Classroom rugs provide a separate and inviting space for kids to gather at special times throughout the school day. Teachers may use rugs for story time, play time or to give individualized instruction to small groups. Educational rugs come in many kid-friendly styles and designs, including alphabet and animal themes, music prints and outdoor scenes. However, buying a classroom rug can be expensive, and teachers often have to make the most of a small yearly spending budget.
If you are a teacher or a child care provider, the following tips can help you get an educational classroom rug without breaking the bank.
Go Online
The Internet offers a wealth of options for teachers who are looking for a traditional classroom rug for less. Online retailers often offer classroom carpets at prices lower than the list price you will find in brick and mortar retail stores, and many even have seasonal sales especially for teachers. Plus, you can browse a large selection of styles, shapes, colors and subjects for every kind of classroom in no time at all. However, high shipping costs may negate the benefit of buying discount rugs, so be sure to purchase from a seller that offers free shipping on their classroom rugs for extra savings.
Shop the Sales
Whether you shop online or off, many children’s rug retailers carry what are referred to as ‘Factory Second’ rugs. Factory Seconds are rugs that have minor flaws such as very small dye spots, backing flaws or a seam that hasn’t been sewn perfectly straight. These production flaws are often so small they are not even visible to the naked eye. Because of these minor flaws, retailers have to sell them for a small portion of the original cost, which means big savings for you. Factory Seconds have the same quality as the full-priced versions making them the best option for anyone looking for cheap classroom rugs.
Don't Be Afraid of Discount Stores
Some department stores also offer area rugs at affordable prices. Usually used in the home, these rugs translate well to classrooms and come in a variety of colors and styles. Although these rugs are not traditional educational rugs, they will still work to make the learning environment more welcoming, comfortable and cozy. Buying rugs this way can offer you a better selection of styles than some other discount shopping options, including seasonal rugs for different times of year such as Halloween or Christmas. Seasonal designs will likely be less expensive at the end of a season, so planning ahead is always a good idea.
Look for Freebies
Sometimes it's possible to get classroom carpeting for free. Some stores may have leftover pieces or carpet samples that they no longer have any use for. There's no harm in asking about these options; in fact, there are stores that are more than willing to donate or otherwise give away their "leftovers" to schools and other organizations. This doesn't mean that teachers have to go begging for scraps of carpet and settle for secondhand junk; the rugs that stores use as display or samples are the same quality as those that may be purchased for full price. If a full-sized carpet can't be found, teachers may wish to consider combining two or three smaller rugs into a unique style that matches the personality of their classroom.
By using classroom carpets, teachers can divide their rooms into different areas without having to buy new furniture or do much rearranging. Getting kids away from their desks now and then helps refocus their attention, not to mention that a comfy carpet is a relaxing place to take a break from standard, uncomfortable classroom seating.
Before buying any carpeting, teachers should check with their school and local fire department to make sure that rugs are allowed and the carpet that they want complies with any local fire codes to ensure that the kiddos are safe as can be.
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