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Rug Research - What You Need to Know Before Your Next Rug Purchase



There are many different types of rugs. Most rugs are either hand knotted, hand tufted, flat weave, or machine made.

Hand knotted rugs are made without machines on a loom. These rugs could take up to one year to complete. A quality hand knotted rug has a short uniform pile height with tight close knots.

Hand tufted rugs are sewn through a cloth backing attached to a frame. Once the tufting is finished, the back of the rug is bonded with latex to prevent unraveling. These rugs have are usually durable, plush, and less expensive.

Flat weave rugs are also called Kilims and Dhurries. They are even less expensive to produce, however can easily become unraveled. Kilims are traditionally reversable wool rugs with bright geometric colors, while Dhurries are usually made of cotton using lighter colors.

Machine made rugs are the most cost effective to produce. The style, color, and size options are almost endless. Most of the machines tuft 2 rugs at a time, face to face.


Rugs are made of many materials, usually depending on what is seasonally available. The materials used include wool, silk, cotton, bamboo, rayon, viscose, and goat hair. Rugs were originally dyed using dyes found in nature such as berries, however synthetic dyes are now readily available and provide endless color options.


Rugs have a very long lifespan, so many people opt for antique rugs instead of new rugs. In order to be considered antique, the rug must be at least 100 years old. Like an old pair of blue jeans that you have had in your closet for several years, antique rugs have a soft look and feel to them. Also, many people like the uniqueness of an antique rug and knowing that their neighbor across the street will not have the same one. A good quality rug is a good investment because it retains most, if not all, of its value. I must repeat what antique dealers always say - do not buy a rug because you think it is a good investment, instead buy it because you like it.

Eventhough many people buy antique rugs, even more people buy new rugs. They come in almost any color to suit your room, and can be easily located in the size, shape, and color you desire.


Most rugs fall under 3 categories - urban, rural, and tribal.

Urban rugs have a tendency to be more refined in construction and detail with many colors. These rugs were often designed by someone other than the weaver and created to sell.

Rural rugs have a tendency to be more coarse and not as refined artistically. They often portray animals, plants, and other rural aspects of life. These rugs were usually designed by the weaver and express their life as a type of folk art. These rugs were created for personal use, however extras were sold.

Tribal rugs are even less refined and tend to be small so they are more portable. They often portray fertility, security, and health using bright colors with little quality control.


Rugs are and were created all over the world. The rug's name usually derives from the city where the pattern and weaving style originated, which is not always where it was produced.

Persian weavers (current day Iran) are considered the original weavers. Modern Indian and Pakistani rugs are often reproductions of early Persian rugs.

Traditional oriental rugs have a central symbol and an intricate floral motif. Modern day Oriental rugs are also produced in either Japan and India because of the high demand.

Turkish and Caucasian rugs are currently in short supply, so Pakistan and Afghanistan are now producing these rugs. They typically have a geometric style using many squares and diamonds.

Aubussons and Savonneries are French rug styles. Both of these rugs usually have a center medallion and border. They are similar in design and color, however differ in texture and construction. The Aubusson is a flat-woven heavy, coarse, tightly woven tapestry rug. The Savonnerie is fine and soft knotted rug. Motifs in the Savonnerie rugs often are carved, making the motif stand out in relief.

Navajo rugs are usually made of wool on a tapestry weave. The patterns are named for the city or family who created them. Navajos did not start making rugs until around 1870.




For more information on where to purchase quality rugs, visit the designer resources section of this website.