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It’s all the rage for homeowners to show off their natural hardwood floors, but removing carpet can make a room echo and decrease your coziness factor. Adding an area rug is a great way to increase comfort in your living areas, while adding a splash of character and color.
But with so many options on the market, most of them expensive, where is the best place to buy area rugs? While big stores like Amazon, Wayfair, At Home, and Target are great locations to buy more common or less expensive area rugs, we’ve got you covered if you want unique or higher-quality area rugs. You don’t have to import them from Persia either!
Before you choose a vendor, however, it’s important for you to understand what you need in a rug and how to interpret product information.
What to compare before buying an area rug:
Pile
Pile refers to the density and height of the individual fibers in a rug. A rug with no pile has a tight weave with no loose fiber ends. These tend to last longer and have greater durability since nothing can catch on the rug’s threads. They are also easier to clean. Look for a flat-weave rug or hand-knotted rug if you’re interested in this style.
A low pile rug does have individual fibers extending vertically from the rug, like a low or medium height carpet. Shag rugs are high pile rugs, with a much greater density of material. Such rugs offer greater warm, comfort, and luxury, but can catch more easily on objects and collect more dirt.
Material
Wool and silk are the most used natural materials for rugs. Silk is softer and more luxurious, while many rug makers continue to laud wool as the best possible material for rugs due to its durability and resistance to the elements. Cotton and synthetic fibers like nylon are also commonly used in modern rugs. If you’re looking for a rug that will look beautiful for generations, pick wool or silk. Synthetic fibers are cheaper and can also last a long time, but may not feel as pleasant underfoot.
Construction
There are many ways to construct a rug, resulting in different textures, designs, and suitable purposes. Flat-weave rugs are created by weaving horizontal and vertical fibers together, resulting in a flat, firm rug. Knotted rugs are also made on a loom, but fibers are knotted into the weave, rather than just interwoven. Tufted rugs have a higher pile, with fibers looped through the weave, and then cut to create the soft pile found in modern carpets. Hooked rugs are made similarly, but the loops of material are not cut at the end, so they do not unravel at all.
Shapes and Sizes
Make sure to measure your space first! Rugs come in all shapes and sizes, from rectangular and square, to round and oval, or even custom shapes. Each will add a unique feeling to your room. If you have a strangely sized space, you could consider getting a rug made exactly to your specifications. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to buy rug pads to keep your area rug from skidding.
Now that you have some ideas in mind, we’ve compiled 8 high-quality rug makers who craft exquisite rugs in a variety of traditions and styles.
Featured Brands
North American rug and carpet brands worth checking out.
Urban Natural
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Urban Natural handcrafts area rugs using natural fibers and a mix of classic and modern prints. Their style emphasizes warm, neutral earth tones such as tans, browns and deep, muted reds, perfect for a contemporary home. They offer rugs with a variety of piles so you can pick your level of comfort.
Colonial Mills
East Providence, Rhode Island
Colonial Mills specializes in braided rugs, one of the most popular styles among artisans in early American history. These rugs have a tougher texture, which makes them perfect for use in mudrooms, entryways, and even outside. Choose from brightly colored or more neutral patterns.
New England Rug Co.
Needham, Massachusetts
New England Rug Co. creates rugs in neutral colors and simple geometric patterns from high quality wool. They specialize in woven and loomed rugs, so this is a great place to shop if you’re looking for a low pile rug. They also make custom pieces!
Chilewich
Chatsworth, Georgia
Chilewhich adds a modern flair to their rugs, utilizing bamboo fibers and bright colors and patterns. Each of their rugs is made to order and they have an incredibly convenient “custom rug calculator” on their website which can give you a quick idea if your dream rug is doable.
American Dakota
Calhoun, Georgia
American Dakota makes a splash with their Western themed rugs in rich colors. They work directly with indigenous artisans across the country, ensuring ethical profit sharing and beautiful products. All their rugs do utilize premium nylon, with superior stain and static resistance.
Delos
Calhoun, Georgia
Delos specializes in soft, tufted carpets, made from a mix of New Zealand wool and recycled nylon. If you appreciate modern art, you’ll love their bright, edgy patterns, which make a bold statement. They offer many customization options, including unlimited shapes!
Carpets for Kids
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Here’s a fun option for the little ones. Carpets for Kids create soft, vibrant rugs with educational themes and patterns like the alphabet and different types of animals. All rugs are made of recyclable nylon and are certified lead free.
Nazmiyal Antique Rugs
New York, New York
More interested in vintage rugs to add to your heirloom items? Nazmiyal Antique Rugs owns one of the most impressive collections of vintage and antique American-made rugs which you can make your own, plus many from around the world. They are truly one of a kind pieces in quality and design.
P.S.
What’s your favorite kind of area rug? We’d love to see some before and after pictures of your rooms with and without your statement rugs. It really makes a huge difference!
Share photos or videos of your unique rugs and carpets with Built for Home on social. You may even get featured in a future Built for Home article!