# Types of Area Rugs & Flooring
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Antique Area Rugs
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During the Renaissance era, area rugs were particularly common in castles as a method of insulating a room and dampening sound. Rugs in this era were hand woven with complex and elegant designs. According to the Carpet Buyer's Handbook, antique area rugs from this period are often more desired than original paintings by Van Gogh and Da Vinci. Antique rugs from other eras are also highly valuable, as it is difficult to preserve them well. Aside from the cost, the drawback of owning and using an antique rug is that it will depreciate in value with wear.
Modern Area Rugs
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Modern area rugs are significantly more affordable than an antique variety. Most modern area rugs are machine woven, however, some are still made by hand for a touch of authenticity. Purchasing an area rug is commonly considered a small investment, as its value increases with time. Modern area rugs are often intricate and allow you to bring artwork to the floor of your home. The most common materials used to make modern area rugs are wool, olefin, viscose and nylon.
Carpeting
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Carpet is a common type of flooring in many homes, modern and antique alike. A carpeted floor is a permanent covering that must be cleaned and washed while fixed to the floor. This presents the problem of dirt or debris being worked into the carpeting and destroying the fibers over time. However, carpeting is a practical option, as it is available in several price ranges and designs to suit anyone's lifestyle. Different types of carpeting include the soft pile carpet, the firmer loop pile carpet and the most common, machine-manufactured tufted carpet.
Hard Flooring
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Hard flooring is another commonly seen element in many modern- and antique-style homes. Hard flooring is favored over carpeting by some, as it is easily cleaned and maintained to prevent wear. There are several types of hard flooring available, including tile, wood and linoleum. Each is available with its own different varieties and price ranges. Most wood floors require refinishing every few years, which makes them the most expensive of the hard flooring options.
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