Five Considerations In Buying An Area Rug For Your Kids' Playroom

Not all area rugs fit all your living spaces to a “T.” Just like people and apparel, the rooms of your domicile each require varying area rugs. If you have a kids' playroom, you may want to adorn it with the appropriate piece that combines aesthetics with functionality. Go over the list of considerations you should make when deciding to buy an area rug for your kids' playroom.

• AESTHETICS. Choose plain-colored area rugs or those that sport designs that appeal to youngsters: geometric shapes, lines, plaid and cartoon characters. If you want to stimulate the kids' imaginations, choose rug prints (such as letters and simple scenery) that help the kids do just that. Ditch florals and sophisticated patterns, as the kids can't appreciate these yet. Select colors that convey cheerfulness and energy: primary and secondary colors, and some pastel shades. To make your buying spree even more worthwhile and enjoyable, let the kids tag along and let them choose a design that tickles their fancy.

• COST. Unless you intend the area rug to stay in your kids' room for decades, do not splurge your life savings on a highly expensive piece that will take only a few minutes to damage. Instead, settle for a modest budget that hits the sweet spot among aesthetics, durability and functionality.

• EASE OF CLEANING. Generally, kids can get messy. Therefore, select an area rug that is easy to clean and that won't let your youngsters feel like they're walking on an egg shell. The ready choice is a low-pile carpet area rug. “Low” often refers to the height of the rug strands, which typically does not exceed a third of an inch. This height provides for an unobtrusive surface that kids can play on. More importantly, the height also facilitates more thorough and penetrating vacuum cleaning session. Because dirt and dust are clearly visible, the cleanliness or filthiness of the rug is easy to monitor.

• RESISTANCE AGAINST STAINS. Even the slightest stain blotch can ruin the overall beauty of the kids' area rug. Because trying to avoid spills is an almost impossible task shared by both adults and kids, resort to a more practical solution that won't take the fun away from your kids' moves: get an area rug that is stain-resistant. (Most good-quality rugs sport a stain-resistant finish.) In addition, choose a piece that is made of plastic materials; they are less likely to absorb dyes and are easier to wipe clean.

• VOLUME OF TRAFFIC. Anticipate a high level of activity and traffic in the kids' playroom. Visualize pairs of feet (and even excited pet paws) chasing around the area, some wrestling matches and regular wear and tear from numerous other activities that kids engage in during play time. Since the room itself will be constantly buzzing with activity, go for area rugs made of synthetic material. Synthetic materials are less fragile than their authentic counterparts and are therefore more durable – a practical and cost-effective choice indeed.