Buying Rugs Online: 5 Tips to Get It Right

There are many things in life that you want to get right the first time. Rug buying online is one of them. With so more and more businesses making their inventories available on the Internet, buying area rugs online has become a very viable option for those who can’t (or don’t want to) get out and about to check out local brick and mortar carpet and rug stores. As with most purchases online, knowledge is power.

Before you shop for rugs online, arm yourself with knowledge so you can exercise the power of making wise buying decisions, and be assured that you’ll be happy with the rug or rugs you choose.

Make Sure the Online Store You’re Buying from is Trustworthy

That immediately brings us to our number one tip. Be sure the online store you choose is reputable. Do your research, check with the Better Business Bureau, see what people are saying in reviews about their buying experience with the rug store you are considering. In other words, do your best to find an online store you can trust, one that’s customer-oriented and welcomes questions.

Know Exactly What You’re Paying For

As with most home furnishings, area rugs come in a wide range of styles made by machines (less expensive in general) or created by artisans (labor-intensive and sometimes more costly) or less-skilled craftsmen. So, in general, what you’re paying for is workmanship and materials used.

Material matters don’t just click to buy because you like the color and pattern; explore the qualities of the rug’s material. Whether you have the budget for a serviceable $100 rug or a gorgeous high-end beauty or vintage treasure that costs thousands of dollars, you want to make sure you know what you’re paying for. Great satisfaction can come from money well-spent.

Get the Colors Right

Ideally, you’ll want to order a sample to see the true colors and pattern design and feel the texture of the rug you’re considering. Even though you’ll probably have to pay for the sample, in the long run, it will be worth the cost as you choose the rug that’s captured your heart. But is it what you think it is? When you see a sample, you’ll know for sure. Again, you don’t want to go through the process of returning a rug. If samples are not available try checking the colors in different devices and/or browsers to make sure they are exactly what you are looking for. 

Check Return Policies Carefully

To reiterate, if, at all possible, you want to avoid the hassle and expense of returning a rug, but it’s good to know what the store details in their return policy, in case the worst happens and the rug doesn’t fit into your room, or you just can’t live with your rug choice. Each store has a return policy, so check it out.

Consider Other Essentials

Additionally, when buying rugs online (or anywhere else) you’ll want to consider the following basic, but essential tips:

• Measure. Measure. Measure. Size is everything when it comes to rugs. Double-check your rug measurement. What you want is the exact size of the area you expect the rug to cover, not the measurement of your room wall to wall.
• Take into account the fireplace hearth, heating vents set in the floor, or other obstacles that cannot be covered by a rug. You don’t want to have to return or be stuck with an area rug that’s the wrong size for your space. You’ll never be happy with a rug that rolls up the wall because it’s too big or one that looks like a postage stamp because it’s too small and overwhelmed by the room’s furniture.
• Consider pile before you select a rug. A rug’s pile can be either long or short, looped, or cut. Sculpted or flat weave. All will affect the texture and look of the rug. This is another reason to ask for a sample of the rug.

The way a rug must be cared for is a significant consideration. Your lifestyle, whether you have children or your household, includes cats or dogs that will dictate the type of rug you choose. Also, how much time and effort you want to expend on rug care and cleaning should be taken into consideration when selecting rug material. Some materials are easy to care for and can be taken outside and be hosed off on the deck or patio.

Once you learn about and use the best practices for buying area rugs online, you can expect to be very satisfied with the beautiful rug or rugs you purchase, just as satisfied as you would be with purchases from a brick and mortar store. When done right, rug-buying online can be an easy and exciting experience. Consider it a virtual adventure. Just be sure you do your homework and think carefully before you click that BUY button. Happy rug-shopping!