Choosing rugs carefully for high traffic areas

Rugs make a home feel welcoming and cosy and are a key piece of decor for pulling together different decor and design elements of a room to create a cohesive interior style. 

A worthy investment that adds interest and personality to various spaces within your home, buying a quality rugs online in Australia, especially for a high traffic area, is a great idea if you want it to last. There can be multiple areas where people spend a lot of time, and you still want to be able to add style to these spaces without being worried about decor and furniture getting ruined easily.

The right rug can make a space feel finished and is also good for defining zones if you have a large or open-plan space. When buying a rug for a high traffic area, there are some key factors to consider to ensure you choose a rug that will look beautiful and last for many years, even with significant foot traffic.

Choose durable materials

A designer rug that will be used in a high traffic area should be made from high-quality and durable materials. Natural fibres are usually quite tough and hard-wearing and provide a solid foundation for a floor rug that will last. 

It may be best to avoid fluffy, high pile rugs in high traffic areas as these can be harder to clean. Plush rugs more easily capture dirt and debris, which can break down the fibre of the rug if not properly cleaned. 

You also want to avoid any materials that are too delicate and will get worn down quickly or more easily snag or rip. 

Wool is one of the best options for high traffic areas. A durable material, wool is easier to clean and maintain than many other materials. New Zealand wool is also soft underfoot, making it a luxurious addition to your floors. 

Pick the right colours

Consider colours and patterns that will work best in high traffic areas. Darker coloured modern rugs will not show up marks as easily making them better suited to busy areas. 

Look at deep, rich colours such as black, dark grey, navy blue, green, brown, and red, rather than anything too light and bright. Choosing colours that will help camouflage any stains, means you can go longer between cleaning your rug. 

If you prefer a softer colour palette just keep in mind your rug may require more cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best, so consider if you’re willing to spend the time looking after your rug properly. 

A busy pattern can also be a good option for your floor rug to make any dirt or stains less noticeable. Traditional and modern rugs feature a range of patterns making it easy to find something to suit your style, while also offering practicality for a high traffic area. 

Give your rug regular maintenance

Even if you buy a high-quality designer rug, if it’s placed in a high traffic area, you want to make sure you perform regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it in its best condition and extend its longevity. 

Vacuuming your rug every week will lift dirt, dust and debris, and prevent this from getting pushed deep into the fibres, which can damage your rug in the long term. 

Clean up any spills straight away to avoid stains, though check the care instructions of your rug before using any cleaning products on it, to avoid accidentally using chemicals that may be damaging to the rug fibres. 

Professional cleaning at least once a year will help your designer rug last longer and maintain its appearance, though, for rugs that are used in high traffic areas, you may need to get your rug cleaned more often. 

Hold it in place with a rug mat

While it is always a good idea to use a rug mat under any rug in your home, for high traffic areas it can be especially important. 

With a lot of foot traffic, it is more likely that your rug will shift and move out of place. A rug mat will anchor the rug in place and help prevent tripping hazards and stop the rug from slipping across the floor. 

Shop Hali’s range of rugs by room to find a design suitable for high traffic areas and your home’s interior style.