A room’s transformation can be perfectly finished with the right rug. Key considerations include color, pattern, size, but don’t overlook the significance of rug material and weave. The weave you choose impacts aesthetics, durability, cost, and maintenance. Here, we break down the differences between common weaves to guide you in selecting the perfect rug for your space.
01. Braided Rugs
The time-consuming process means hand block printed rugs can be pricey, but they’re known for their durability. 06of 10 Hand-Loomed Hand-looming is another ancient rug-weaving technique. It involves operating a hand-looming device that interlaces vertical warp yarns and horizontal weft yarns. The operators weave in layers of wool or silk by hand to create an intricate pattern. While still a skilled and time-consuming process, using the loom means rugs can be produced faster than when making hand-knotted types of rugs. Consequently, hand-loomed rugs are more affordable while still being luxuriously textural and long-lasting. 07of 10 Hand-Tufted Hand-tufted rugs are another lower-cost, less labor-intensive alternative to hand-knotted rugs. These types of rugs are made by stretching a canvas over a frame, detailing a pattern, punching the wool into the design using a tufting gun, and then sealing it with a latex and canvas backing. The detail of the design is less intricate than what’s possible on hand-knotted designs, and they won’t last quite as long, but hand-tufted rugs can still feature impressive designs that form a durable pile. 08of 10 Machine-Woven Machine-woven rugs are typically made on an electronically controlled power loom using synthetic fibers like nylon or polypropylene. Some are made with a blend of fibers, integrating wool and synthetic materials. Machine-woven rugs are a much more affordable option and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and patterns. Plus, cleaning an area rug that’s machine-woven with a tight weave and made from moisture-wicking synthetic material is easier than some of the traditional types. 09of 10 Hide Hide rugs are made from the cured outer layer of animal skin and hair. Cowhide and sheepskin rugs are most popular, but other varieties, such as deer or goat, are also available. It’s possible to purchase ethically-sourced hide rugs, but more affordable faux hide rugs are also available if you want the aesthetic without the animal materials. These uniquely shaped and textured rugs add a natural beauty and warmth to a room, and they’re known for their durability. Hide styles are popular options when you’re using an area rug over a carpet to add depth to a room. 10of 10 Shag Fluffy, funky shag rugs can be hand-woven or machine-made and are made from various materials across a range of price points. They stand out from the other weaves on this list because of the loose, looped, high pile that gives them a plush texture that is comfortable and cozy underfoot. Even the best shag rugs won’t stand up so well in high-traffic spaces because of their easy to snag long, loose pile. Plus, you’ll need to vacuum more regularly—dirt can easily become embedded in the long yarn.