What Is a Rug?

A thick covering of soft material that’s laid over a floor or staircase. Rugs are usually handmade and don’t extend wall-to-wall. Carpeting is typically made in significant quantities and is known as broadloom carpeting; it goes on the floor in rolls, has padding underneath and may have adhesive to help hold it in place.

Rugs are easy to clean and don’t trap dust mites, making them a better option for those with allergies. They also add warmth and color to a room. If a rug is well maintained, it can last for years and often becomes an heirloom.

Color and design possibilities are limitless with rugs because they’re usually handmade, and it’s hard to find a rug exactly like another. Handmade rugs are also easier to maintain because you can more thoroughly wash them than wall-to-wall carpeting and can replace them more quickly if you get tired of the look or the rug is damaged. Rugs are also often more eco-friendly because they use natural fibers and are more sustainable in production.

The tufts of wool or synthetic fiber that make up a rug’s surface. The length of the tufts and their height determines the carpet’s texture, sheen and appearance. Generally, a higher-pile rug will have a more luxurious, softer feel than a lower-pile one.

A structure that allows area rugs to be woven by holding the warp strands taut; it can be fixed or mobile, vertical or horizontal. The loom is powered by mechanical or electronic power.