Find the Best Rug Style for Your Home
Finding the best rug style, made simple.
Area rugs can tie any space together, whether you choose a rug to be a statement piece or a complementary neutral. A rug style encompasses many aspects, including material, construction method, and pattern. Read our guide below to find which rug style fits your home and your lifestyle.
Rug Construction
Rug Materials
Rugs by Style
Additional Things to Consider
Aspects of Rug Style
Rug Construction
Flatweave: A flatweave rug is popular for its comfort, versatility, and wide range of patterns. Flatweave rugs are made without any knots. They are constructed with weaving vertical fibers (the warp) across the horizontal fibers that make up the width (the weft). These are lightweight and easy to swap out for different designs.
Tufted: Tufted rugs are made without using knots. Instead, loops of yarn are pulled through the backing material with either a handheld tool or a machine. The fibers are sheared to create a soft, smooth surface. These rugs are soft and come in a variety of classic and modern designs.
Hooked: These rugs are constructed in a similar way to the tufted rugs, but the loops on hooked rugs don’t get cut.
Power Loom: Machine-made rugs are woven by computer-controlled mechanisms to make detailed designs. Power-loom rugs are often finished with a protective latex coating on the rug backing to ensure a long-lasting quality.
Hand-Knotted: This method is labor-intensive and creates beautiful, unique rugs. One or two pieces of yarn are individually tied to the warp and the knots create the surface of the rug.
Rug Materials
Wool: Rugs made from wool are soft and resilient. Wool is a great option for any space because it is naturally stain-resistant and lasts for a long time.
Cotton: Cotton rugs are popular because they are lightweight and soft. They are typically machine-washable, making them good for spaces where messes might happen.
Jute & Sisal: Natural fibers like jute and sisal are durable and add an organic texture to any room. Plant-fiber rugs are strong enough to handle high-traffic but aren't stain-resistant.
Polypropylene: This synthetic material is easy to care for and stain-resistant. It can handle moisture and high-traffic, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use.
Silk: While they can often be expensive, silk rugs are elegant and detailed. They can easily elevate any room, but should be kept in low-traffic areas to prevent the rug from getting worn.
Polyester: Similar to polypropylene, polyester rugs are made for comfort and durability. Polyester rugs are pet-friendly, low-maintenance, and ideal for hard-wearing spaces, such as entryways.
Rugs by Style
With plenty of options, an area rug can quickly transform any space and make it feel more inviting. Find a rug style that adds the right amount of comfort and character to your home.
Farmhouse-Style Rugs
Farmhouse-inspired design focuses on natural, lived-in comfort. We suggest choosing rugs in a soft, neutral palette with an emphasis on combining textures. Farmhouse-style rugs often feature simple patterns like stripes and organic shapes. Choose a rug in a natural fiber like sisal for a solid base. Add a woven cotton rug in a subtle variegated tone or a patterned rug in an earthy shade for more visual interest.
Traditional design often pairs different patterns for a rich, layered effect. With long-lasting quality and time-honored style, we love the look of a classic damask or a Turkish-inspired pattern to create a nostalgic feel. Handmade pieces with Oriental patterns provide warmth and historic charm to any space.
Coastal spaces look to the seaside for inspiration. To bring these elements inside, choose a rug in a washed-out light color with natural details for a simple foundation or pick a bold stripe for a more nautical feel. We love the look of a natural flatweave in coastal designs. Try a braided jute rug to add a touch of laid-back ambience to any room.
Rustic style rugs bring warmth into your home. Opt for earthy colors like warm brown, burgundy, or muted green. We recommend patterns that are inspired by Southwest designs or faded Oriental styles to complement rustic textures, such as exposed stone or unfinished wood. Layer with sheepskin or cowhide rugs for added softness.
Additional Things to Consider
Space: Rugs can serve different purposes based on which space they’re placed in. For a kitchen or dining room, choose a rug made from a stain-resistant fiber. For living rooms and bedrooms, pick materials that bring warmth and softness.
Traffic: For areas like entryways, busy hallways, or kitchen runners, look for a rug that can handle high traffic. Stay away from rugs with delicate or expensive materials. Instead, choose a rug in a durable, synthetic fiber like polypropylene or polyester.
Size: Choosing the correct size can make a room feel larger and more cohesive. Read our guide How to Find the Right Rug Size to help find the correct rug size for any room, whether it's the living room or dining space.
Pets: Opt for rugs with pet-friendly features like a low-pile or machine-washable materials to make messes easy to clean.
Moisture: If you’re placing your rug in a space prone to moisture, such as a bathroom or outdoor space, choose a rug made from nylon or acrylic fibers. Keep natural materials like wool, jute, or sisal away from excess moisture to keep them fresh and long-lasting.
Maintenance: Keep maintenance in mind when choosing a rug. Low-pile and flatweave rugs can be vacuumed quickly while high-pile and delicate rugs might need to be professionally cleaned.
Rug Pads: We recommend using a rug pad beneath your rug to keep it in place and avoid additional wear. Rug pads come in different thicknesses and are easy to trim to fit beneath any size rug.
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