By Stefan Gheorghe | Published on
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Commercial rugs
Beauvais Stair Tread
Rug Pro Ultra-Low Profile Dual Surface Non-Slip Rug Pad
Brasfield Teepee Cream-Fern Area Rug
Kraig Anti-Fatigue Mat
Strathaven Striped Turquoise Indoor- Outdoor Area Rug
Runner rug
Stender Border Welcome Non-Slip Outdoor Door Mat
Slice lemon rug
Geometric patterns
Colorgul area rugs
Ponca Oriental Navy-Light Blue Area Rug
Square rugs
Aubuchon Hand Hooked Rug
Waterford Handmade Braided Cotton Multicolor Area Rug
Charlotte Handmade Shag Gray Area Rug
Knotted Rug
17 Different Types of Rugs And Their Popular Styles
There is no denying that the inclusion of a rug goes a long way to pull a space together. However, did you know that not all rugs are created equal, and that there are actually a large number of different rug types? In this article, we will provide an overview of the most popular types of rugs that are on the market so that you can best determine which ones will look best with your designs.
17 The Most Popular Rug Styles
1. Knotted

Knotted rugs are not only aesthetically beautiful, but they are also built to be durable. In fact, many knotted rugs are actually handmade by definition. A knotted rug is made with a special type of loom that creates a pattern out of materials like wool, cotton, and silk.
Although knotted rugs are usually more expensive than their non-knotted counterparts, they are also known for their longevity — in some cases lasting up to 20 years. Of course, this depends on whether or not you are taking the proper maintenance.
2. Shag

Long gone are the days with the shag carpet, or rug, being associated with the 1970s. Although this style may have originated in the groovy decade, there is no denying that shag material is very en vogue in the 21st century.
Shag rugs add variety to a room because of their unique texture and appearance. They are also incredibly soft to the touch, which makes them pleasant to walk on and extra cozy in cooler weather.
3. Braided

Braided rugs date back at least one hundred years, when they were a staple of colonial interior design in the United States. They were popular because they could be made out of virtually any materials, including excess fabric and scraps.
Due to the nature of their construction, which occurs in a circular manner, braided rugs often feature unique and colorful patterns. However, it is also possible to have a braided rug come in a solid color, if that’s more to your taste. Though most braided rugs are now made in factories, it may still be possible to find one that is handmade.
4. Hooked

A hooked rug is made by using a crochet hook to connect threads of yarn. The end result is a charming and slightly rustic looking rug that keeps its natural bumps and imperfections.
Hooked rugs, due to their rather delicate nature, have a slightly shorter lifespan than some other rugs types. However, if used in a room of your home that does not receive a lot of foot traffic, a hooked rug can last for up to ten years.
5. Square

Just as the name would imply, a square rug is a type of area rug that has four equal sides. As a square rug gets its name from its particular shape, it can exist in a variety of different patterns and colors.
Square rugs are best for rooms that are relatively square. It will look best if you also have square furniture, such as a TV stand or coffee table.
6. Round

Round rugs are best used in small spaces, as they tend to make a space feel larger than it actually is. The reason for this is because round shapes tend to prevent that boxed-in feeling that can often be created in small, square-like spaces. Round rugs can come in a variety of patterns and colors.
7. Area

Technically, “area rug” is given to the name of any rug that does not cover a room from corner to corner. Of course, the exact rug size that qualifies for this definition will depend on the size of your room. To put it simply: an area rug is like a carpet, but smaller!
Area rugs not only help add warmth to a room, but they are also an important design tool. Area rugs can also lend themselves to sound-proofing by softening the sound of footsteps on your floor.
8. Geometric

It’s no secret that geometric patterns are very in! It seems like geometric patterns have been popping up everywhere lately, from clothing to wallpaper styles, and rugs are no exception to this. A geometric rug is a great way to add some personality to your space if you find it is otherwise filled with neutral tones and materials.
9. Slice

A slice rug is designed to accommodate the edge of a wall or counter or other space. True to its name, it has the appearance as if an ovular rug was sliced down the middle. The advantage of this is that you can place it right up against a straight surface without interference.
Slice rugs are often used as kitchen mags, or even as welcome mats at your front door. They are especially handy if you don’t have a large floor area to work with.
10. Welcome mat

Speaking of doormats, you can’t go wrong with choosing a traditional welcome mat for your front steps or hallway. Welcome mats are often designed to be used outdoors, so they may come with a protective coating that can help them survive the elements. Welcome mats can come in a plain color, or they can even come with designs or phrases that can help you express your personality.
Welcome mats also serve a functional purpose, as they give visitors a place to wipe their shoes off before they enter your home. They are a good choice for anyone who lives in a climate where snow or slush are the norm.
11. Runner

A rug runner is a type of rug that is longer in length than it is in width. They are specifically designed to function well in hallway spaces, an area that is often an afterthought for many homeowners. However, even though they are awkward spaces to fit a rug to, they are a very important place to put a rug in, as they see a heavy amount of foot traffic. This is especially true if you have hardware flooring that you are looking to protect.
12. Outdoor

For many of us, our living spaces are not only indoor — they’re outdoor, too! However, if you are planning to put a rug outside, it is not as simple as buying a regular rug and using it in an outdoor area. It is imperative that you buy a rug that is specially used for outdoor use (though indoor/outdoor rugs do exist).
Outdoor rugs are specially designed to withstand the elements so that you do not have to bother bringing them inside every time there is inclement weather. To succeed at this, they are usually made from tough synthetic fibers that are moisture and temperature resistant.
13. Kitchen mat

Rugs also aren’t just reserved for living area use! It can be just as useful to have a rug in your kitchen. Kitchen rugs, or kitchen mats, are designed specifically with kitchen spaces in mind. After all, the kitchen can be a hazardous place, with lots of potential for water spillage and food splatter. Underneath the sink is a popular place for a kitchen mat as it provides comfort while doing the dishes.
14. Baby

If you’re planning for the arrival of a newborn, there are many different things to consider — but don’t forget about finding the proper rug! As you will be spending a long amount of time in the nursery, it’s important that you ensure that it will be as comfortable as possible with the proper floor coverings.
Rugs designed for nurseries are fun to shop for, as they can come in a number of colorful patterns, and can include things such as animal or educational themes.
15. No-slip

No-slip rugs are designed to come with a rug pad on their underside covered in a synthetic adhesive material that allows them to stick to the floor underneath them. Not only is it useful for a rug to stay in place from a design standpoint, it also eliminates what would otherwise be a safety hazard.
16. Stair tread

Much like hallways can be difficult spaces to fit a rug too, stairways provide a similar problem. While many people may have staircases in their home that are already covered in carpeting, some may have hardwood floors on their stairs.
If your stairs feature hardwood flooring, you can use stair treads to protect the wood and to prevent slips and falls. Many stair treads may need to be custom-fit to your stairs, although it is possible to apply separate stair treads that consist of a separate rectangle for every single step.
17. Commercial rugs

If you are looking for a rug for a commercial space, then you probably have unique needs that may not be satisfied for a rug that is designed for the home. Commercial rugs may be similar to residential rugs in appearance, but they are made of a durable material that gives them the strength to withstand a high volume of footsteps. With they come at a higher price tag, they are bound to last longer thanks to their quality.
FAQs
How many types of rugs are there? ›
17 Different Types of Rugs And Their Popular Styles.
What types of rugs are in style? ›Rug trends to watch out for in 2023
Jute, bamboo, sisal, and other natural fibers will take over interiors, thereby creating a calming, relaxed vibe. No matter their colors or patterns, the rugs will drive schemes to feel current and relaxed.
WOOL. The most common material used for rugs, wool is prized for its durability and softness.
What are the 4 types of rugs and carpets? ›- Hand-hooked rugs have a yarn pile (the thickness of the rug) made of loops so that the effect is soft and nubby. ...
- Hand-tufted rugs are made in the same way as hand-hooked rugs. ...
- Hand-knotted rugs are densely knotted and detailed. ...
- Flat-weave rugs are woven on a loom or made by hand.
Rugs with 200 to 400 knots per square inch are often good-quality rugs, though you can find rugs with over 6,000 knots per square inch. These are typically handmade, expensive and have a very detailed pattern. Needle count is the number of loops of yarn or fibers that make up a rug.
What are those fancy rugs called? ›Oriental Rugs
Usually silk, wool, or cotton. Due to their intricate design and painstaking attention to detail, oriental rugs require a lot of time and effort to create. It is this hand-crafted quality that makes each rug unique and valuable.
NAVAJO RUG ID #1
These are the Ganado, Klagetoh, Two Grey Hills, and Burntwater rugs described below. The Ganado and Klagetoh tend to have simpler designs than the similar Two Grey Hills, and Burntwater rugs.
2022 Fashion Trend: Regencycore, Continued
Corsets, pearls, lady cardigans, and prim florals show no signs of a slow-down. Embrace this form of head-to-toe elegance for polished occasions like work or a party. Or, flirt with the trend with a single frilled piece combined with leggings and sneakers.
Considering Wall Color
Your wall color should be two tones lighter than your carpet. If you have dark walls, you can also go a few tones lighter with your carpet. Since it's much easier to change your wall color than your carpet, choose your carpet color first and then match your wall color.
When it comes to living room rugs, the best materials to look for are typically jute, synthetics, and wool. These coarse options also tend to be the most durable. Lester also specifies that wool is great because it can be cleaned with a carpet cleaner like you would clean wall-to-wall carpet.
What type of rug is easiest to keep clean? ›
- Wool. While most new rugs will shed a bit at first, wool is naturally shed resistant, and it is a sturdy natural fiber. ...
- Cotton. Cotton is a comfy fiber that is easy to clean, making it a great choice for kitchens, playrooms, and dens. ...
- Seagrass. ...
- Jute. ...
- Polypropylene and Other Synthetics.
- Polypropylene. Polypropylene is a synthetic material that looks like wool. ...
- Nylon. Long-lasting nylon rugs are practically indestructible. ...
- Polyester. Polyester rugs are inexpensive, like other rugs made from synthetic materials. ...
- Seagrass. ...
- Sisal.
Types of Persian rugs include Bakhtiari, Bijar, Eshfahan, Farahan, Gabbeh, Heriz/Serapi, Kashan/Mohtasham, Kerman, Khorassan/Mashad, Persian Kilims, Malayer, Sarouk, Senneh, Sultanabad/Mahal and Tabriz. To read more about the different types of Persian rugs, click here.
What is the best wearing rug? ›Nylon: Area rugs made of nylon are one of the best rugs you can use in high-traffic areas. They do not get dirty easily and are quick to resist stains. So, spills and stains do not leave permanent marks on them. Also, they are made of synthetic fiber and can resist wear and tear from constant use.
What makes a rug look expensive? ›An expensive rug will generally be made out of high-quality wool, silk, or other natural fibers. A more moderately priced rug, on the other hand, is often made out of synthetics, like polyester, olefin, or nylon, or even low-quality wool or a natural fiber such as jute.
What rug material to avoid? ›Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to the main toxic offenders in most rugs: Materials like polypropylene (also known as olefin or polyolefin), nylon, and polyester. These three are synthetic materials that are created through chemical processes.
How much does a good quality rug cost? ›Quality rugs will, generally speaking, start at around $400 and can go all the way up to $10,000 and even far more for a very high end, luxury rug.
What is a Dobby rug? ›Dobby, or dobbie, is a woven fabric produced on the dobby loom, characterised by small geometric patterns and extra texture in the cloth. The warp and weft threads may be the same colour or different. Satin threads are particularly effective in this kind of weave as their texture will highlight the pattern.
What is the oldest rug in the world? ›The Pazyryk Carpet is the oldest known carpet on earth and it has been dated back to the 5th Century B.C. It was discovered in the tomb of a Scythian prince in the Pazyryk Valley of Siberia by Russian archaeologist Sergei Rudenko in the late 1940s.
What is a Navajo rug pattern? ›The Navajo rug is a cultural textile made by the tribes in the Southwestern United States and is one of the most popular types of Native American rugs. This rug style is the most colorful and best-made textile and has been admired and coveted as a trade item for a century.
What is an Aryana rug? ›
The name Aryana describes the ancient Central Asian Region. Aryana rugs are both geometric and curvelinear in pattern, characterized by beautiful handspun wool and natural dyes. Walnut husk, madder root, indigo, kesuphul, ousparak and pomegranate are the origins of natural dyes in these rugs.
What is a Sparta rug? ›Our Sparta Collection is an exclusively designed line of hand-tufted carpets with an antique finish. These rugs are made in India using high density wool.
What is a Tekke rug? ›Tekke carpet, floor covering woven by the Tekke Turkmen, the major population group of Turkmenistan. Although elements of the tribe still migrated with their flocks until the Soviet era, most of them were sedentary during the 20th century.
What is the most popular rug color? ›The most popular carpet colors are black and dark variants and for good reason. Black and dark gray carpets are found ubiquitously wherever carpeting is the flooring of choice. They also stand up to stains well, accentuate more vibrant decor choices, and will never go out of style.
Are Oriental rugs out of style 2022? ›Oriental rugs are timeless classics and certainly still in style in 2022. In an era when mass production has come to the forefront, these fine quality rugs stand for excellence and class.
What is the most versatile area rug? ›Rugs made from natural fibers (jute, seagrass, hemp, or sisal) are incredibly versatile in style and usually come in a variety of price points making them more affordable than other rug options. Gates says that jute rugs are a great starting place if you want to try your hand at layering rugs.
How do you look classy in 2022? ›- Look for new inspiration to style clothing you already have.
- Invest in a Capsule Wardrobe.
- Get rid of anything in your closet that doesn't feel good.
- Use the help of a Personal Stylist.
- Take time researching looks you like and create a mood board.
- Make sure your clothes fit you perfectly.
- DON'T: Bell Sleeves. Turn up the volume, but at the right places. ...
- DO: Monochrome. When in doubt, monochrome will be your saviour! ...
- DON'T: Prints. Ditch the prints, that style is last season! ...
- DO: Shimmer. ...
- DON'T: Super tall heels. ...
- DO: Windbreaker pants. ...
- DON'T: Skinny jeans. ...
- One Last Thought:
Leading paint companies Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams all agree: 2022 is the year for gray-green. The sophisticated hue symbolizes balance and harmony often seen in the natural world.
What color rug hides dirt best? ›Dark brown is one of the best carpet colors for hiding dirt. The darker the shade, the better the dirt will blend into the carpet. Powder and dust won't show up against the dark brown color. While a lighter brown can also be an attractive option, it won't hide as much dirt.
Is it better to have a bigger or smaller rug? ›
As mentioned before, bigger is almost always better. A few inches can make a world of a difference. If your rug is too small, not only will it make the room look smaller, but it will also make the room appear choppy. Going with a bigger size is worth every extra penny if you want your room to look flawless.
Should your rug be bigger than your sofa? ›General Rules:
Make sure your rug is at least 6″ wider (8″ is ideal) than your sofa on both sides. Typically run the rug the length of the sofa. Give 30″ to 36″ of a walkway between large furniture pieces (if your living room allows for it) if not then at least 18″-24″. That will help to inform your rug size.
In 2023, home décor and design trends are primed to shift into earthy, texture-rich territory via brown and wooden furniture, handmade pieces, neutral color palettes, and bespoke touches that lend warmth and character to a space.
What is the most timeless home decor style? ›Velvets, cottons and canvas are some of the most popular fabrics to style within a classic, timeless interior for they are elegant without being too ornate. A timeless, classic interior is also well balanced and you'll find there is a play of symmetry. Rooms will be centred around a focal point such as a fireplace.
Is Grey out of style 2022? ›Navy and gray are on the way out
The report also highlighted a declining interest in navy (down 43%), mustard yellow (down 27%), and light gray (down 25%). Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022.
Use light-colored rugs
The work of light colors is to brighten up a room and its décor. Rugs in tones of beige, sand, and taupe will make your room seem bigger and sprawling.
If your primary furniture is upholstered in a pattern or is elaborate in design, a solid-colored rug would work really well. Make sure a solid-colored rug complements your sofa color, and match it to the accent colors in the room, such as artwork or a vase.
What kind of rug pattern makes a room look bigger? ›Choose Light Colors and Almost No Pattern. Light-colored rugs make a room look brighter and feel spacious. Consider pale pastels, natural-looking neutrals, and off-white to start. Patterns, like texture, are visually appealing but clutter a space quickly!
Should carpet be lighter or darker than furniture? ›The rug under couch can be lighter or darker depending on your personal and design preferences. Dark sofas are usually chosen for light rugs and light sofas for dark rugs. If you have a light sofa, a dark rug can provide amazing contrast and vice versa.
Does Dawn dish soap clean rugs? ›Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed.
What kind of rug does not show dirt? ›
A rug with an organic or abstract pattern and specks of other colors like orange will show fewer spills, debris, pet hair and dirt than solid colors.
What kind of rugs are trending? ›Jute, bamboo, sisal, and other natural fibers will take over interiors, thereby creating a calming, relaxed vibe. No matter their colors or patterns, the rugs will drive schemes to feel current and relaxed.
How thick is a good quality rug? ›What Is the best rug thickness? Medium to heavy area rugs that range between ⅜ and ½ inches will suit a range of needs. Thinner rugs are a tripping hazard and won't offer enough buffering for the optimal protection of floors.
What is a Sarab rug? ›Characteristics of Sarab Rugs
The pile of these rugs is thick lustrous wool, handspun from local sheep. Cotton is the material of choice for the foundation because it is very strong. However, goat hair can also be seen in some Turkish tribal carpets.
Agra rugs are similar to Persian rugs radiating the traditional antiqueness with grandeur and grace. They are available in a wide variety of designs, colors, sizes, and compositions. The designs often include open fields with smaller medallions and patterns.
What are the three basic styles of carpet? ›There are three basic styles of carpet – cut pile, looped pile, and cut-loop pile.
Which carpets are famous? ›- The Emperor's Carpet. The Emperor's Carpet is a highly detailed 16th-century rug from Safavid Iran. ...
- Armenian Orphan Rug. ...
- The Ardabil Rug. ...
- The Nigde Carpet. ...
- The Coronation Carpet. ...
- The Spring of Khosrow Carpet.
For a cozy vibe and a natural sense of calm, dark carpet is a fine choice. One major benefit to dark carpeting is that your floors will show fewer stains. Mud, wine, or anything that tends to land on carpet will be far more noticeable on lighter carpet.
What is the best kind of rug to buy? ›Material | Pros | Best for |
---|---|---|
Cotton | Affordable and ultra-durable | Bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms |
Jute | Adds texture and personality | Living rooms, bedrooms |
Seagrass | Easy-to-clean | Living rooms, bedrooms, mudrooms |
Silk | Soft and luxurious | Bedrooms |
If you want to add color to your carpet while avoiding stains and dirt, earth tones could be your best bet. Neutral shades, like dark beige and tan, or spurts of color, like navy blue or earthy green, offer striking colors while still concealing grime.