5 Things to Consider When Shopping Online for Rugs

Today, we’re sharing 5 Things to Consider When Shopping Online for Rugs!

In the past, I’ve been totally guilty of falling down the rabbit hole while shopping online for rugs and fabric.

Perhaps you have too.

Searching for Big-Box Store Rug Inspiration…

I used to think shopping for rugs both in the store and online was pretty easy.

But I realize now it’s because I only needed one or two rugs at the same time. So, the options weren’t too overwhelming.

It either worked or it didn’t…those were the only two options.

Lately, I’ve been searching for multiple rugs for various projects we’ve been working on.

To be honest, I’d hit a bit of a wall shopping my “go to” places like Target, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods B.C. (Before COVID-19)

They still have great options at great prices and are definitely worth checking out once we’re all out and about again.

Shopping Online for Rugs… 

At the time, they didn’t have any rugs that worked for the projects I was pulling together which led me to shopping for rugs online.

And you guys, that’s just a completely different experience, you know what I mean?

Now that I’ve been at home more, I’ve started working on a few quick makeovers for some of the spaces in our home.

And I realized the other day as I hauled another 8×10 rug down from the gate just how many rugs we’ve actually bought online.

Shopping for rugs online is sometimes scary, I totally get it.  But it doesn’t have to be at all.

Here are 5 Things to Consider When Shopping Online for Rugs…

Determine How You Will Use the Rug:

Knowing how you will use the rug seems like such a simple way to start but it’s so important.

It helps you determine the pile, material and texture you’ll need.

Consider if the rug will get wet or if it will be placed in a high or low traffic area before you purchase.

Determine What Size Rug You Need:

When it comes to rugs, my personal opinion is that bigger is better.

Choose a rug that makes the rest of your space feel expansive and defines a functional area.

For example, creating a seating area in the living room, dining room, breakfast nook or bedroom.

If you’re not sure which size is best, try other rugs you have at home or tape the area out using painters tape. This will help you better visualize the amount of space the rug will take up in the room.

We recently used this technique when I was working on the master bedroom refresh ideas  because I couldn’t decide if I should use a 6×9 or an 8×10 size rug.

Determine the Pattern & Color You Want to Use:

Think about the type of flooring your rug will be laying on and if it already has a distinct pattern, including:

• hardwood or engineered woods
• concrete
• tile
• carpet

When in doubt, consider buying a neutral rug that can be used in multiple rooms. Especially, if you like to freshen up your décor on a regular basis.

If possible, pin and print out pictures of rugs that have stolen your heart. Then try them out in the room by placing them on the floor or in a grouping with your linens and artwork.

You can also use this same technique with a tablet or a phone.

Take special care to notice the edges or border of your rug. It’s the section of the rug that’s most often seen.

Keep in mind, the colors on our computer screens and the color of the fibers in the rug may not always be the same level of saturation.

So, make sure you understand the return/exchange policy prior to ordering.

Determine the Best Rug Material for Your Needs:

The rugs in our home that have lasted the longest are rugs made with 100% natural materials (think plush thick wool rugs) or rugs that have a natural weave like jute.

That said, I know rugs made with natural materials are not always a budget friendly option.  Especially, if you have mischievous and/or elderly pets or littles that like to play hard.

If this is the case, consider rugs that are labeled indoor/outdoor or are made with mixed materials.

They won’t feel as plush under your feet over time. But it will be an easier pill to swallow if the rug gets messed up or stained for whatever reason and you have to replace it.

Another thing to think about when shopping online for rugs is the pile of the rug.

The pile of the rug is the equivalent to the height of the rug fibers.

Shorter pile rugs seem to be easier to clean and will last longer than say longer pile shag rugs.

Determine Your Budget:

Most of the time, the price of the rug will be based on size of the rug and the material/weave used to create the rug.

Take a bit of extra time to shop around online at places like:

• Joss and Main
• Birch Lane
• Wayfair
• Overstock
• Target
• Walmart
• Amazon

to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

A lot of them offer coupons or free shipping on big items like rugs. They also usually have sales around major holidays!

Bonus Tip – Shop from the Same Rug Manufacturer When Possible:

Not even 24 hours after I had received a new rug for one of the bedrooms, our dog threw up on it.

I could not believe it and literally started to panic.  Thankfully, I was at home and was able to clean it up immediately.

The rug was not listed as an indoor/outdoor rug. So, I was shocked when it spot cleaned, then deep cleaned as good as new.

I’ve purchased several rugs now from the Bungalow Rose Shop at Wayfair based solely on that experience. And while I cannot guarantee they will all clean up that easily, to me, it’s worth taking the chance for the price.

Shopping for Rugs Online as Seen Above…

*as of this posting, these links are not affiliate links

• Breakfast Nook Rug (Birch Lane)  but I found a less expensive version at Wayfair
• Living Room Rug (Wayfair)
• Gray Bedroom Rug, no longer available (Similar, Wayfair)
• Dining Room Rug, (Similar, Lowes)
• Gray Office Rug, no longer available (Overstock)

I hope these 5 things to consider when shopping online for rugs have helped.  Let us know if you have any favorite tips or tricks for rug shopping we should know about!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo