Want to makeover a room on a shoestring budget?
Don’t look any further than the rug section! Rug styles and design choices are one of the best ways to instantly transform any home space. And the best part is…you can get a great rug for less these days. With the worldwide rug industry expected to hit $58.93 billion by 2025, there are more lower-priced rugs on the market than ever before. The days of budget-friendly buyers only having to settle for basic-looking rugs are over.
In this post we’ll dive into all of our top tips on buying less expensive rugs. You’ll learn:
- Why rugs are one of the best home décor tricks out there
- Which rug materials will give the highest perceived value
- The psychological impact of rug colour choices
- Smart shopping strategies for getting the biggest bang for your buck
- Styling and placement tricks that make cheap rugs look expensive
Why Rugs Are The Ultimate Home Décor Trick
So here’s the thing about rugs…
They do a lot more than just fill a floor space. A good rug anchors down furniture sets, defines separate spaces within an area, and adds warmth to any room. Did you know that there’s even Rug Color Psychology to consider? There are even rug shades that are scientifically proven to make people happier, more focused, and relaxed.
Here’s the secret…
Painting walls is a hassle and an investment. Getting new furniture is time-consuming and expensive. But swap out a rug? Move it to a different room? Instant home improvement, for a fraction of the cost. Rugs are the secret interior design weapon that nobody talks about.
Rugs even solve practical problems, like noise and cushioning for sore feet, and even prevent scratches on hardwood floors. The right rug can also be an ideal makeover for a rental where changes to walls and flooring aren’t allowed.
Budget-Friendly Rug Materials for Maximum Perceived Value
Cheap-looking rugs can be avoided by selecting the right material. But what are those materials, exactly?
Polypropylene is the cheap rug shopper’s best friend. This synthetic material is stain-resistant, durable against heavy foot traffic, and comes in a huge range of designs. In most cases, the average person can’t tell the difference between a polypropylene rug and a much higher-priced one.
Natural fibres like jute and sisal offer earthy, organic textures at an affordable price point. Jute and sisal fibres are derived from plant materials like roots and grasses. These types of rugs are especially great for coastal-style and bohemian interiors.
Cotton rugs are another low-cost option that is washable and light enough to move around or rotate between rooms. They’re great for high-mess areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and playrooms.
Polyester is soft and wool-like but much more affordable. Polyester rugs resist fading from sunlight and are very good at holding colours.
The main thing is that you know what you’re shopping for. Quality rug constructions last longer, even if they start off cheaper than something poorly made but with a higher price tag.
The Psychological Impact of Rug Colour Choices
Picking rug colours isn’t just about what goes with your couch. Did you know that colour psychology plays a big part in how humans perceive different spaces?
Cooler colours like blues and greens create a relaxing and calming environment. These are great choices for bedrooms and home offices where concentration and a stress-free zone is a must. Just adding a blue rug to a chaotic room can make the space feel more instantly restful.
On the other hand, warmer colours like red, orange, and yellow energise a space and get people talking. They also make a room feel inviting and cosy. Think of warmer shades for your living room and dining spaces.
Neutral colours are king when it comes to versatility. Rugs in shades of beige, grey, and cream provide an opportunity to build off of neutral bases without clashing. Neutral rugs also help small rooms appear larger and more open.
Pro Tip…
Natural light is a big factor in choosing rug colours. Dark rugs can visually shrink a space that doesn’t have a lot of sunshine. Lighter rugs reflect light and create a bright and airy effect.
Smart Shopping Strategies for Biggest Bang for Your Buck
Don’t go rug shopping without a game plan. Random shopping means you’ll end up with more expensive rugs that don’t work well in your space.
Measure twice, shop once. Measuring your rug space exactly is key to avoiding return shipping fees, and a rug that’s too small or overwhelming for a room.
Shop after seasons end. Rug prices come down dramatically after peak home improvement seasons end. Expect some of the biggest sales in late winter and early fall.
Check out online stores. Online rug retailers have no expensive brick and mortar locations to pay for, so they can pass the savings onto the consumer. Plus, many online rug stores offer free rug samples so you can see the colours and textures before purchase.
Don’t overlook discount stores. HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and other retailers often have quality rugs for steep discounts. Inventory is inconsistent, but check back often to score the perfect rug.
Outlet stores sell rugs with minor defects at major markdowns. A knot that unravels? A small discoloration that goes under furniture nobody will ever notice?
Reportedly, 33% of Millennials plan to buy rugs for their homes this year. The increased demand also means even more availability in all price ranges.
Styling Tricks to Make Cheap Rugs Look Expensive
A cheap rug doesn’t have to look cheap if you layer and style the right way.
Layering rugs is an inexpensive design trick that adds depth to a rug design and also hides cost. Put a small patterned rug on top of a larger neutral rug.
Bold rug patterns are a great way to distract the eye from noticing low-quality materials. Think of geometric and traditional patterns that demand the eye’s attention.
Add a quality rug pad underneath. A high-quality rug pad elevates the experience of walking on any rug. Plus it helps the rug last much longer.
Keep the rug clean. Vacuuming regularly and treating stains promptly go a long way to making a cheap rug look nicer. A high-maintenance rug is still not as nice as a low-maintenance rug.
Position furniture pieces strategically. Make sure furniture legs are sitting on the rug’s edge for a put-together look. This is a common interior design trick in high-end styling.
Common Budget Rug Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Even the savviest of shoppers make some of these mistakes.
Buying a rug that is too small is the most common error. A rug that is too small makes the entire furniture set look disconnected and off-kilter. If you’re not sure of a rug’s size, size up.
Buying rugs that are too smooth and flat looking is a mistake. Mix up a rug or two with different textures to add visual interest.
Not thinking about the maintenance required is a huge error. Many budget rugs require professional cleaning. Others are machine washable. Know before you buy.
Matching everything exactly is the opposite of stylish. Rugs should complement a space, not necessarily match it. A little contrast can add character.
Summary
Sprucing up a home with rugs is one of the cheapest ways to achieve major home improvement results. Smart choices about rug material, shopping strategies and styling can make affordable rugs look like high-end buys.
Here are some quick tips to remember:
- Synthetic materials like polypropylene offer style and durability at low costs
- Rug colour choices play a major role in how the mind perceives a space
- Off-season shopping and buying online offers the best prices
- Styling and rug layering can elevate the appearance of a cheap rug
- Don’t size down on rugs. Size up instead for a more professional appearance
The secret to an awesome home makeover isn’t spending money you don’t have. It’s spending money wisely. With these tips, any rug shopper can have beautiful rugs at home without the designer price tag.
To recap quickly, identify the room that needs the most improvement first, then work your way through this list of tips one rug at a time. The changes are sure to speak for themselves.
