Carpet classroom squares are an excellent tool for organizing classroom activities, especially with toddlers to primary school kids. They come in various colors and styles – with engaging pictures and demonstrations to enthrall kids. Even with older students, these carpets can come in quite handy. Besides being a child’s favorite, they help the teacher feel a sense of comfort. This article aims to simplify buying the correct model of the same.
Table of Contents
Features to look out for
Classroom carpets come in various types and with variable features. The primary step in choosing a suitable model for classroom carpets is learning the preferable features it must have. It will help the user get a grip on shortlisting the models.
Comfort
Comfort is a vital feature of any classroom carpet. Any classroom has kids participating in learning activities – especially kindergarten kids spending considerable time sitting or kneeling on the floor. The surface of such carpets should therefore be forgiving and comfortable to walk or sit on. Carpets with proper foam backing and providing cushion and shock absorption are preferred.
Hygiene and safety
Since these carpets are used in classrooms, keeping them clean and hygienic is vital. A waterproof carpet is also resistant to dirt and stains, which is crucial to children’s safety. Carpets that are odorless and contain anti-microbial materials are preferred. Some carpets also come with anti-static protection to keep kids comfortable when sitting or kneeling on the floor for a prolonged time. The rug should meet the fire code requirements and pass the CRI quality (Carpet and Rug Institute) – including indoor air quality testing and anti-microbial features.
Durability
A classroom carpet square should be durable – it lasts longer (at least for a year) and is resistant to rough use, which might be very common with children. The carpet material should be rigid and not get damaged easily. Preferred carpets have tighter stitching to avoid fraying of the material and have a backing that prevents bunching and slipping (which can be harmful to kids) of the carpet when walked over.
Materials used in classroom carpets
Classroom carpets use several materials for their build. They differ in texture, features, usability, and safety quotient. Thus it is necessary to list these materials, according to which the user can decide on the best-suited material.
Woolen rugs
These rugs are one of the most durable options out there. Wool is highly versatile and can absorb colors quickly, so rug makers often use it. Besides, it can maintain its appearance for a more extended period. Its warm texture can comfortably be used for sitting or standing. Although these carpets are water-resistant, they can get dirty and shed quickly, which is why they need professional cleaning from time to time. Wool also causes allergies in some.
Cotton rugs
These rugs are equally durable and efficient at absorbing and retaining vibrant colors. They are often braided in the form of a flatweave, which is easier to maintain. Although cotton rugs with adorable designs are readily available, they are much cheaper than other rugs and give a casual look to the classroom. They are not suited for more professional environments.
Jute rugs
These rugs are arguably the most durable option. The material is best suited to resist rough use and incorrect handling. This material is also mostly non-allergic and best for students easily prone to allergies. This rug, though, is harder than the other alternatives and catches stains quickly, thus needing efficient and frequent cleaning.
Silk rugs
These rugs are the most comfortable. From the point of view of comfort, they are perfect for use by kids. These rugs, though, are not durable as their counterparts and are also sensitive to liquid spills. Therefore, they need extensive care. The user should decide whether providing such care is possible in an environment where kids jump and run almost daily.
Polyester rugs
It is a synthetic rug that uses manufactured fiber materials. Due to their inability to retain colors for long, they use solution-dyed colors to resist their fading off and other wear and tear. Polyester rugs are known to trigger allergies in children and so should be used with care.
Nylon rugs
These rugs are a trendy choice due to their excellent performance overall. They are also synthetic rugs with manufactured fiber, with commendable color-retaining properties and various patterns and designs. These rugs have a shiny appearance and hold off dirt easily, even in heavy traffic, while being handy in cleaning.
Considerations to make while buying one
There are a few considerations that the user needs to make before buying a classroom carpet, having looked at the desirable features and the materials used in them. Besides the features they should consider, these points are vital to smoothen their use.
Motif
Classroom rugs should be checked well for their design, patterns, and colors and should complement the nature and environment of the classroom. These rugs come in a wide variety – learning rugs contain essential math and science lessons that are engagingly depicted on them. Playful rugs contain cartoon characters, animals, or even sceneries depicted on them. Some rugs even contain colorful circled spots drawn – to restrict each child’s space.
Color
Classroom rugs come in a wide variety of color combinations – making it essential to choose one. The rug’s color can either be such that it complements the other décor in the room or presents an eye-catching contrast with it. A lighter-colored rug may be chosen for a smaller room and a darker-colored rug for rooms with heavier traffic.
Size
Classroom rugs come in various sizes and dimensions. The user should measure the area to be covered beforehand, which helps buy a rug of apt size. There might be some areas in the classroom that want to be kept intentionally uncovered or specially covered. These factors should be considered beforehand. One will not want to make the situation awkward by buying a rug smaller or larger than required.
Installation method
Due to their different sizes and designs, classroom carpet squares come with different installation techniques. Carpets with glue-down, dry lay, and modular installation techniques are available. Some can even be directly laid on concrete, saving the cost of an underlayment.
With these considerations, the user can decide to buy the correct model of a classroom carpet. These carpets, as already discussed, come in overwhelming varieties and with many features. It is important to recognize the primary ones, as has been done here, and shortlist the best-suited rug.