This article will specifically focus on The Differences Between Wall-to-wall Carpets and Rugs, which is part of Zarif Carpets‘ collection of articles related to wall-to-wall carpets. Discover more articles related to the subject on our ‘All About Wall-to-wall Carpet‘ page.
If you are not familiar with the topic of wall-to-wall carpets, we recommend checking out our guide ‘Wall-to-wall Carpets: What You Should Know‘ first.
What Does Carpet Refer To?
In technical and formal terms, “carpet” refers to two different types: wall-to-wall carpet and rug. Wall-to-wall carpet is a type of carpet that covers the entire floor, from one wall to another, while a rug covers a specific area. However, in informal terms, we often use “rug” and “carpet” interchangeably, and “wall-to-wall carpet” as a separate type of flooring. Take a look at the following images showing a rug and a wall-to-wall carpet:
Wall-to-wall carpets are also referred to by other titles, including fitted carpet, broadloom carpet, and moquette.
In the following sections, we delve into the differences between these two types of carpet:
Difference in Dimension
As mentioned, a rug is a type of carpet that covers a specific area and comes in sizes like 6 or 12 square meters. In contrast, wall-to-wall carpets, as seen in the above image, are much larger and are designed to cover the entire room.
Wall-to-wall carpets are manufactured in long lengths and then cut into smaller parts, such as 100 square meter rolls, whereas rugs, especially man-made ones, are produced in specific sizes.
Difference in Design
Rugs typically feature more beautiful and luxurious designs with higher contrast, as each strand of their yarn has its own color. In contrast, wall-to-wall carpets are primarily crafted with single-colored yarn, and a special machine prints a pattern on their surface. These distinct manufacturing processes result in varying qualities and ranges of design.
Designers usually choose the appropriate carpet by considering other elements of the area. For example, if you have a minimally designed room, a single-colored wall-to-wall carpet is more likely to suit your space than a printed one or a rug. However, if you have a classic design, rugs are often better choices.
Are you interested in learning about the history of wall-to-wall carpets and rugs? Check out our article “Wall-to-wall Carpet History: From Prehistory to Now“.
Difference in Installation
Rugs are movable and smaller than wall-to-wall carpets; they can be placed by yourself and require no installation process. In contrast, wall-to-wall carpets require an expert for installation and may need an underlay or padding.
Wall-to-wall carpets are not designed for relocation. Once you install a wall-to-wall carpet, it cannot be easily relocated because it is fitted to the room’s dimensions during installation.
Installing a wall-to-wall carpet requires particular expertise and should be done by a professional. However, there are some steps you can take before the expert starts their job. Check out our article ‘Wall-to-wall Carpet Installation: General Tips‘ to learn what you can do as a non-expert to prepare for wall-to-wall carpet installation.
Difference in Price
Wall-to-wall carpets are typically considered a cost-effective flooring option. While many factors impact the price, generally one square meter of a wall-to-wall carpet is cheaper than a rug. However, it’s important to consider that using wall-to-wall carpets as flooring will require more square meters.
Difference in Usage
Rugs are typically used in residential settings and are not commonly purchased for offices with high foot traffic. On the other hand, wall-to-wall carpets, especially loop pile ones and carpet tiles, are designed for busy areas and offer greater durability and resistance.
Where Should We Use Each One?
Opting for a rug or a wall-to-wall carpet is not challenging if you know your purpose. For example, if your place has high traffic, it’s better to use a wall-to-wall carpet instead of a rug. If beauty and softness are your primary concerns, a rug would be a better choice.
Another notable consideration is stain resistance. Wall-to-wall carpets usually come with this feature, so if you have children at home, this type of carpet can help you feel more at ease about potential stains. This feature is also very helpful in kitchens.
Safety is another important consideration. Wall-to-wall carpets cover the entire floor, providing more safety compared to rugs. Therefore, your child is less likely to get hurt when falling down in a room with wall-to-wall carpeting.
Final Words
Wall-to-wall carpets and rugs are two distinct categories of carpet, each offering its own advantages, so neither has absolute superiority. The key factors for choosing between them include your purpose, budget, and the specific area where they will be used.
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