Buying Guides

Choosing a rug for your classroom may seem simple, but there are a few things to consider that will help you pick out the right one.

• Material
• Theme
• Color
• Size
• Features

Material
Since your classroom carpet will most likely be placed in a high traffic area, durability is most important. You'll find that the majority of school rugs are made from heavy cut pile yarn. Look for rugs with serging (heavy yarn that's sewn around the edges in a close stitch). This keeps the rug from fraying. Most have polypropylene backing to prevent them from slipping and bunching underfoot.

Theme
School rugs are available in a variety of themes and can function as attractive learning aids. For early learning classrooms, rugs with large, bright pictures are great at prompting learning activities. For older students, there are rugs that feature more information, like the alphabet, maps, common words and numbers. If you'd prefer, solid rugs are available in a variety of colors instead.

Color
Consider your classroom décor when picking out a carpet for your classroom or common area. Lighter colors open up small spaces, but darker colors are better for high traffic areas because they mask heavy wear and tear. Yellows, oranges and reds create a warmer atmosphere, while cooler colors like blues and greens create a calmer one.

Size
Make sure you carefully measure your space before you choose a rug size. Placing a smaller rug underneath tables and chairs or in a classroom corner can define a separate area. Leaving 27 inches extra out of table edges provides enough room underneath for chairs, even when they're pulled out. If you'd like to cover the majority of the room, think about vent and door placement and traffic patterns.

Features
If your rug will be subject to the leftovers of art projects and snack time, you'll want to find one that's color-treated. Most offer protection against stains and fading that will keep them looking new, even after years of use. Make sure your carpets meet fire code requirements and pass CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) indoor air quality testing. Anti-bacterial protection reduces the growth of common bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold and mildew.

Check out our selection of school rugs.

Still not sure which rug would be best in your classroom? Give us a call at 1-800-260-2776. A friendly sales consultant is always happy to answer your questions.