Rugs and Carpets for High-Traffic Areas

Most well-made wool rugs are quite durable, so you have many options. But there are some types of rugs that are not well suited to high-traffic areas. Experts recommend steering clear of sisal and other natural materials like sea grass. Those are not hard-wearing materials and they will absorb any water spills and deteriorate.

You should also avoid silk, which is not durable, and shaggy carpets, which will lay flat and wear out because you're walking on the side of the pile and not the top.

Most wool rugs will hold up well for a relatively long time, but there is a simple step you can take to extend their lifespan. The critical thing is to put a pad underneath. Most rugs do not wear out from the top, but from the bottom, where the knots rub against the floor. A pad works as a shock absorber, keeping the knots away from hard surfaces and holding the rug in place.

Color and pattern are also important considerations. There is no point in buying a long-lasting rug if it is going to be stained by foot traffic. That means no whites or creams and no dark solid colors (think of how quickly a car with black paint appears to get dirty). Your best bet is to go with a hue somewhere in between. Search out either a solid that has specks of color in it or something with a pattern that will camouflage pet hair, spills and dirt.

If you do not want to use a wool rug, consider carpet tiles. They are usually square and come in many different patterns, colors and textures. You can use a single style for a clean look or mix it up with different patterns to create your own custom checkerboard rug, above. The tiles have adhesive strips on the bottom. You peel and stick them to the floor to hold them in place. The adhesive is gentle enough that you can easily pry up tiles to replace them or to move them around if one section is wearing faster than the rest.

Most tiles are made from nylon fibers, making them nearly indestructible. The feel of the product is similar to that of commercial carpets used in office buildings.

Of course, keep in mind that a lived-in look can be a good thing and that rugs do not need to be flawless. Rugs are meant to be used, and some actually improve with age. If you buy a quality Oriental rug, you're polishing it as you walk across it with shoes, and that's what gives it a desirable patina.