Types of Rugs: A Guide to Materials and Construction

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Rugs are more than just functional decor; they’re a statement of style and comfort. With so many types of rugs available, selecting the best one for your home can feel overwhelming. Since I get asked about the rugs in my home daily, I created a guide exploring the differences between materials, construction techniques, and costs to give you all the details.

high end primary bedroom with hand-knotted wool rug, Anthropologie bed, amazon bamboo and velvet bedding, cloud wallpaper, type of rugs for bedroom

Rug Materials

With all the options available today, it’s important to know the difference between materials so you can make the best choice. Here are a few important questions to ask before you start the selection process:

  • Where do you plan to use the rug?
  • Will it be exposed to moisture or heavy traffic?
  • Can it withstand kids and pets?
  • How easy is it to care for?

Now, let’s review the materials commonly used to make rugs so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are prized for their durability, softness, and natural stain resistance. They are ideal for high-traffic areas and provide excellent insulation. These types of rugs tend to be on the pricier side but are a worthwhile investment for long-lasting elegance and comfort.

Let’s talk about the stain-resistant quality for a minute. Wool is a natural liquid repellant, meaning that if you spill something on it, it will not penetrate the fibers immediately. Can you leave a red wine spill overnight and expect it to come up easily? Probably not, but taking care of it immediately will increase your chances of a full recovery.

Some people avoid wool rugs altogether because of shedding. However, some shed more than others. For instance, hooked or looped rugs tend to shed less than cut-pile rugs so keep that in mind.

living room with hooked wool rug, leather sofa, decorated built in shelves, interior window shutters

Jute, Seagrass, and Sisal Rugs

Natural fiber rugs bring an earthy, organic feel to your space. They are perfect for adding texture and warmth to living rooms or entryways and are common in coastal-style homes. Due to the uniform color and look, these rugs are frequently used as a base to layer other patterned rugs.

Here’s a closer look at the most common types:

  • Jute Rugs: Made from the fibers of the jute plant, these rugs have a chunky weave that adds a cozy, rustic charm. However, jute rugs are less durable in high-traffic areas, stain easily, and are susceptible to mold or mildew. Another downside is the residue. The plant fibers leave a dirt-like residue underneath the rug that should be cleaned frequently. Style wisely!
  • Seagrass Rugs: Constructed from the leaves of seagrass plants that grow in coastal waters, these rugs are non-porous, making them naturally stain-resistant. Seagrass rugs are durable and ideal for areas like dining rooms or hallways, but they are not suitable for damp environments. You don’t get the dirt residue as with jute rugs.
  • Sisal Rugs: Derived from the leaves of the agave plant, sisal rugs are known for their coarse texture and exceptional durability. They’re perfect for high-traffic spaces like entryways or offices. While sisal is more durable than jute, it is less forgiving underfoot and susceptible to water damage. I have a couple of sisal rugs in the beach house and they’ve held up perfectly.

Cotton Rugs

Cotton rugs are lightweight and versatile. They are often used in casual spaces like kitchens or children’s rooms. Cotton is soft but highly-absorbant. While they’re not as durable as other types of rugs, cotton rugs are machine washable, making them a convenient option.

One of the most popular brands of cotton rugs is Dash & Albert and they are sold at several different retailers.

blue and white coastal cotton rug from dash and Albert

Rugs Made from Synthetic Materials

Synthetic rugs are made from man-made fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and acrylic. These materials are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural fibers while offering unique benefits. The pros of synthetic rugs are affordability, availability, and ease of care. Some drawbacks include being less eco-friendly compared to natural fibers and the fact that they may lack the luxurious feel of wool or other high-end materials.

Depending on the pattern and traffic patterns of your home, the reflective properties of long fiber synthetic materials may cause the appearance to look different in different lighting situations.

Rug Construction Techniques

I hope you have a better idea of which material you think is best for your home. Next, let’s dive into the different ways rugs are made – starting with my favorite!

Hand-Made Rugs

Rugs made by hand are usually more expensive due to the nature of the process. The cost of a hand-made rug reflects its quality and the time invested in its creation. Some take months to finish as thousands of knots, tufts, or loops are done by hand. This creates that one-of-a-kind appeal to each piece.

close up of Stefana Silber's hand-knotted living room rug, oak door floors
neutral living room with high end design, West Elm Marin velvet sofa, Crate and Barrel coffee table, hand knotted rug, types of living room rugs

SOURCES: Sofa | Coffee Table | Hand-knotted rug | Wall art

Hand-knotted

These rugs are the epitome of craftsmanship. They are highly durable and available in intricate patterns or solid styles. These rugs are created by hand-tying knots into different patterns and colors making them a durable and luxurious choice.

Hand-woven

Rugs that are woven from various materials, including wool and cotton, often featuring a flatweave design that’s both durable and lightweight. These types of rugs are made without knots or loops. Instead, the fibers are woven horizontally and vertically to create a surface with no pile. Some styles use larger fibers to give it a thicker appearance.

Hand-tufted

Tufted rugs are created by pushing yarn through a pre-made fabric backing using a tufting gun. The surface is sheared off creating a pile in various lengths. Once the design is complete, the back is sealed with latex and a fabric lining. These rugs are more affordable than hand-knotted options. However, they are less durable and will shed.

Hand-hooked

This method involves pulling loops of yarn through the backing material to create a textured, looped pile. These rugs offer a unique aesthetic and are softer underfoot. While they add character to a space, they are less durable in high-traffic areas, as loops can snag or unravel.

Machine-Made Rugs

These types of rugs are mass-produced pieces that use machines to mimic the techniques I listed above. They tend to be more affordable options and come in endless colors and styles. However, machine-made rugs can have a bigger environmental impact due to the production process and greater use of synthetic materials.

Printed Rugs

Printed rugs offer the look of vintage or hand-knotted styles at a fraction of the cost. Brands like Loloi have perfected the art of printed rugs, combining affordability with trendy designs. These types of rugs are perfect for achieving a high-end look on a budget.

Looking closely at the next image, you can see how the colors sit on the top edge of the carpet fibers. This feature isn’t noticeable unless you are at eye level with the rug and pushing the fibers aside for inspection.

I have a Loloi power-loomed rug in my kitchen. Its low-pile construction doesn’t trap dirt making it a breeze to keep clean.

classic white kitchen with marble countertops, hardwood floors, Loloi printed runner, Rejuvenation unlacquered brass cabinet hardware, crown molding, white subway tile, best rugs for a kitchen

SOURCES: Printed runner | Faux lilacs | Pendant | Sconces | Breadboard | Faux artichokes | Brass mills | Knobs | Pulls | Latches

RELATED POST: HOW TO UPDATE A CLASSIC WHITE KITCHEN

Another favorite of mine is the rugs that feature CloudPile technology. They still have low-pile power-loomed construction but with a plush feel on the surface.

girls bedroom with Loloi Antique Sage printed rug with CloudPile, block print wallpaper, windowpane printed drapes, mauve West Elm bed, beaded chandelier, interior window shutters, best type of rug for a bedroom

SOURCES: Rug | Bed | Sconce | Nightstand | Drapes

The rug below is a machine-woven polyester rug in one of the bedrooms at the beach house.

classic coastal bedroom with two white twin Pottery Barn beds, blue and white floral bedding from The Company Store, blue nightstand from Wayfair, blue and beige stripped flatweave rug from Amazon, walls are painted Paper White by Benjamin Moore

SOURCES: Rug | Beds | Nightstand | Bolster pillow

Washable Rugs

Washable rugs are a game-changer for homes with pets, kids, or high-traffic areas. Designed for easy care, they are available in various styles, including modern, vintage, and flatweave options.

washable rug with neutral color print in a bedroom with hardwood floors

CLICK HERE TO SHOP MY WASHABLE LIVABLISS X PNW RUG

Years ago, finding a machine-washable rug that looked like it belonged in my home was difficult. Now just about every brand has a washable collection making it easier to find one that aligns with your style.

Check out these sources for washable Rugs:


FAQs

Are hand-knotted wool rugs worth the price?

In my opinion, yes! They don’t shed as much as thick pile wool rugs and have a higher quality look and feel. If you have little ones that tend to spill or pets that like to claim their space you might be better off with a printed low-pile rug.

Where is the best place to buy rugs?

I love the look of Pottery Barn rugs but the size I need usually comes in around $4000-$5000. Lately, my go-to place for rugs has been Amazon. They have a big selection of both hand-knotted Savafieh rugs – for a fraction of the cost – and printed Loloi rugs which are always affordable.

Which rugs shed the most?

I’ve had just about every type of rug and the cut-pile wool ones are the worst! They come in really beautiful colors and patterns but I end up with little tumbleweed fibers that require excessive maintenance.

How do I keep my rugs clean?

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your rug looking new. Most are safe to vacuum, but you might see instructions not to use the brush feature on certain materials or weaves. The key to keeping dirt and debris from getting embedded in your rugs is frequent vacuuming.

Can I put an indoor rug in a covered outdoor area?

As mentioned above, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care. I don’t recommend using indoor rugs outdoors because they can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity. On the flip side, you absolutely can use outdoor rugs indoors. These types of rugs are always made with synthetic fibers so they may not be as soft underfoot.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy