10 Rug Types to Know Before You Start Shopping

Flatweave

Whether on a loom or by hand, a flatweave technique consists of interlacing vertical and horizontal threads together. It's one of the simplest ways to create a piece of fabric, and cultures all over the world have developed their own patterns and styles throughout history.

Today, flatweave rugs are a durable, practical, and easy-to-clean option, and come in a variety of patterns, from geometrics inspired by tradition to houndstooth, stripes, and chevrons. "These rugs have zero pile, and if made with a material like wool, they can be placed in any room—dining, living, entry and even a playroom," says Zeldin.

Kilim

Kilims, native to Turkey's Anatolia region, are zero-pile, flatweave rugs in wool, cotton, or silk. Since they are produced without knotting, they're often reversible, says Schulhof. These rugs typically feature geometric designs in striped layouts and bold colors.

"This rug can be used in any room and can be placed in high-traffic areas—dining, bedroom, living, or entry—with minimal shedding," says Zeldin.

Dhurries

Dhurries, another type of flatwoven, reversible rug ideal for high-traffic areas, are made in India, says Zeldin. Expect to see intricate geometric designs in a tight weave of cotton, wool, jute, or a blend of those materials, says Schulhof.

Braided

Many civilizations developed the concept of braiding pieces of fabric together to make round or oval rugs. "Long strips of fabric or yarn are braided together to form a sturdy rug," says Schulhof. "[Fabrics include] cotton, wool, jute, or synthetic materials, like nylon or polyester."

Jute

A jute rug can show off basic designs, like stripes or chevrons, or display one solid color, says Shulhof. Whether the rug is braided or handwoven, though, it's always made from jute, a soft, durable natural fiber that lends a subtle, organic element to any space. "We prefer to place these in the living room, entry, or hallways," says Zeldin.

Sisal

Like jute, sisal is a natural fiber that can be woven into a flat rug. However, sisal, which comes from agave plants, is sturdier, so it holds up better to busy spaces. Choose a chunkier weave to allow the sisal to feel softer on your feet, and look for dyed fibers to add color and pattern to your room.

Ikat

Ikat rugs are defined by the dye process used to add color to the yarns. Before weaving, the yarn is bundled and tie-dyed; the ties that create the bundle prevent color from adhering to those sections of yarn, creating the finished look of the rug. More-detailed designs require more complex tying patterns. This creates "a unique, blurred effect" and "abstract or geometric designs with blurred or feathered edges," says Schulhof.

Hand-Knotted

Intricate hand-knotted rugs require makers to tie every individual fiber onto a rug, cutting it to create the pile depth. These time-intensive works of art include Persian rugs, and are often made from natural wool or silk, says Zeldin. The detailed process allows for endless creativity; the maker can create abstract, floral, geometric, or traditional designs.

Hand-Tufted

Modernization of the hand-knotted technique led to hand-tufting, which incorporates tools and rug backings to slightly simplify the process, says Zeldin. "The weaver starts with a rug design mapped on a canvas or sheet similar to the rug's material and pulls the yarns through with a tufting tool—this is a quicker way to weave yarns through to complete rug designs," she says. "Any design can be created without limitations to curves or artwork. Due to the backing, these rugs are very durable and typically thicker than a normal handmade rug."

Soumak

Soumak rugs are recognizable by their brocading, which creates a design that's raised above the face of the fabric. Remnants of rugs made with this flat-weave technique have been traced as far back as the 7th century B.C. Threads are left loose on the back side of the rug, while the specific weaving technique creates a rug that's thicker and sturdier than most other flat-weaves.