Ready to Have Your Cake AND Eat it Too? It's Time for an Affordable Area Rug!

It used to be that an affordable area rug meant a cheap area rug. You had to sacrifice quality to buy one that you could afford.

We're so glad that isn't the case anymore! More and more stores these days are bringing in rugs that strike a great balance between price and quality, and that can only mean good things for you, the consumer.

Eager to learn the basics of living room decorating?

Sign up for our e-mail course, 5 Steps To A More Stylish Living Room.

You'll get a new lesson in your inbox every couple of days!

Time to get your creative juices flowing!

Rug Selection

There are two big factors that determine the price of an area rug. The first is materials. Wool rugs tend to be pricier, but also higher in quality. Synthetic rugs are a more cost effective option and a better balance between price and quality.

The second factor is how the rug is made. Hand-hooked, or hand-knotted rugs are the most expensive due to the extensive labor involved in creating them. A more affordable option is to go with a machine-made rug.

As far as style, color and shape go, you won't have any problem finding the right rug to meet your needs. Take a look at this great video that will help you identify man-made vs machine-made rugs.

Decorating With Affordable Area Rugs

Let's get started with comparing the different styles and giving you some ideas on how to decorate with them.

First up is contemporary/modern. We've chosen a Woolrich Rug in Red Squares from Target. This is a great way to combine earthy tones with the sleek geometric shapes often found in comtemporary or modern design. If you like shapes and clean lines but you're not a black and white person, think about this one as a compromise.

Persian Pile Rug in Red Camel from Target

Now this is what you probably think of when the subject of an affordable area rug comes up. A traditionally styled Persian rug, like the Persian Pile Rug in Red and Camel, also from Target. Classic area rug colors and styling. We can see this one in your traditionally styled living room right now.

Here's an example of a rustic or southwestern styled rug. This one is a perfect mix of traditonal southwestern colors and patterns. The variety of different colors in this rug give you so many more options. Blue, red, tan or brown furniture? No problem. Neutral walls? Great.

Miliken Signature Francesca from CSN Rugs.

From the desert southwest to the heart of America with this country-themed rug. A classic floral for a classic design style. When we go to Jen's Dad's house in Tennessee we're reminded of this popular style. It's bright, airy and takes us back to a simpler time. No wonder country-themed decor has become so popular in recent years.

Border Tufted Rug Tan Black from Target.

Feeling casual? Cool. The Border Tufted Rug in Tan and Black is uncomplicated and will fit your casual style to a tee. We actually have this rug in our kitchen and runners in our downstairs hallways. It's sophisticated, but simple and it looks fantastic.

To see Target's entire selection of area rugs, visit Target Home

Simply Shabby Chic Braided Rug in British Rose from Target.

Shabby Chic(R), or cottage style, is last type of affordable area rug we'll checkout. This is another great selection from Target and a great representative of this laid back and ever-popular decor style. What a great way to anchor your room of slip-covered furniture, distressed tables and quirky accents.

Here are a few more of our favorite online rug sources.