Rugs can serve a variety of functions in the home:
- They can protect the floor underneath from wear, tear, scratches, dirt, dust and light exposure.
- They can camouflage scratches, dings, gashes and imperfections in the floor underneath.
- Rugs can make the room more comfortable for walking barefoot.
- They can add personality to a room.
- Rugs can tell a story. Some are pictorial, and the story is self-explanatory. Others tell a story that’s only apparent to those who are educated about that particular type of rug. For example, the patterns you see on many Navajo rugs are specific to a certain geographic region. Those knowledgeable about Navajo rugs can often tell you where exactly they were made.
- Rugs offer a quick and easy way to make an outdated room look more current. For example, if your dining room flooring is an ugly style that’s been around for a decade or more, you can cover up the dated floor with a rug for an instant refresher.
- Rugs significantly influence the color scheme in the rooms they occupy, and they can be used in places where a certain color or pattern is desirable.
- Rugs can add warmth and texture to rooms that are otherwise cold and stark.
- There are collectible rugs that have investment potential.
- Rug making can be a creative outlet for artisans to express themselves.
- Some rugs can be sustainable and eco-friendly. A rag rug is a worthy item to make out of unwanted textiles such as sheets, t-shirts and linens, which keeps those items out of landfills and gives them a new purpose.
