As you visit local estate sales, you may find yourself in the market for a variety of items. For many, this is the best way to find and purchase a rug for their home.

As a growing number of people install hardwood and ceramic in their home, area rugs will continue to increase in popularity. If you find the price of a new area rug to be overly expensive, your next best option is an estate sale.

Just the same as every item, there are details that will allow you to find and purchase the perfect rug for your home. Here are some points to consider:

1. Is it clean? Can it be cleaned? Rugs are often times soiled. From food to dirt, you never know what will show up on a rug. If you find a clean rug at an estate sale, you are in luck. This allows you to place the rug in your home without delay.

Just because an area rug is soiled does mean you should pass it by. You may determine that a good cleaning is all it needs.

2. Size and shape. It is easy to find a rug at an estate sale, fall in love, and assume that it will look good in your house. Of course, once you get home, you may find that you made a mistake.

To protect against this, have a clear idea of what size and shape will work for your home. Measure your room before you visit an estate sale. This will ensure that you know what will and will not fit.

3. Know what it is made of. There are many types of rugs to choose from, some of which are higher quality than others.

For example, there is a big difference between a basic tufted rug and a Persian rug. If you don’t know what the rug is made of, don’t be shy about asking. This information will help you decide if a purchase makes sense.

This advice will come in handy if you find yourself shopping for rugs at an estate sale.