Factors to Consider When Buying a Rug

rug

A rug is a thick, heavy fabric that has a pile or nap and is used as a floor covering. Its many synonyms include carpet, jute mat, area rug and kilim.

Rugs add warmth and texture to any room while absorbing sound and protecting the floor from stains and damage. Many homes do not come with carpeting, and adding a rug is an easy way to add a personal touch to any space. But finding the right rug isn’t as simple as just grabbing the first one that you like. There are many factors to consider, including:

The process of chemically treating woolen rugs to tone down colors and dull whites, and make the pile shiny and soft. This process is not favored by purists who believe that a rug should be allowed to age naturally.

A type of weaving in which the tufts forming the pile are wrapped around one or more warp threads and held by ground wefts. A distinctive rug-weaving technique that has a sculptured look and minimizes tracking.

An important characteristic of a rug, this refers to the tightness of the yarn’s twist. A tight twist increases durability and delineates patterns more clearly.

A flat-woven rug, also known as a kilim or dhurrie, is a traditional hand or machine-made rug that has no backing, making it lighter and more reversible than other types of rugs. Its woven surface is often embellished with embroidered, needlepoint, chain stitch or carving. It is most commonly made of a wool fiber but can be made from other materials.