Do Custom Rugs Boost Resale Home Value? Here's What Data Says.

Spoiler: It Depends on the Approach— But Done Right, It Can Be a Subtle Power Move

When you're investing in your home, it's natural to wonder whether your investments will help your resale value someday. Whether you're thinking about paint colors, light fixtures, or furniture placement, resale is often lurking in the back of your mind, especially if you plan to list within a few years.

But what about rugs? More specifically, what about custom rugs? Can choosing the perfect rug size and style make your home more attractive to buyers? Or does it just fall into the "nice, but not necessary" category?

The answer, like most things in real estate and home design, is: it depends.

Let’s dig into when a custom rug might help you command a higher resale home value and when it may be more about your comfort now than your ROI later.

What Buyers Are Really Looking For:

Before we talk rugs, let’s talk mindset. After considering nonnegotiable elements like neighborhood, price and number of rooms, home buyers want spaces that feel:

• Cohesive and move-in ready

• Well-maintained and updated

• Thoughtfully designed

They’re looking for an emotional “Yes!” as soon as they walk in the door. A custom rug won't single-handedly close the sale, but it can help set the tone. Like a great blazer in a job interview, it’s not the reason you’re hired, but it might give you the edge.

When Custom Rugs Can Add Perceived Value

1. Staging That Feels Elevated, Not Generic

A rug that fits the room exactly can make a space feel professionally staged. And that makes a big difference. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors, 27% of sellers’ agents reported a decrease in time on market when homes were staged. That’s a meaningful edge in today’s competitive real estate landscape.

2. Better Room Proportion and Flow

Rather than a hallway runner that stops too short of the stairs or a too-small living room rug that floats under a coffee table, a custom rug grounds the entire arrangement, making the space feel cohesive and intentional. This attention to detail can pay off. 20% of sellers’ agents said staging increased buyers’ offers by 1–5% compared to similar homes. That sense of spatial clarity = perceived value.

And when it comes to staging priorities, the living room tops the list for 39% of buyers, followed closely by the primary bedroom (36%) and kitchen (30%). 

3. Demonstrating Move-In Readiness

Even if the rug isn’t included in the sale, a beautifully dressed space suggests the home has been loved and maintained. Buyers often associate good design with good upkeep (even if it’s subconscious).

But Will You Get Your Money Back?

Custom rugs aren’t (usually) permanent fixtures, so they don’t technically increase your home’s appraised value. You’re unlikely to see a direct dollar-for-dollar return on the cost of a custom rug alone.

But as part of a broader design strategy? That’s where it pays off.

According to 2025 estimates from HomeAdvisor, home staging costs an average of $1,843, with most homeowners spending between $832 and $2,926 (or about 1–1.25% of the home’s list price). When you consider that staged homes sold for an average of $69,669 over asking in 2024 (Real Estate Staging Association), the potential upside is clear.

Custom rugs play a unique role in that return:

• Faster sales: 40% of buyers are more likely to walk through a home they first viewed online—so, that first impression matters.
  

• Higher perceived value: A rug that unifies a room suggests thoughtful design and care, which can encourage stronger offers.
  

• Fewer low-ball negotiations: By minimizing visual distractions or awkward layouts, a rug helps buyers focus on the home’s potential, not its flaws.

In that sense, a custom rug becomes part of your visual equity. And that feeling it creates can translate to real financial value.

When a Custom Rug Might Not Make a Difference

1. If It's Highly Personalized

A custom rug in a bold pattern or unconventional color that doesn’t appeal to the broader market may distract rather than enhance. If you're designing for resale, opt for timeless tones and neutral runner and rug designs that create broad appeal.

Why? Because 34% of buyers’ agents say staging a home only positively impacts perceived home value when the decor aligns with a buyer’s taste (NAR). Highly personalized choices can backfire, making it harder for potential buyers to envision the space as their own.

2. If the Size Feels Off for the Room

Ironically, not all custom rugs and runners are well-sized for the space. This is often due to human error and incorrectly taken measurements. If it looks too small, too large, or oddly placed, it could raise more questions than it solves.

3. If It Shows Wear and Tear

If your custom rug is stained or damaged, it can work against you because buyers may see it as a flaw. Invest in quality, easy-to-clean custom rug materials, like polyester or polypropylene, especially if it’s going to be part of your home’s visual first impression.

Want to Reuse It After the Home Sale? Plan Ahead

One of the great things about custom rugs, like those from Well Woven, is that they don’t have to be a sunk cost. If you measure carefully and choose a versatile design, you may be able to:

• Repurpose it in your new home to add immediate style to your new space.

• Roll it up and keep it as staging inventory if you plan to sell more properties.

• Resell it so another buyer may enjoy it.

Final Verdict: More Style Equity Than Financial Equity

A custom rug likely won’t add to your resale home value alone, but it can add perceived value that pays off during staging, showing, and selling.

If you’re aiming to attract offers quickly and leave a strong impression, a well-chosen, perfectly sized rug can be a silent asset. Especially if it’s clean, cohesive, and complementary to your home’s vibe.

Bottom line: buy a custom rug for you first, and if it helps your home shine in the eyes of a future buyer? That’s a win-win.

Ready to Try a Custom Rug?

Whether you're selling next month or settling in for years, a rug that fits your space exactly can change how your home feels—and how it's remembered. Explore Well Woven's custom rugs and find the fit that makes your space feel like home (and maybe, helps sell it too).