When it comes to selecting floor coverings, there are many things to consider. From cost and longevity to style and function, the right textiles will make all the difference in how a room looks and feels.
But navigating the world of carpeting and rugs can be confusing, even for those with interior design expertise. To help, we’ve compiled a list of considerations for both options so you can better determine the best choice for your home.
The Basics
A rug is any thick fabric used to cover part of a floor, often woven of wool. It’s usually shaped like an oblong and has a border design—either a field composition or a medallion system with inner and outer guard stripes. Rugs are typically made from hand-spun or machine-spun fibers, ranging in size from small mats to room-sized area rugs and runners.
Sometimes, the terms carpet and rug are used interchangeably. This is particularly common when referring to broadloom, which is mass-produced and tacked down to the floor and goes wall-to-wall. However, the difference between a rug and carpet is essentially one of scale and movability. Rugs are crafted in standard sizes and can be rolled up for easy movement.
As a result, they’re typically more portable and easier to wash than carpeting. They also tend to have greater resale value, and they may use more natural materials with a lower environmental impact. This makes rugs a more sustainable option than traditional carpeting, but they can be more expensive, too.
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GORILLA GRIP Rug Gripper Pads Keep Area Rugs Corners from Curling, Reusable Double-Sided Stickers Holds Down Carpet in Place, Grips on Tile and Hardwood Floors Helps Prevent Sliding, Home Décor, 8 Pcs
$12.99 (as of January 14, 2026 09:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GORILLA GRIP Bath Rug Mat, Thick Soft Absorbent Chenille, Quick Dry Microfiber Mats, Rubber Backing Washable Shower Floor Rugs, US Designed Bathroom Bathmat Home Decor Accessories, 24x17, Grey
$11.98 (as of January 14, 2026 09:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KOZYFLY Boho Rugs for Entryway 3x5 ft Washable Area Rug Non Slip Rubber Backed Entry Rug Woven Indoor Door Mat Cotton Kitchen Rugs Floor Carpet for Entryway, Foyer, Backdoor, Tan/Orange/Brown
$37.99 (as of January 14, 2026 09:52 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GORILLA GRIP Extra Wide Dual Sided Rug Gripper Pads, Holds Carpet in Place on Hardwood Floors and Tile, Removable Reusable Sticky Corner Grippers, Universal Fit Floor Pad for Under Area Rugs, 4 Pack
$5.99 (as of January 12, 2026 06:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Exclusivo Mezcla Bathroom Rugs Mat 17x24, Extra Soft Non Slip Absorbent Water Microfiber Bath Rugs, Machine Washable Quick Dry Bath Mats for Bathroom Floor, Shower, Home Decor, Solid Navy Blue
$9.94 (as of January 12, 2026 06:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AAFKK Round Area Rugs for Living Room Bedroom, 4x4 Feet Black Ultra Soft Thickened Memory-Foam Modern Indoor Circle Rug, Comfy Minimalist Circular Carpets for Girls Boys Nursery Dorm Home Decor
$21.99 (as of January 12, 2026 06:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)