A Complete Guide to Different types of Rugs, Styles and materials
Rugs are a versatile way to add comfort, style, and personality to any space. With such a wide array of options like wool rugs, cotton rugs, antique rugs, contemporary rugs, outdoor rugs, shag rugs, braided rugs, kids rugs, and more, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when shopping for the perfect area rug. This complete guide covers the most popular types of rugs, materials, construction methods, weaves, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Rug Styles
Rugs come in a diverse range of styles to complement or make a statement in your home. Some of the most common area rug styles include:
Traditional
Classic patterns like oriental rugs and Persian rugs offer an elegant, timeless look. Intricate floral motifs and medallion accents are typical.
Contemporary
Clean lines and solid colors in gray, black, or navy make a modern statement. Geometric rugs and abstract rugs are on-trend.
Transitional
Subtly patterned rugs like stripes or solids bridge traditional and contemporary. Tonal hues like beige and ivory suit transitional spaces.
Shag or Flokati
Plush and cozy shag rugs work in casual living spaces. Made from materials like wool, cotton, or acrylic.
Southwestern
Rustic muted hues and geometric tribal patterns embody a casual Southwestern vibe.
Floral
Vivid or subdued floral patterns ranging from large blooms to allover florals add a touch of botanical interest.
Vintage
Distressed, sculpted pile rugs in Persian or oriental designs have an antiqued look. Muted color palettes.
Coastal
Light, breezy styles and materials like jute, seagrass, or sisal fit casual beach-inspired spaces.
Kids Rugs
Playful bright colors and fun motifs like animals or transportation make rugs kids will love. Durable and cleanable.
Outdoor/Indoor
Specifically constructed to withstand outdoor elements while working inside too. Polypropylene, seagrass, jute.
Rug Materials
From natural fibers to synthetics, rug materials each have their own characteristics. Some top options include:
Wool Rugs
Extremely soft and durable. Naturally stain-resistant. Best for high-traffic areas. Higher cost but outstanding quality.
Cotton Rugs
Affordable, soft, and breathable. Prone to shedding so best for low-traffic zones.
Jute Rugs
Natural fiber that’s woven into flatweaves. Has rustic, textured look. Draws dirt so best for low-traffic.
Silk Rugs
Luxurious and lustrous but very delicate and expensive. Best for formal, low-traffic spaces.
Sisal Rugs
Coarse natural fiber commonly used for durable flatweave rugs. Has natural color variations.
Seagrass Rugs
Made from sea grasses for a tight weave. Naturally resistant to stains and moisture. Great for baths.
Nylon Rugs
Synthetic fiber that is durable, stain-resistant, and affordable. Available in endless colors.
Polyester Rugs
Colorfast, stain resistant, and budget-friendly synthetic. Soft but less durable than nylon.
Acrylic Rugs
Mimics the soft, wooly look. Resists fading but doesn’t stand up to high traffic. Budget-friendly.
Olefin Rugs
Extremely durable synthetic often used outdoors. Stain, mold, mildew resistant.
Rug Construction
Rugs fall into two main construction categories: handmade or machine-made.
Handmade rugs are higher quality and involve specialized artisans. Popular handmade techniques include:
Hand-knotted
Artisans knot individual tufts of fiber to create intricate designs. Extremely high quality and takes months to produce, so very expensive.
Hand-tufted
Yarn is looped and cut using a handheld tufting tool for a high-end handmade look. More affordable than knotted rugs.
Hand-woven
Fibers like wool or cotton are woven tightly on a loom. Includes flatweaves like dhurries and kilims. Durable and thinner.
Machine-made rugs have fibers looped through a backing material then trimmed to consistent heights by machines. Common machine construction includes:
Machine-woven
Wilton weaving allows intricate patterns to be mass-produced by high-speed machines. Affordable.
Power-loomed
Modern computerized jacquard looms create a variety of patterns like hand-tufted looks. Budget-friendly.
Printed
Digitally printed designs on a rug base create unlimited pattern options. Lacks depth but offers affordability.
Rug Weaves and Textures
The weave or texture has a big impact on the look, durability, and feel of a rug. Popular rug weaves include:
Flatweave (dhurrie, kilim)
Tight flat weave with no pile. Reversible and durable for high-traffic spots like hallways.
Loop Pile (Berber)
Uncut loops of fiber create a nubby texture that hides footprints. Casual styling.
Cut Pile (plush, velvet, Saxony)
Looped fibers are cut to create a soft, plush pile. Luxurious styles like shag rugs.
Oriental
Lavish hand-knotted oriental rugs with visible knotting. Timeless and elegant.
Braided
Made of braided wool or cotton strands for a chunky nubby texture. Reversible and durable.
Gabbeh
Simple hand-woven Persian rugs with a short, shaggy pile. Modern styles.
Moroccan Shag
Long shaggy piles woven in a zigzag pattern. Works in boho spaces.
Other Rug Considerations
Size
Measure your space and purchase a rug about 2-3 feet wider to create a cohesive look. Rectangular rugs, square rugs, oval rugs and round rugs help define sitting areas. Octagonal rugs and runner rug sizes work well in hallways and entryways.
Placement
Most often used to define living, dining and bedroom spaces. Can be layered on top of wall-to-wall carpeting as well. Rug pads help keep rugs in place.
Purpose
Consider factors like amount of traffic, durability needs, children/pets and furnishings on top to select the right rug for its intended purpose.
Budget
Prices range widely from inexpensive machine-made options under $100 to investment-grade hand-knotted rugs over $1000 or more. Set realistic expectations.
With proper care, a quality rug can last years. Evaluate your space, needs and style to select the perfect rug construction, material, size and design to bring your interior decor to the next level. Take the time to make an informed decision, and you’ll be rewarded with a rug you’ll love for a lifetime.
