Types of Rugs

The kind of rug you decide to use depends heavily on its purpose and design. There are three basic types of rugs found in most every home:

• Area rugs come in a wide variety of styles, materials, designs and construction. For example, Persian rugs have handwoven, intricate patterns for a formal feel. Dhurrie rugs are durable, budget friendly and work well in casual spaces such as playrooms.
• Bathroom rugs and kitchen rugs are a stylish yet practical way to bring comfort and safety to these rooms. When using a rug in a room with floors that tend to get wet, be sure to add rug anchors.
• Door mats keep your floors cleaner and better protected. The right rug sets a welcoming tone with visitors while keeping outside dirt from making its way inside on the shoes of your family and guests.

Tip: If you're ever in doubt about which rug style or color to choose, select a neutral rug. Neutral rugs blend nicely into the color scheme of a room, no matter what style, pattern or material the rug is made from.

Animal Print rugs have an all-over pattern or parts of a pattern. Stylish and bold, animal print rugs are a statement piece. Popular prints include faux sheepskin rugs or cowhide rugs.

Border rugs feature a design on the border, or perimeter, of the rug. They help define seating areas or furniture placement. Border rugs feature a subtle design but they may be too formal for some casual or boho spaces.

Chevron rugs have a design of connected V shapes that create a zig-zag stripe pattern. Trendy and dramatic, chevron rugs bring a modern feel to a room. Although versatile, they can feel too busy.

Coastal rugs feature elements of the ocean, sea or beach. These rugs are typically made for outdoor living spaces. Usually made of durable materials, they can require more upkeep than other types of rugs.

Distressed rugs look worn, aged and faded. Parts of the pattern might be missing on purpose from faux wear and tear. Distressed rugs have a vintage look that hides stains and dirt.

Floral rugs have vibrant flower or botanical patterns. These types of rugs bring a charming elegance to most rooms. Floral rugs are versatile but work best in bedrooms and other informal areas. They can feel too traditional but can work with different decor styles.

Geometric rugs feature neutral or geometric shapes. They instantly bring a modern flair to a room and fit with most looks, from traditional to casual. However, this rug style can feel either trendy or dated.

High-low rugs or sculpted rugs are designed with low-pile and high-pile tufts. This technique adds an extra layer of depth and texture to a space. It’s ideal for both classic and modern looks but can wear unevenly over time.

Ikat rugs have a bold and unique global feel. They feature blurred colors in multiple hues and complicated patterns. The boho look of an Ikat rug isn’t ideal for most spaces but once installed it’s a lasting look.

Cozy and welcoming, cottage rugs feature natural tones and gentle colors. They bring warmth to a room and pair perfectly with rustic decor. They’re not as durable as other types of rugs and may look worn sooner than later.

Medallion rugs have symmetrical or asymmetrical, stamped circular shapes. Their timeless, elegant designs bring a room into focus. Medallion rugs have a more traditional look and can gives a formal look to eclectic styles.

Novelty rugs bring personality and whimsy to a space. They’re designed with playful, unconventional patterns and themes. For example, kids rugs can feature images like maps, car tracks or dinosaurs. While sports rugs have team logos or playing equipment.

Persian rugs are ornate, hand-knotted rugs that display classic designs, decorative borders with a center medallion. These durable, timeless rugs have a luxurious look and feel. They can easily be the centerpiece of a room and require the highest upfront investment.

A modern take on traditional vintage looks, overdyed rugs are made by overdying a base color with a new color. This creates a faded pattern of light and dark shapes. Overdyed rugs have one-of-a-kind looks and can add an elegant eclectic touch to a room.

Plaid rugs are a common way to add comfort in casual or rustic rooms. They feature transparent perpendicular lines at different widths that overlap each other to form squares. Although they feature a traditional pattern, plaid rugs can feel busy and often clash with other patterns.

Ultra soft underfoot, shag rugs give casual spaces a cozy feel. They have long pile tufts of yarn that create texture and warmth. Shag rugs can be difficult to clean and require more maintenance than other types of rugs.

Solid rugs are woven using different tones of another color. This type of weaving creates a “heathered” look or ombre effect. Solid rugs feature a subtle yet stylish gradient that adds depth, especially in monochromatic spaces.

Southwestern rugs designs are inspired by the iconic patterns and textures found in the textiles of various Native American tribes. Earthy and bold, these types of rugs add character to rustic or natural spaces.

Perfect for smaller rooms, striped rugs can make a space look longer or wider. Featuring bands in different colors or textures, they work well with most styles of decor. However, striped rugs can also fight with other patterns in a room.

Trellis rugs have geometric, uniform shapes. This lattice design is ideal for creating subtle visual interest. They can work well for a classic or a modern look, but the design can sometimes feel more old-fashioned than not.

Watercolor rugs resemble abstract brushstrokes or paint splotches. Their soft, blended tones bring a sense of calm to a room. Watercolor rugs are most at home in eclectic and boho decor styles. Their abstract designs may overwhelm classic interiors.

When choosing between natural and synthetic rugs, consider durability, maintenance, cost, and use. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and jute are eco-friendly. They are soft but need more care and require a higher investment. Synthetic options like polypropylene and nylon are affordable, durable, and easy to clean—great for high-traffic or outdoor areas.

For lasting comfort and appearance, choose a rug with high resilience. Resilience determines how well fibers bounce back from heavy use. Wool and nylon excel in resilience, making them ideal for busy spaces.

Tip: If you have children or pets in the house or intend to place the rug in a high-traffic area, look for rugs labeled stain resistant or machine washableto make cleanup easier.

Whether handmade or machine-made, a rug’s construction makes a difference in its durability and feel. The following are the most common ways that rugs are constructed.

• Hand-hooked rugs have a yarn pile (the thickness of the rug) made of loops so that the effect is soft and nubby. These types of rugs are durable and, if handmade, are thicker and denser than their machine counterparts. Because the loops crush with frequent wear, they’re generally best used in low-traffic areas. Pet nails can also snag the fibers. Hand-hooked rugs can also refer in general to rugs with a looped pile, so be sure to check before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the construction you want.
• Hand-tufted rugs are made in the same way as hand-hooked rugs. However, rather than leaving the loops intact, the tops of the loops are cut to create a plush effect that’s soft underfoot. Shag rugs are tufted with longer pile. These rugs are usually inexpensive and therefore a good choice if you like to change out your rugs to reflect new styles or seasons. Hand-tufted rugs shed, especially at first, so be prepared to vacuum them frequently.
• Hand-knotted rugs are densely knotted and detailed. They are constructed on a loom and feature tied threads and yarn that create the design, feel and texture of the rug. Because they can be time-consuming to make, hand-knotted rugs are a more expensive option. The higher the density in hand-knotted rugs, the higher the quality.
• Flat-weave rugs are woven on a loom or made by hand. This is a traditional type of construction where vertical yarns are woven through horizontal or weft yarns. They don’t have a pile and can be reversible. Flat-weave rugs work well in high-traffic areas and in places where a thick pile can get in the way, such as near doors.-Machine-made rugs can be almost any type or style. The pattern is pre-set to create the desired pattern and construction which produces perfectly even piles and patterns. Machine-made rugs have high resilience and stain resistance. The construction process can be hard on the fibers, so these rugs tend not to last as long.

Natural rugs, such as those made from wool, jute, sisal, or cotton have eco-friendliness, softness and timeless appeal.

Cotton Area Rugs:

• Durable
• Soft feel
• Available in a wide range of colors

Jute Area Rugs:

• Beautiful natural coloring
• Soft feel

Seagrass Area Rugs:

• Easy to clean
• Natural coloring with a rustic look

Silk Blend Area Rugs:

• Silk highlights in wool rugs
• High-luster look
• Soft feel

Sisal Area Rugs:

• Strong natural fiber
• Coarse texture

Wool Area Rugs:

• Soft, thick and luxurious feel
• Static-resistant

Rugs made from synthetics are typically more budget friendly, easier to clean and work equally well for outdoor or high-traffic areas.

Nylon rugs:

• Strong and resilient
• For high-traffic areas and placement under heavy furniture
• Conceals and resists stains and soil
• Available in many colors

Polyester rugs:

• Retain color clarity
• Easy to clean
• Plush feel
• Great for living areas

Polypropylene rugs:

• Easy to clean
• Moisture and mildew resistant
• Best for low-traffic areas
• Good for outdoor use

Rugs can dominate a room, so it's important to choose one that is proportional to the size of the room.

• When purchasing a rug for a large room, select the rug first and then the furniture, drapes and other features.
• Smaller rugs should be purchased after furniture and other accessories as a complement to your existing decor.

A rug pad is a thin protective sheet made of rubber or another substance that provides grip. It should allow for the rug to extend over it by about an inch on each side. This allows for the change in level between the rug and the floor.

• Rug pads prevent slipping and provides greater comfort underfoot.
• Like carpet padding, rug pads extend the life of your rug by holding it in place.
• Rug pads can prevent spills or dyes from seeping through the rug and staining the floor or carpet.
• They provide extra cushion and insulation.
• Always use a rug pad, especially on hardwood floors.

Regular maintenance is another way to preserve your rug’s use and beauty.

• Clean rugs with water or steam at least once or twice a year.
• Vacuum high-traffic areas frequently and clean spills quickly by blotting.
• Rotate rugs every six to 12 months to prevent uneven wear.
• Check the back of rugs periodically to monitor potential damage from moths or carpet beetles.
• If you have an expensive rug or are dealing with a particularly tricky stain, contact a professional rug cleaner for assistance.