If you lead a busy lifestyle, an easy clean option is the way to go. Just remember that even the most durable rugs need regular maintenance.
Choose Colours and Patterns That Hide Everyday Dirt
When it comes to high-traffic areas, light colours and patterns are usually the best choice. Light neutral colours or single-colour rugs can give your home a sense of space and airiness but will draw attention to any spots or blemishes on the rug.
Opt for dark colours or patterns if you want to disguise dirt, especially in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entrances. Patterns also prevent the rug from appearing worn out between cleaning.
Don’t Forget Hallways and Entrances
Often forgotten when it comes to decorating, hallways can be one of the busiest places in the house. Hall runners are the perfect solution for adding style and comfort to this often overlooked room. Be sure to pick a durable material and suitable pile height that won’t cause any obstacles to doors.
Meanwhile, your entrance requires an equally tough rug to handle the traffic and dirt that comes with the place.
What About Living Rooms?
As for the living room, this area probably doesn’t see as much heavy traffic as the hallway does. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t require a hardworking yet stylish rug. It’s important to think about what kind of life you lead in your living room.
If you have kids and pets, you’ll probably want something that can withstand their daily adventures. Meanwhile, if you use the living room as a formal entertaining space, you can get away with something a bit more delicate.
For a contemporary space, modern rugs are a fabulous way to tie the room together while still providing everyday practicality. Just be sure to pick a design that compliments the colour scheme of your décor, rather than clashing with it.
Focus on Practical Rug Selection
When it comes to choosing the right rug for a high-traffic area, style and substance should be considered together. Before choosing a rug, think about:
- The amount of traffic the room receives,
- Whether or not you’d like a low-pile rug,
- How simple the rug is to clean,
- Whether or not you need protection from spills and stains,
- The colours and designs that would complement the room,
- Whether the rug needs to be pet and kid-friendly,
- And how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Conclusion
Whether you need to update your hallway, create a new look in your entrance or spruce up your living room, the right area rug can make a world of difference. At Rugs Galore, we have a wide variety of options for hall and high-traffic areas, contemporary designs and more. Think about the amount of traffic the room receives and the style you are trying to create and choose a rug that strikes the perfect balance between the two.