
Hardwood flooring has grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This type of flooring is easy to clean, durable, long-lasting, and adds value to a home. It is estimated that the value of a home can rise by up to 2.5% when quality wood flooring is installed. Buyers list flooring as one of the most important aspects of a home when viewing.
However, it is carpet that started to reappear in flooring trend lists during 2022, and continues into this year too. In 2021, the global carpet and rug industry was worth about $77.23 billion. But, it is expected that the following decade will result in a market value of $123.73 billion.
Why is this happening? Partly because of increased residential and commercial building construction. Yet, it is also due to people prioritizing coziness and aesthetics when deciding on interior decor. And it may also be because of the increased variety of floor coverings now, one of which includes the Western US style of rug and carpet.
What defines a western US rug or carpet?
These types of floor coverings are designed to express the natural colors and hues of the Southwest. Western United States rugs and carpets might feature earthy tones, and make you think of terracotta, sand, and wood. But, they often have striking designs with vividly colored patterns.
Western or Southwestern US rugs conjure up images of the region and include Native American inspired patterns and designs. They are made to be hard-wearing and highly durable as you might expect from a Western US creation.
It is wise to seek out homemade Western rugs instead of anything imported. This is the only way to get a true Western floor covering, and it makes it easier to check that it was made with ethically sourced materials, and is environmentally friendly.
How can you incorporate western rugs and carpets into your home?
Anyone who likes the rustic appeal of the west will likely appreciate Western-style carpeting and rugs. They tend to work well with natural materials such as wood flooring, clay, or earthenware decorative accessories, and even work as bedspreads in some cases.
Here are some ideas for using Western rugs and carpets in your home, or even your office in some cases, and the benefits they bring.
1 Use them anywhere with heavy foot traffic
Western rugs aren’t just very decorative, they are highly durable. These floor coverings are well used in areas where your family, or employees, will be walking through often.
These rugs can take a lot of wear, and they are easy to clean which makes them suitable for families, children, pets, and areas where food may be spilled. There are hacks to remove stains from carpets, and Western floor coverings will come back to life easily after cleaning.
2 Use bright Western carpets to contrast with neutral colors
Whether you choose wall-to-wall carpeting or loose rugs, you can incorporate the vivid colors used in these floor coverings to create contrast.
If your home or office uses neutral, and natural colors, then the bright designs often used in Western rugs will provide a focal point. Don’t be scared of using accessories and splashes of color throughout your home. But, a little goes a long way.
3 Living and dining areas benefit greatly from Western rugs
If you are into the Southwestern look and feel, then you may enjoy natural flooring. Knowing how to pick the right flooring can be confusing with so many options available now. Nevertheless, the Western US gives some great options from earthen floors to clay tiles to hardwood.
Hardwood in particular is very on-trend now and works well in both the living and dining areas of a home. A Western US rug can really enhance this type of flooring, as well as protect it.
4 Western US carpets and rugs add safety to your home
This type of rug or carpet is durable, but they also add padding and comfort. If you have small children then you will know how they like to run, and often fall over.
Installing Western area rugs helps to provide a safe playing environment in the home. And because they are easy to clean they are perfect for young children to play on.
5 Understand the space you have
When considering Western US rugs or carpets, look at the size of your rooms. Wall-to-wall carpeting is one thing, but if you are considering using rugs then you need to understand what size to buy.
Ideally, rugs should never run underneath furniture. Also, you should leave a walkway between the rug and the furniture. A rug that is too big will detract from your decor, and one that is too small will actually make the room shrink.
You can use an online rug size calculator to understand what size and shape you need. One alternative is to use a Western US rug as a wall covering instead. This enables you to bring in the color and style of the West without changing or covering your existing flooring.
Summary
The style of the West evokes so many images from Hollywood cowboy movies to Native American culture. The color palette of the West is very suited to home decor, and these rugs can enhance this style.
Not all Western rugs are made the same, and you may prefer to find ones that are US made. This should ensure that your rug has environmental and ethical credentials.