A nice carpet runner is definitely a good addition to your home. It is one of those things you can buy for your home that is least expensive and typically adds value.
With the right choice of pile, style and colour you can create the look and feel you want when people enter your home, or change the perception of a room entirely.
However, you cannot deny the fact that it can still be a huge expense for a lot of homeowners or renters so you want to make sure that you keep the cost down when you are buying one.
Finding a cost-effective carpet runner when you are on a budget and at the same time considering if it suits your home is quite a challenge considering the high prices on the market today.
But if you know where to look and what to look for in a carpet runner, it’s totally possible to get it for a good price.
So, here are five tips to buying a carpet runner on a budget.
1. Look for Discounts and Deals
When you are on the lookout for a great carpet runner but want to save a few bucks, the first thing that you should look into when you are going to the store or when you are online shopping is the availability of deals and discounts.
There are so many rugs for sale anywhere in the world so you just have to put in a little more effort and look for available discounts. If you do, you will most likely find great carpet runners that are on sale. So you get the best one at a much lower cost.
2. Go for Increased Durability
When you are on a budget, chances are you will most likely go for the cheap carpet runners that are soft. It’s totally up to you to decide what your preferences are, but if you want to save money in the long run, it would be wiser to spend your money on something that is durable.
It may be a little more expensive but it will last for a long time so you won’t be spending another buck for repair or replacement.
Also, note that your choice of vacuum cleaner is going to determine how long the carpet lasts. Going for a suitable vacuum which is powerful enough yet doesn’t destroy the soft fibres is key. We’d recommend a cordless electric vacuum, such as the GTech Pro or the GTech Pro K9 if you have a pet.
The old saying is true…”Buy cheap, buy twice”
3. Consider Other Types of Fibers
One of the most durable and probably the most resilient type of carpet fiber is nylon. And to most of us, this is the top choice when buying a carpet runner. After all, it has a good reputation for being durable.
However, it is also the most expensive choice out there. If you are on a budget but still want a durable fibre, polyester would be a good option as it is less expensive but can still last for several years.
4. Buy Products which are in Stock
Carpet runners that are typically in stock are much cheaper compared to a style that is not yet out. Look for a carpet retailer’s inventory to see which ones are already in stock.
In addition, to help you negotiate a better price, the in-stock items are definitely easier to haggle on. This is because the product has already been purchased by the shop. They want to sell it so they can get their money back.
If you go for one which they need to order in, they are not as prepared to drop the price because they have not outlaid (pun intended…) any money for purchasing it in the first place.
Don’t like haggling? Check out this helpful haggler’s guide to make it work for you.
5. Have a Budget
Basically, it all boils down to your budget. So set a budget and then look for carpet runners that work around your budget. This way, you have a baseline where you can go back to in case you get lost in the search for a great carpet runner.
There will always be another, superior option which is slightly outside of your price range. This happens no matter what your budget is. Make sure you stick to it even when a salesman tries to change your mind and get you going for a more expensive one.
