Many homeowners in the UK get confused between a rug and a carpet. The debate between the two is an ongoing one. Some argue in favour of rugs, while others favour carpets. Today, we will discuss the difference between the two so that you know which is what. When you know the difference, you will be able to choose the right one.
- Let’s define the terms
Before we delve deeper into the difference between the two, let us first understand their definitions.
The origin of the word “rug” is not very clear. Many scholars believe it derives its name from the Norse term “rogg,” which means tuft.
Carpet, on the other hand, appeared for the first time in the English language around the 13th century. It was a thick fabric used to cover beds and tables.
- Why is there confusion between the two?
Now that we know the meaning of these words, we can safely say that they are two different items made of fabric. If you go through the meaning of the word “rug,” you will see that no one associated it with covering any item until recently. Then why is there a confusion between the two? Is it because both of them look similar to the inexperienced eye? Since most commoners lack knowledge, they tend to get confused between the two. This confusion is prevalent not only in the UK but also in the rest of the world.
- What is the difference between the two?
There are some distinct differences between the two. Let’s dig deeper.
- Movability of rugs and carpets:
It is easy to move the rugs around the house. Since they are smaller and lightweight, you can quickly move them from one room to another. The carpets, on the other hand, are pretty heavy. It is difficult to lift them and move them around. Moreover, the carpet tends to cover the floor from one end to another, not limited to a specific area in the room.
- The size matters:
The carpets are bigger, while the rugs are way smaller. They come in round, oval, rectangle, and square sizes, but carpets are mostly of one shape – rectangular. Custom rugs are expensive investments and have a unique style and design. At times, many homeowners hang the rug on the wall as a display piece. But you will hardly come across any homeowner who has displayed the carpet on the wall. It is practically not feasible because of the size of the rug.
- Which one should you opt for?
It depends on your personal choice and preference. If you are comfortable with both, invest in both. For your living room, you can opt for a carpet, while for your bedroom, stick to a rug. The choice is yours; stick to whatever you are comfortable with.
Rugs vs. carpets: final thoughts
Rugs and carpets are not the same thing. They are distinctly different. But since most of us don’t know the difference or don’t pay attention to the finer nuances of the products, we fail to differentiate between the two. But when you consider the shape, size, style, and weight of the products, you can easily say which is which.
