When decorating a home, we all want to have the best rugs, most beautiful textiles and rarest most coveted examples. But as we all know, especially when it comes to antique rugs or even vintage rugs, the best examples are not going to be cheap rugs.
Everyone has a picture in their head of what their dream space would look like, but then the realities of the budget set in. That said, not all rugs are expensive and you can have the space of your dreams and still stay within the budget. The key is knowing where to splurge and where to hold back a bit.
Here are a few tips to help you get a beautiful look that you want and put your money where it matters most.
In General, what is considered “cheap” for a handmade area rug?
The perception of what is considered “cheap” for a handmade area rug can vary based on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the quality of materials used. Handmade rugs are often priced based on factors such as craftsmanship, materials, size, and design.
In general, handmade area rugs can range widely in price:
Lower-priced options, in a room size, might start around $1000 and go up to around $3,000 dollars.
Mid-range room size handmade rugs may fall within the $5,000 to $10,000 range
Higher-end room size handmade rugs can cost several will cost $10,000 but can go up to the millions even.
It’s essential to consider factors such as the type of materials used (e.g., wool vs silk), the intricacy of the design and the actual size of the rug when determining whether a handmade area rug is reasonably priced for your budget and preferences.
Are cheap rugs worth it?
The value of cheap rugs depends on your specific needs, preferences, and expectations.
Here are some factors to consider:
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use: If you’re looking for a rug for temporary use or in an area with less foot traffic, a cheaper option might be suitable. However, if you’re looking for a long-term investment or a rug for a high-traffic area, it might be worth considering a higher-quality rug that can withstand wear and tear.
Material Quality: Cheap rugs may use lower-quality materials, which can affect their durability and appearance over time. Consider the type of material used in the rug and whether it meets your standards for comfort and longevity.
Craftsmanship: Handmade rugs, even if budget-friendly, can vary in craftsmanship. Assess the level of detail and skill put into the rug’s creation. Cheaper machine-made rugs might lack the uniqueness and craftsmanship of higher-end handmade options.
Aesthetics: Personal taste plays a significant role. If you find a cheap rug that fits your aesthetic preferences and serves its purpose in the intended space, it could be a worthwhile purchase.
Budget Constraints: Sometimes, budget limitations dictate the choices we make. If a cheaper rug aligns with your budget, and you’re aware of its potential limitations, it can be a practical choice for the time being.
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to read reviews, inspect the rug in person if possible, and consider factors like return policies. While cheap rugs can offer affordability, being aware of their potential drawbacks will help you make an informed decision based on your priorities and needs.
How long does a cheap rug last?
Cheaply made more commercial rug productions were not meant to last. The lifespan of a cheap rug can vary widely depending on factors such as material quality, construction, maintenance, and the level of foot traffic in the area where it’s placed.
Here are some factors that will affect the longevity of rugs:
Material Quality: Lower-priced rugs often use less expensive materials that may not be as durable as higher-end options. Synthetic fibers may wear out more quickly than natural fibers like wool or cotton.
Construction: Handmade rugs, even if budget-friendly, can vary in craftsmanship. Machine-made rugs are often more affordable but may not have the same longevity as hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs.
Usage and Traffic: The location and amount of foot traffic the rug experiences will impact its lifespan. Rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways or living rooms, may wear out faster than those in less frequently used spaces.
Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of a rug. Regular vacuuming, prompt stain removal, and rotation can help preserve the rug’s condition.
Intended Use: Consider whether the rug is for short-term or long-term use. If you’re looking for a temporary solution or plan to change your decor frequently, a cheaper rug might be suitable for your needs.
It’s essential to set realistic expectations based on the price point and quality of the rug. While a cheap rug may not last as long as a higher-end option, proper care can help maximize its lifespan. Additionally, if durability is a top priority, investing in a higher-quality rug may be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Why do people buy cheap rugs?
There are several reasons why people choose to buy cheap rugs:
Affordability: The most straightforward reason is that cheap rugs are more affordable. People with budget constraints or those looking for a quick and economical solution may opt for lower-cost options.
Temporary Use: Some individuals purchase cheap rugs for temporary or short-term use. For example, if they are renting a space or planning to change their decor frequently, a less expensive rug may be a practical choice.
Changing Trends: Home decor trends can change, and some people prefer to update their rugs more frequently to stay current with these trends. In such cases, opting for a cheaper rug allows for flexibility without a significant financial commitment.
Specific Purpose: If the rug is intended for a specific purpose, such as protecting the floor temporarily during a renovation or serving as a play area for children, individuals may choose a cheaper option that fulfills that specific need.
Budget Constraints: Financial considerations play a significant role. People may have limited budgets for home furnishings and prioritize spending on other items, choosing affordable rugs that fit within their overall financial constraints.
Experimenting with Styles: Some individuals use cheap rugs as a way to experiment with different styles and colors without a substantial financial investment. This allows them to explore their preferences before committing to a more expensive, long-term rug.
While cheap rugs offer affordability, it’s important for buyers to be aware of potential drawbacks such as lower quality and shorter lifespans. The decision to purchase a cheaper rug is often influenced by a combination of budget, specific needs, and personal preferences.
Why is buying an inexpensive cheap area rug bad for the environment?
Buying a cheap rug may have environmental implications for several reasons:
Low-Quality Materials: Cheap rugs often use low-quality and synthetic materials that may not be environmentally friendly. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene, are derived from non-renewable resources like petroleum and may not biodegrade easily.
Short Lifespan: Cheaper rugs may have a shorter lifespan due to lower-quality construction and materials. This can result in more frequent replacements, contributing to increased waste in landfills.
Manufacturing Processes: Some low-cost rugs are produced using manufacturing processes that are less environmentally sustainable. These processes may involve the use of chemicals, energy-intensive methods, and less eco-friendly practices.
Global Supply Chain Impact: Cheap rugs are often mass-produced and may be sourced from countries with lax environmental regulations. The environmental impact of transportation and the production practices in these regions can contribute to ecological concerns.
Disposal Challenges: When cheap rugs reach the end of their life cycle, they may be challenging to dispose of responsibly. Synthetic materials, in particular, may not break down easily in the environment.
To mitigate these environmental concerns, individuals can consider more sustainable alternatives, such as rugs made from natural and renewable materials like wool or cotton. Additionally, opting for higher-quality, durable rugs that have a longer lifespan can reduce the frequency of replacements and minimize waste.
It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and choose products that align with their values in terms of sustainability and responsible consumption.
Spend money where it counts and save money where you can
The biggest items in your decorating budget are larger pieces of furniture like sofas and beds and, of course, the area rugs and carpets. These bigger purchases will probably be with you for a long time, so it pays to choose high quality pieces that you love and that will last a long time.
Smaller accessories such as end tables and lamps can easily be swapped out when you want to change the look.
Neutral furniture
Because you will likely spend more on your couch than other components of the room, it is wise to choose something a bit on the neutral side. You can keep the neutral theme throughout the room. You can also get a rug that adds the right mood, color and texture. You can add pops of color throughout the space with the rug, pillows and other accessories.
Start your decor with the rug
In the past, designers often selected the rug as an afterthought. As long as it blended in, it was not supposed to attract too much attention. Now times have changed. Area rugs are being seen as the works of art that they truly are.
These days, rugs are the first element that is chosen by interior designers. The rest of the room is built around the colors and style of the rug.
Rugs tie the room together and as such, they now take center stage and set the tone of the room’s decor. The area rug is a piece that will have to take a bit of wear. Therefor it is wise to invest in a rug that will hold up for a long time.
Just Replace the Rug
If you are happy with your space overall, but it just looks a bit dated, replacing the area rug can give it an instant update without spending a fortune. Today’s colors and patterns have the ability to transform the room. You might be surprised at how much getting a new area rug changes the room. It might be all you need to fall in love with your space again.
Look at the design shapes first
When you are purchasing furniture, look at the shape before you look at the fabric. You can reupholster anything, but the shape has to match the style of the room. If you update a traditional antique couch with fine wood ornaments and cabriole legs with a modern, bold chevron design, it will still look like an antique. It will not give the room a modern look. However, if you are going for a modern look, a streamlined Eames Era couch will do the trick, just don’t think about pairing it with Victorian florals. It is the shape of the furniture that sets the tone of the room, not the fabric patterns.
Keep what you love
Redecorating the room does not mean that you have to throw out the baby with the bathwater. If there is a piece that you absolutely love or that has a special meaning, incorporate it. Consider re-purposing it and using it in a new way that you had not thought of before. Get creative. A quirky piece from your grandmother can add interest.
Another piece of advice is not to be afraid to break up sets. Just because pieces are being sold together does not mean that you cannot separate them. If you like only one of the pieces then use only one in the new area you are decorating.
Use Cheaper Inexpensive Affordable Rugs to Define Spaces and Draw Attention
Today’s modern rugs feature designs are bold and innovative. Rugs define the space. One tip from contemporary home decorators to make the space look larger is to place the furniture so that two legs are on the rug and two are off. Otherwise, it can look cramped. You can also position and place rugs in ways that define the color scheme and mood of the room. They can form the foundation of the room and draw attention to a piece of furniture that you want to show off.
When Decorating On A Budget and Looking For Captivating Inexpensive Affordable Rugs Make Sure To Shop Around
The final piece of advice when decorating on a budget and looking to source beautiful but Inexpensive affordable rugs is to shop around. You don’t have to do the entire redesign all at once. If you have a plan and know what look you are going for, and you can often pick up major pieces one at a time. The perfect rug can be an excellent way to give the room a new look, and the good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a rug that is high quality.
Where to buy cheap area rugs?
While we do have many cheaper rugs that are priced under $5,000. We constantly get asked by people where they could find and buy truly cheap rugs.
Where to buy cheap rugs:
Nazmiyal Rug Auctions – A great staring point would be the Nazmiyal Rug Auctions because the rugs in our sales are sourced from private estates and we take them in at very low price points. While some rugs may end up selling for prices that are way above the estimates, many will sell at or close to the start price. Learn More About The Nazmiyal Rug Auctions
Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops- While it is very rare to find a good rug example at a consignment shop or thrift store, the area rugs that are there will probably be very inexpensive to buy.
Online Marketplaces – For people who are just looking to buy a cheap rug fast, you will be able to find options online. While they may not be good for the environment, wont be unique and will not be quality pieces you can surly find very cheap rugs on sites like: Amazon, eBay, Overstock, Rugs.com, RugUSA.com and Wayfair.
Flea Market – Most vendors at flea markets will research what they have before pricing them, so so not go in thinking that you will getting a good example for a fraction of the true value. That said, you may get lucky and luck aside, you should see a lot of cheap options (though mostly commercial grade).
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
