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Types of Area Rugs

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Once you have narrowed down the shape and size of area rug you are seeking, it’s time to start considering the vast number of materials and fibers area rugs are now available in. You also will want to consider how a rug is made. Many traditional rugs (such as Oriental rugs) are woven, meaning they are created on a loom that is powered either by hand or by a machine. The quality of a rug created with the age-old process of weaving is typically very high. Some woven rugs are made with a technique called pile weave or knotted weave, which involves creating tying individual knots. Others are made with a technique called flat weave, which uses no knots. Rather, weft strands are passed through warp strands on the loom.

Rugs that are not woven are typically either machine-tufted or hand-tufted, a process which allows rugs to be created much more quickly than by weaving (although the quality of a tufted rug may still be fine.) Tufting involves shooting fiber from the backside of a foundation cloth (or backing) through to the front and then looping it back again. The tops of the looped tufts are sheared off to create the pile of the rug.

In addition to woven and tufted rugs, some rugs are hooked, meaning colored yarn is inserted through a backing material to form a pattern or picture (in a process similar to needlepoint). And still other rugs are braided with strips of cloth or rags and then sewn together to form a rug.

Rugs are made of many different materials today. They each create different looks and textures. Rug materials include:

Sisal – Sisal rugs are considered a natural floor covering since they are made from sisal plants, which produce a very resilient fiber. They can be found undyed, so they have the same light color of the sisal plant, or dyed to a darker color. Sisal rugs have become very popular for decorating because of their natural look and durability. Keep in mind, though, that sisal rugs can be scratchy and do not provide cushion.
Seagrass – Similar to sisal rugs, seagrass rugs are made from seagrass typically found in China and India. They are not recommended in very moist or humid conditions as they are susceptible to mold and mildew.
Wool – Wool is one of the oldest textile fibers used to make rugs. It is the traditional fiber used in Oriental rugs. Wool creates a soft, thick, highly durable rug. It also resists dirt and repels water.
Synthetic fibers – Synthetic rugs, made of fibers such as nylon and polypropylene (olefin), offer the look and feel of a wool rug, but for a more affordable price. Because they can be treated with a stain protection in the manufacturing process, they are very family friendly. Unlike wool rugs, they do not need to be professionally dry cleaned. However, they will not typically last as long as a properly maintained wool rug.

Next Page: Tips for decorating with area rugs

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