Incorporating a rug into your living room is the best way to bring your decor together. Your home will look professional and stylish when you add a gorgeous rug to the mix. Still, figuring out the ways to identify quality area rugs for your living room is challenging. Here is what you should be looking for.

Machine vs. Handmade

The difference between machine-made and handmade rugs is the quality. Handmade rugs tend to last longer, and more effort goes into making sure each section is perfect. Weavers create better designs on handmade rugs than computer-controlled machines. Machines use giant automated looms, and while these rugs are often cheaper, they may not last as long.

Attention to Detail

Handmade rugs typically have more intricate details in their designs. It’s easier to weave desired patterns using your hands rather than a machine. High amounts of detail in a rug are a sign of quality. It shows that a talented rugmaker crafted it, so it’s likely to last a lifetime.

Synthetic vs. Natural Materials

Your rug’s material will change how you interact with it. For instance, synthetic fibers don’t hold as much dirt, so you’ll have to clean nylon and polyester rugs more frequently. Further, they may turn brown or yellow from stains if you don’t clean them often.

Natural materials are more expensive but feel and look better in a living room space. The most common materials for rugs include:

• Wool: a breathable fabric that retains color. It’s durable and ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
• Cotton: another durable material, these rugs are typically braided. You can machine-wash them, though they may turn brown over time.
• Silk: as the most expensive material, it is lightweight, beautiful, and luxurious. You can stretch the material, but it’s sensitive to chemicals, so be careful when cleaning it.

Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI)

When looking for a high-quality rug, check the knots per square inch (KPSI). KPSI is like the thread count on sheets, only it’s the number of fibers the rugmaker used to create a rug. In addition to the number of knots, it tells you the density and durability of a piece. Higher KPSI means your rug is more likely to hold up against foot traffic and long-term use.

When you’re looking at gray area rugs for a living room, choosing the first cute one you see is tempting. But if you want a durable rug that will last the lifespan of your home, shop around for one made from a material that suits your lifestyle and evolving decor. The best ways to identify quality area rugs for your living room are to pay attention to the details and choose durable materials.