Want a floor you can adore for years to come? The answer is as simple as adding an incredible new area rug. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways possible to improve the look of any room in your home.

Putting an area rug over hardwood flooring or porcelain tile can make it considerably softer underfoot and more soundproof to boot. But you can also roll out an area rug right over an existing carpet. It’s a great way to define a conversation space in a much larger room.

Of course, while color and style might be the first thing that catches your eye, certain area rug materials will work better for you depending on where you plan to use them. So let’s take a quick look at fiber and function.

No need to be sheepish. Wool rugs are wonderful.

Wool area rugs are both luxurious and incredibly durable. Which makes them perfect for the likes of living rooms and dining rooms.

If they’re well-maintained, wool area rugs can literally last decades. Wool is also easily dyed, which means you’ll have a wide variety of color options to choose from.

While wool stands up well to high traffic areas, it can absorb moisture. So you might want to shy away from spots that are well-known for wetness, like bathrooms and mudrooms.

Synthetic area rugs: man-made to meet your unique needs.

Synthetic area rugs are made from fabricated fibers like nylon, polyester and polypropylene. Since you don’t need to wait around for a sheep to need a haircut, for instance, that means some of those options tend to be less expensive. Here are few of the top options.

Nylon area rugs. One of the joys of nylon is that if offers you almost limitless colors. Nylon is also durable and resistant to dirt. Consequently, it gets high marks for use in high traffic areas.

Polyester area rugs. If you’re looking for an area rug that’s conducive to kids and pets crawling around on it, a polyester area rug might be just the ticket. Which is why you’ll find this particular option proudly adorning family rooms, rec rooms and dens. Another key advantage of polyester area rugs is that they won’t bleach out or fade easily.

Polypropylene area rugs. Also referred to as olefin, polypropylene area rugs are rugged, durable performers. They hold color well, plus repel stains and moisture. These qualities make polypropylene a great choice for the great outdoors. Like when you want to add a little pizzazz to your patio.

Wait just a cotton-picking minute. Don’t forget cotton rugs.

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention cotton area rugs as well. Cotton area rugs are super soft, come in a rainbow of colors, and are very reasonably-priced.

Unlike other area rugs, depending on how big your cotton rug is, there’s a good chance you can machine wash it. Talk about handy.

When you add it all together, this makes cotton area rugs a fabulous choice for busy families.

Clearly, what your area rug is made of makes a difference. The good news is that at Carpet Exchange, we carry a sensational selection of every kind of fiber and the most exquisite area rugs imaginable. So stop by soon and see all the amazing options for yourself. It’s what we call “living the dream.”