When it comes to home design, style can sometimes take a back seat to practicality. That principle holds true for flooring, too. If you have rooms or areas that experience a lot of foot traffic, you should invest in a durable rug that can stand up to lots of wear-and-tear. This can especially be true if you have kids or pets.Â
What is a "High Traffic" Area?
In other words, what are the most common things that happen in your home that require a rug? These are areas that people or pets are often walking on, standing on, or congregating on. For example, if you have pets, you will want to invest in a rug that can stand up to his or her claws and paws. If you have kids, you will want to look for a rug that can stand up to their feet and toys.
Entryways
Entryways are the first places people enter a home. That’s where you want to make a good first impression. A high-traffic area is a perfect place to show off your flooring choices.Â
Walking into a home is a big part of the experience. So if you’re going to have a rug in your entryway, it should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to consider your design style, as well. If you’re going for a more traditional look, a rug like a runner, runner-stripe, or area rug may be more appropriate.
For a more modern look, consider a transitional area rug, like a tufted area rug. This type of rug will blend in with a variety of different decor styles.
Kitchens
The kitchen is another high-traffic area. This is where you prepare food and eat meals. If you have kids, they will spend a lot of time in this room. It’s important to choose an area rug that can withstand the wear-and-tear that will inevitably happen.
If you’re looking for a durable rug, go with a non-skid rug. Indoor/outdoor rugs work great in kitchens as well as they tend to be more durable. Also, consider a rug pad for kitchen rugs. These are made specifically for areas that get a lot of traffic, and they’ll help keep your floors safe and comfortable while preventing slips and falls.Â
Your rug should be durable enough to handle the messes and spills that come from kids and pets.Â
Hallways
If you have a lot of traffic through your home, your hallway will be a high-traffic area as well. You’ll want to make sure that the area rug you choose is durable and slip-resistant.Â
If you have kids, they will likely be running through your home, so it’s important to make sure your hallway is safe for them.Â
This is another place where a rug pad would be a great idea.
Runner rugs are perfect for hallways. Hallway runners can be an excellent way to add interest to a room in your house. If you are redesigning a smaller space, perhaps the hallway, the right runner can be used to hide imperfections in the walls or floor. Hallway runners can also be used to prolong the space itself. It softens the transition of one room to the next and adds to the overall flow of the hallway.
Best Rug Material For Heavy Foot TrafficÂ
A natural fiber rug of course! Ok, maybe we’re a little biased. I’m sure there are synthetic fiber rugs that will get the job done, but we’re a sustainability-focused blog with a love for natural fibers.Â
Jute
Jute rugs are another option for high-traffic areas. They’re a great option for kitchens, entryways, and hallways. They’re naturally durable, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes. Jute rugs are known for their unique patterns and designs. There are many different types of jute rugs, but one of the most common types is flat-woven rugs. Jute is a sturdy fiber that is often used to create rugs because of its strength and durability. Some common jute rug designs include oriental designs, tribal designs, and geometric designs.
Sisal
Sisal rugs make a statement and are an effective way to add character to any room. These hand-woven rugs are durable, comfortable, and will stand up to daily use. The durability of a sisal rug means that they will hold up in high-traffic areas of the house.
Sisal rugs are a favorite for kids, pets and people with allergies. Rugs from sisal are long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas in your home, like hallways and mudrooms.
Wool
Wool is known to have numerous advantages, the most notable being its durability. When compared to other materials, wool rugs tend to last longer, and with proper care, it will keep doing so. However, wool is not ideal for damp or humid rooms and it may shed (but that should lessen with time).
Rugs to Avoid in High Traffic AreasÂ
Shag Rugs
Shag rugs are not the best choice for high traffic areas – they’re prone to getting matted down, and their appearance will deteriorate more quickly. However, they are often a better choice for bedrooms because they are softer and offer more comfort than a low pile rug.
High/Thick Pile Rugs
Typically rugs with a high pile height are not good for high traffic areas in the home due to “plushness” construction these rugs are often made in. As mentioned above, these types of rugs are prone to get matted down.Â
These rugs also tend to more easily pick up dirt and dust and are not easily cleaned. Rugs with low pile heights are often more suitable for high traffic areas in the home, such as hallways, stairs, and entranceways.Â
Silk or Viscose Rugs
Silk and viscose are both natural fibers (viscose a semi-synthetic) that are used in the production of clothing, handbags, carpets, and bedding. They are both highly desirable and versatile materials, however, they are both delicate and subject to damage by heavy and they can wear down easily.
Care Tips For Area Rugs That Get Heavy Foot TrafficÂ
A well-maintained area rug is an important investment that will enhance the look and feel of any room. In addition to a beautiful rug, it can also be a functional addition to your home, providing a soft, comfortable place to walk and play. However, a well-maintained rug will last longer and remain in great condition if it is properly cared for.
- Make sure your rug is properly cleaned and vacuumed regularly.
Vacuum your rug at least once a week, using a dusting brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt and debris that may have been missed. This will keep the rug looking clean and will prevent dirt from being embedded in the fibers. When you purchase an area rug, be sure to get a warranty. You want to make sure that you are covered in case of damage or wear and tear. Most area rugs come with a warranty of between one and three years, but check the fine print to make sure you are covered in the event of a problem. - Use a rug pad.
A good rug pad will protect your rug and prevent it from becoming worn down. If your rug is made from wool, consider purchasing a rug pad made specifically for wool, which will help your rug stay clean longer. - Professional cleaning. If your rug has a lot of traffic, consider having it professionally cleaned every so often. A professional cleaning will remove stains and spills that may have occurred, as well as freshen up the appearance of your rug. Professionals use special cleaning solutions and equipment to remove the dirt and stains that occur naturally.
- Consider a stain guard for your area rug. Using stain guards on your rug will help it repel water, resist liquid spills and reduce soiling. Typically, rug stain guards are used every time you have your carpet professionally cleaned or every six months. In high traffic areas, you may need to apply more often.
In conclusion, considering the information presented here, you should have a good idea of how to find the best rugs for high traffic areas in your home.
