8 Types of Area Rugs
Area rugs are textile floor coverings that are used over another finished flooring surface. Rugs do not extend wall to wall, they are used to anchor furniture (sofas and tables should be placed either completely on the carpet or around it). Area Rugs unite the colours of the room together, add accent and texture, define a space, make a room more comfortable as a place to sit on the floor. They are a perfect companions for a hard-surface flooring. When placed on the wall can also be used for decorative purposes (for example- Jan Kath Rugs)
Needlepoint
Hand-stitched needlepoint rugs allow for an intricate design. They are not good for high traffic areas like entryways, because they are very delicate and will quickly become spoiled. They are mostly used as a decorative element.
Shag
A super soft cut pile rug with very long threads. Good for low traffic areas, as accents under tables, or in front of the TV or fireplace (they are great for bare feet). Rya rugs from Scandinavia are a great example.
Rya rugs are traditional Scandinavian wool rugs with a shag-like pile of 1–3 inches. They are knotted, with each knot composed of 3 strands of wool, which enables the rug to exhibit a rich texture from all the different shades of colour. The name originates from a village in southwest Sweden and may also refer to a breed of sheep whose wool is used to make rya rugs.
Cut and Loop
This style incorporates both the high cut-pile and low loop-pile design. This style is usually made in two colour designs to hide soiling footprints.
Flat Weave
A flat weave rug is an easy way to update the floors in any room thanks to their thin profile and very low pile. Also known as Indian blankets, flat weave rugs boast a lightweight texture and global style all at an affordable price. Plus, most flat weave rugs are reversible for twice the wear. They are a great option for high traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, or entryways, and offices with rolling chairs. They have a variety of use depending on size, pattern and material. Are often made of cotton, wool, jute or silk.
Cut Pile
This is one of the most popular carpets. The most common styles are olefin, nylon and wool carpets. Wool, a natural carpet material, is the most expensive, but also the most durable. You can also choose a blend of materials if you want to get some of the benefits of wool at a lower cost. Cut pile carpets are extremely soft underfoot. They offer a luxurious feel and look that most other carpets can’t compete with. The cut fibres are also easy to keep clean with a vacuum because dirt and dust can’t get caught in hidden areas. Cut pile carpets might offer superior comfort, but the exposed fibres are much more prone to fraying and damage over time. Depending on the pile height (how thick the carpet is) your cut pile carpet might also show footsteps and other impressions easily.
Loop Pile
Loop and cut pile carpets have varying benefits. People often choose loop carpets because of their durability. Carpets with very tight loops are especially durable; the loop design makes the fibres less likely to fray or show marks from heavy furniture. Loop carpets also offer more traction than most other carpets, so people choose them for staircases and other areas where people might slip. One of the main complaints about loop carpets is that they are not as soft as other carpet styles. We recommend using loop carpets for areas like the living room or staircase where there will be a lot of traffic. Tightly looped carpets can also be harder to clean thoroughly. It’s easier for dirt and dust to get caught inside the loops.
Oriental Rugs
The common use of the name “Oriental rug” is used as a generic label for nearly any variety of patterned pile rug. Genuine “Oriental rugs” come from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Turkey, some of the southern territories of the old Soviet Union (like Azerbaijan or Armenia), Balkan countries like Romania and Albania, and some North African countries like Morocco and Egypt. They are the most versatile in terms of decorating because they blend extremely well with a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern.
Kilim
Are flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs produced from the Balkans to Pakistan. Kilims can be purely decorative or can function as prayer rugs. Modern kilims are popular floor-coverings in Western households. Kilims are produced by tightly interweaving the wrap and weft strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile.
Floor Cloth
Floorcloths combine all the comfort of rugs with the easy care of vinyl floors. Most are made of canvas treated with gesso, hemmed on all edges, and painted in fun patterns. The look is perfect for any room; easy care makes floorcloths ideal for kitchens, entries, and bathrooms. (for the image below credits to Design Sponge)
