Hey there, I bet you’re tired of the same old, plain rugs that seem to inhabit every home. I know I was! If you’re on the hunt for something extraordinary, fun, and bursting with character (such as novelty rugs) to give your living space a little pizzazz, you’re in for a treat.
Novelty rugs are a type of rug that is designed to add a touch of fun and whimsy to a room. They can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, from animal prints to pop culture icons.
In this article, you will come to know about what they are, how they’re made, the materials used, where they can spruce up your space, and whether they’re truly worth the investment.
What Actually Are Novelty Rugs?
Novelty rugs are a type of rug that is designed to be fun and unique. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. Novelty rugs are often brightly colored and have interesting designs, such as animals, cartoons, or geometric patterns.
Novelty rugs can be used in any room in the house, but they are especially popular in children’s bedrooms and playrooms. They can also be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Novelty rugs can add a touch of personality to any space and make it more inviting.
Some examples of novelty rug designs include
- Animal shapes like cow, bear, and octopus rugs
- Food themes like banana or doughnut rugs
- Cartoon characters and pop culture icons
- Holiday and seasonal designs
- Geometric, abstract, or floral patterns
- Whimsical phrases and words
Novelty rugs range from basic door mats to plush area rugs. They utilize bold colors, prints, and textures to create eye-catching focal points. The key appeal is their ability to show off your personality.
How Are Novelty Rugs Made?
Novelty rugs are made in a variety of ways. Some are hand–woven, while others are machine-made. The materials used to make novelty rugs can also vary. Some are made from wool, while others are made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of materials.
The process of making a novelty rug begins with the design. The designer will create a sketch of the rug, which will then be transferred to a computer. The computer will generate a pattern, which will then be used to create the rug.
If the rug is hand-woven, the weaver will use the pattern to guide them as they weave the rug. If the rug is machine-made, the pattern will be programmed into the machine, which will then weave the rug according to the pattern.
Once the rug is woven, it is finished by trimming the edges and attaching a backing. The backing helps to keep the rug in place and prevents it from slipping.
Materials Used to Create Novelty Rugs
- Polypropylene – Colorfast, a stain-resistant synthetic known for bold graphics.
- Nylon – Strong, durable nylon that withstands high traffic.
- Cotton – Natural fiber cotton provides softness.
- Wool – Luxurious, long-lasting wool chosen for intricate designs.
- Jute – Natural jute fiber is excellent for rounded shapes.
- Acrylic – Soft yet durable acrylic well-suited for novelty patterns.
Where Are Novelty Rugs Used?
Novelty rugs work well in just about any room
- Entryways: Fun doormats greet guests with style.
Entryways are the first thing that guests see when they come to your home, so it’s important to make a good impression. A novelty doormat is a great way to add a touch of fun and personality to your entryway.
- Kitchens: Food-themed mats for high-traffic kitchens.
Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in the house, so it’s important to have a rug that can withstand a lot of traffic. A food-themed novelty rug is a great way to add a touch of fun and personality to your kitchen, and it’s also a great way to protect your floors from spills and splatters.
- Bathrooms: Whimsical rugs add character to baths.
Bathrooms can be a bit utilitarian, so a novelty rug is a great way to add a touch of whimsy and fun to the space.
- Bedrooms: Activity mats or plush rugs enhance bedrooms.
Bedrooms are a place to relax and unwind, so it’s important to have a rug that is soft and comfortable. An activity mat is a great way to keep kids entertained in their bedroom, and a plush rug is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your master bedroom.
- Family rooms: Movie or game character rugs for recreational spaces.
Family rooms are a place to gather with loved ones and enjoy activities such as watching movies, playing games, and spending time together. A novelty rug with a movie or game character design is a great way to add a touch of fun and personality to your family room.
- Offices: Motivational quotes or patterns personalize workspaces.
Offices can be a bit sterile, so a novelty rug is a great way to add a touch of personality to your workspace. You can find novelty rugs with motivational quotes or patterns, which can help to inspire you and boost your productivity.
- Playrooms: Educational alphabet and number rugs for kids.
Playrooms are a place for kids to learn and grow, so an educational novelty rug is a great way to make learning fun. You can find novelty rugs with alphabet and number designs, which can help kids learn their ABCs and 123s.
- Laundry rooms: Quirky designs liven up this busy space.
Laundry rooms are often overlooked, but a novelty rug is a great way to add a touch of fun and personality to this busy space. You can find novelty rugs with quirky designs, such as laundry-themed rugs or animal print rugs.
- Patios: Outdoor novelty mats welcome you home.
Outdoor novelty mats are a great way to add a touch of fun and personality to your patio. You can find novelty mats in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, so you can find one that perfectly matches your outdoor decor.
Position novelty area rugs in living spaces or use fun doormats in entryways and kitchens. Let your rug reflect your personality wherever you need a touch of distinction.
Are Novelty Rugs Worth Buying?
Novelty rugs can be a great way to add a touch of personality and flair to your home or business. However, it is important to choose a novelty rug that is made from high-quality materials and that is well-constructed. It is also important to consider the style of your home or business when choosing a novelty rug.
- Visual Interest – They immediately garner attention with bold colors, prints, and designs.
- Self-Expression – Show off your interests and style with themed rugs.
- Customization – Choose a rug as unique as you are.
- Durability – Brands like Safavieh use durable fabrics able to withstand daily use.
- Easy to Clean – Many novelty rugs are stain-resistant and machine washable.
- Affordable – Prices range from budget to luxury but most are under $250.
- Versatile – Use novelty rugs throughout the home or move them to refresh spaces.
For an easy yet impactful home upgrade, a novelty area rug or doormat is a fun, affordable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a novelty rug and a regular rug?
Novelty rugs are designed to be unique and eye-catching. They often feature unique designs or unusual materials. Regular rugs are typically more traditional in design and may be made from more common materials, such as wool or cotton.
What are the drawbacks of using novelty rugs?
Novelty rugs can be more expensive than mass-produced rugs. They may also be more difficult to clean and maintain and may not be as durable as mass-produced rugs.
Where can I buy novelty rugs?
Major retailers like Target, Walmart and Kohl’s sell novelty rugs, along with online sites like Ruggable, Wayfair, and Overstock.
Can I clean novelty rugs?
Most are machine washable but check the label. Spot clean as needed with a carpet cleaner.
Are novelty rugs good quality?
There are cheap novelty rugs but brands like Safavieh use good materials to ensure longevity despite quirky designs.
How much do novelty area rugs cost?
Prices range widely but average $50-$250. Material, size, and complexity affect the cost.
Conclusion
Novelty rugs provide a fun, affordable way to infuse personality and visual interest into any room with their colorful patterns and unusual designs. Made from durable, easy-care fabrics, novelty rugs can handle high-traffic areas while showcasing your unique style. Next time you want to customize a space, browse an array of delightful novelty rugs to find the perfect fit. We’d love to hear about your favorite novelty rug designs and placements in the comments!
