How a Rug is Created

A rug is the element that brings together and anchors a space, whether it’s to fit the pieces of furniture in harmony or to make a bold statement. The right rug can also add comfort and warmth, easing the transition from cold to soft underfoot.

To create a rug, a pattern is punched onto Jacquard cards and laced together on the loom, where the perforations determine which colors of yarn will be lifted to form the pile. Different types of yarn are used depending on the purpose of the rug. The resulting design may include simple stripes or multilevel patterns.

Often, the main border is a focal point and includes elaborate floral patterns, geometric shapes, vines or other symbolic designs. It also serves to distinguish the rug from similar ones and can feature a wide range of motifs that vary according to the region of origin. In contrast, guard borders are narrow bands that appear between the main border and the field, adding to the overall balance and symmetry of the rug’s design.

The rug is also an important part of the seating arrangement, creating a visual bubble that envelops the chairs or sofas in the room and leaves clear pathways from one side of the room to the other. It’s best to try turning the rug in various directions to see what works best to visually anchor the seating grouping. Similarly, be sure to leave enough room around the edges of the rug for comfortable movement.