Area Rugs vs Hardwood? Which Suits the Bedroom More?

When it comes to flooring options for the bedroom, homeowners are often torn between the classic charm of hardwood and the cozy comfort of area rugs. Both have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and practicality. While hardwood flooring is a classic and durable option, an area rug can add warmth, color, and character to a room.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the comparison between area rugs and hardwood flooring, and explore why choosing an area rug over a hardwood floor might be the better choice for your home. Whether you're looking to add a cozy touch to a bedroom or add a pop of color to a living room, you’ll learn the process of selecting the perfect area rug for your space.

Benefits of Putting Area Rugs in the Bedroom 

When considering the flooring options for your home, it's important to take into account all factors that will affect the overall design and functionality. Among the various options, Area Rugs prove to be particularly well-suited for the bedroom due to the following reasons:

1. Area Rugs add warmth and comfort

Area Rugs, particularly soft rugs for bedrooms, tend to provide warmth and comfort underfoot. They can also add a layer of insulation to the room, keeping it warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. This can help to reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable living space. Additionally, Area Rugs offer a softer surface to walk on, making them a great option for those who spend a lot of time on their feet or have joint pain. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, can be cold and uninviting, especially during the colder months. As such, they may not provide as much insulation as soft rugs for bedrooms.

2. Area Rugs offer versatility and style

Area Rugs can be a great way to add color, texture, and pattern to a room. They come in a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes, making it easy to find one that complements your bedroom decor. They can also be easily swapped out or replaced. You can transform the look of your bedroom without having to redo the entire floor. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are more permanent and may be harder to change.

3. Area Rugs provide quiet space

Area rugs can provide a quiet and peaceful space in any room in your home. Having a restful night's sleep is essential for preparing for the next day's work and responsibilities. Unfortunately, hard floorings such as tile and hardwood can amplify the sound of footsteps and other noises, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep. Area rugs offer a solution to this problem by providing a softer, quieter surface to walk on. They can help to mask the sound of your partner or other family members moving around the room, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

This quality is especially beneficial for couples with different schedules, as it can help to reduce the chances of disturbing each other during the night. Since area rugs absorb sound, they also reduce speech noise and other otherwise noisy activities in the bedroom. This can be especially useful for parents of young children or babies, as it becomes much easier to lay them down for bed without worrying about waking them up.

4. Area Rugs provide safety

Area rugs can provide a safer and more forgiving surface in the event of accidents, particularly in the bedroom or other areas of the home where people are likely to be moving around in haste. Hard floors such as tile and hardwood can cause serious injuries if someone slips or falls, especially if they are half asleep or not fully awake. This is true for children's rooms and nurseries, where young children are more prone to falling out of bed or crawling around.

Bedroom area rugs are a logical choice for these areas because they provide softer and more forgiving surfaces for children to land on. This can help to prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall. They also act as a childproofing medium for babies who are learning to crawl or walk

5. Area Rugs protect your floors

Area rugs can provide an effective form of protection for your floors, especially in high-traffic areas. They help to protect your floors from scratches and scuffs caused by foot traffic, furniture, and other daily wear and tear. Soft rugs for bedrooms provide an extra layer of comfort and insulation.

An area rug serves as a barrier between your floors and potential sources of damage. Use them in high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, or hallway. You can also install them under your furniture to add more cushion to different spaces in your home.

6. Area Rugs aid breathing

Area rugs assist in improving breathing conditions by absorbing allergens, such as dust and pollen that are found in the air. Since these particles can cause problems for people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing difficulties, installing a soft rug for bedrooms will help reduce the possibility of such complications.  

 Benefits of Putting Hardwood Floors in the Bedroom 

1. Hardwood Floors are Gorgeous 

One of the primary advantages of installing hardwood flooring is its visual appeal. The wide range of wood flooring options available gives you the opportunity to select from a variety of beautiful designs, including traditional horizontal strips and modern chevron parquet patterns. This means you get to create a unique and attractive look for your bedroom. 

2. Hardwood Floors are Durable

Hardwood floors are known for their durability, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas of your home. With proper care and maintenance, a hardwood floor can last for many years.

3. Hardwood Floors are Easy to Maintain and Clean

Daily use of a dust mop and weekly vacuuming with a soft-bristled vacuum is usually sufficient to keep your hardwood floors looking great. If you need to mop, use a misting product specifically designed for wood floors. And it's important to dry the floor as you go. If you take care of your hardwood floors, they’ll remain bright and beautiful for years, especially if you opt for a water-resistant wood flooring product.

4. Hardwood Can Be an Environmentally Friendly Bedroom Floor

When considering the environmental impact of your flooring choice, hardwood floors may be a more sustainable option. They are made from a natural, renewable resource and when sourced responsibly, they can be an environmentally friendly flooring choice. Hardwood floors have a long lifespan and often require refinishing rather than replacement.

How to Select the Best Area Rug for Your Bedroom

When considering bedroom rug ideas, there are many options to choose from. These include wall-to-wall coverage, layering on top of existing carpet, or even installing a  runner rug. Soft rugs for bedrooms are a great option to consider as they add warmth and comfort underfoot. Regardless of how you choose to style your unit, adding bedroom area rugs will instantly add visual interest and excitement to your space. However, before deciding on shape, size, or style, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:

Size and Placement Tips for Bedroom Rugs

When selecting a bedroom rug, it is essential to choose a rug that perfectly fits the room. The rug should not be too big or too small, but just the right size to show its beauty. In small bedrooms where furniture space is limited, it is important to ensure that the footboard legs of the bed are on your area rug. For larger bedrooms with room for a seating area, desk, or vanity table, soft area rugs can be used to set apart these spaces. This will provide a soft cushion underfoot and create a central focus for the room.

While your budget will help you narrow down the options, the layout of your bed and end tables should primarily influence the rug size you choose. Taking rug measurements will also help you narrow down your choices. Unless your bed is against the wall, there should be an exact 36 inches on all sides for you to make your way around it. To visualize how an area rug will look in your space, use masking tape to create a border on the floor, leaving 8 inches of space if the room is smaller.

Place small rugs for bedrooms at the foot of your bed, underneath the bed, or at the side. You can choose to let your rug go under the bed, extending towards the foot, where you can place your feet while sitting. You can also place your area rug in a position that accentuates the furniture around the bed.

Keep in mind that the bed should always be the focal point of your room and any area rug you put under the bed should extend 18-24 inches beyond its edges. It is also important to learn and use tips for cleaning and maintaining your rug regularly to ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Styling Tip for Bedroom Rugs

Your bedroom is a special place where you can relax and unwind after a long day. It's ideal that the space feels comfortable and inviting, which is why choosing the right style for your area rug is so important. The style of your area rug should primarily mirror your personal preferences and what will create a sense of balance in your room.

When choosing bedroom area rugs, you don't have to worry too much about foot traffic, as bedrooms typically don't experience as much foot traffic as other areas of your home. Instead, pay attention to comfort and what will make you feel the most relaxed in your space.

There are different styles of area rugs to choose from, so you're sure to find one that fits your personal taste. Some popular options include:

Traditional Rugs

These area rugs feature classic patterns and designs that have been used for centuries. They're perfect for creating a sense of elegance and timelessness in your bedroom.

Modern Rugs

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, modern area rugs are a great option. They feature clean lines, geometric, and abstract patterns and can make your space appear trendy and charming.

Shag Rugs

These area rugs feature a soft texture, plush, and luxurious high pile that adds warmth, cushion, and sophistication to any bedroom. They come in a variety of materials, colors, and designs to suit any taste.

Vintage Rugs

These area rugs are perfect for those who appreciate antiques and traditional culture. They offer top-quality and the allure of an antique, while also being a budget-friendly option for the bedroom."

Bohemian Rugs

If you fancy whimsical and stylish aesthetics and decor, you'd love the feel of bohemian rugs in your bedroom. They often feature vibrant colors, bold designs, distressed patterns, flatwoven designs, and natural fiber components. To achieve a complete Bohemian ambiance in your bedroom, layer antiqued traditional rugs with flatwoven, natural-fiber materials.

Moroccan Rugs

This style of area rugs is distinctive and recognizable, yet Moroccan area rugs complement a variety of decor styles. They sometimes feature traditional crisscross or zigzag patterns of Beni Ourain rugs. You’ll also find them in bolder Moroccan designs such as geometrical trellis and latticework. Out of the many styles available, the Moroccan style is a particularly sophisticated option for bedrooms. Not only will it enhance the aesthetic of the room, but it will also provide a sense of comfort.

Material Tips for Bedroom Rugs

The best material for a rug depends on where it will be placed, as the material determines both its durability and softness. When shopping for a new bedroom rug, consider the following options:

Wool

Wool rugs are suitable for both high and low-traffic areas, and add a luxurious touch to bedroom floors. They are naturally stain-resistant, which is great for bedrooms and can help keep the room warmer in winter. A fluffy rug for bedrooms made of wool can be perfect for cozy spaces. With regular maintenance, a wool rug can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for any household.

Cotton

Cotton rugs are lightweight, easy to clean, and maintain. They are perfect for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms or living rooms. Cotton rugs are also affordable and come in various designs and colors.

Jute

Jute rugs are made from natural fibers and are eco-friendly. They are durable and suitable for high traffic areas. Jute area rugs are great for outdoor spaces as well. They are also affordable and easy to clean.

Olefin

Olefin area rugs are a popular choice for bedrooms due to their vibrant colors, versatility, and soft and comfortable feel. They come in different colors, patterns, and styles, making them easy to match with any room decor. This material is also known for its durability and resistance to stains and wear, making it a practical choice for high traffic areas. A fluffy rug for bedroom made of Olefin can be a perfect addition to your bedroom. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they are a budget-friendly option.

Silk

Silk oriental rugs, are a luxurious option that has adorned palace floors worldwide. Though they may not be the most budget-friendly material, they are an excellent choice for those with allergies. The soft, natural fibers of silk are a perfect choice for bedrooms, which typically don't experience heavy foot traffic. Silk rugs last for decades and are similar to wool rugs in terms of durability. However, they are not as suitable for high-traffic areas, as the material may wear out faster in these areas.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene area rugs are a practical and suitable option for a bedroom, particularly for small rugs for the bedroom. Their backings often eliminate the need for a rug pad, reducing the risk of slips or trips. Additionally, polypropylene rugs are budget-friendly and come in a variety of colors and designs. They are a versatile option for any bedroom décor and are also easy to clean and maintain.

Final Words

Area rugs and hardwood floors have pros and cons, and the best option for your bedroom will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Area rugs can add warmth, color, and character to a room, and can be easily swapped out or replaced. You can also use soft bedroom rugs to define different areas within a room, add a layer of insulation, and reduce noise levels. 

Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are mostly permanent and may be harder to change, but they offer a timeless and classic look, are durable and easy to maintain, and can last for many years with proper care.

Ultimately, whether you choose an area rug or hardwood floor for your bedroom, it is important to consider factors such as cost, durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and insulation before making a decision. By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you will be able to choose the flooring option that best suits your need, and preferences, and will help make your bedroom a comfortable and beautiful space.

Surf through Luxe Weavers' top-quality Area Rugs today to get the best deals on bedroom area rugs.