Rugs Rule: An Underfoot Material & Trend Report

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Whether you’re into exotic hardwoods, Mexican ceramic tile, or benefiting from the newest engineered flooring types, hard interior surfaces, at times, require the extra layer of comfort and texture that only an area rug can provide.

Before you make your next purchase, always account for how you’re using that space on a daily basis and choose the best material and method of construction to meet your long-term needs and style goals. Here’s a run-down of some of the most popular techniques and trends in area rugs.

The Flexibility of Flatweave

Among the best low-pile options in this category is the flatweave rug which uses a technique done on a loom or by hand that involves the simple practice of interlacing vertical and horizontal threads. This technique can employ various materials, including wool, and is available in many patterns such as chevron, houndstooth, and stripes. With this lightweight variation being highly recommended for its durability, practicality, reversibility, and ease-of-care, flatweave is always a popular choice for the no-fuss homeowner. 

Going Organic

Jute rugs primarily feature all-natural fibers and neutral tones and work well for homeowners who love to introduce subtle textures. Interiors experts recommend placing your jute rug in a living room, hallway, or entryway. This type of fiber can be braided or handwoven creating basic designs such as chevrons and stripes. Jute is durable enough for high-traffic areas and is often blended with other natural fibers to create a softer foot feel. Another popular natural option is sisal. Sisal’s fibers come from the agave plant and the result is said to be an even more durable option than jute for high-traffic areas. Like jute, sisal can be dyed and woven into chunkier weaves, so you can use it to personalize a room with style and color. 

Braid & Stitch

Natural fibers and strips of fabric combine to create the bulkier characteristics of the braided rug. The fibers and fabrics, which can include wool, jute, cotton, and synthetic materials, provide a unique tactile beauty that transcends the traditional oval pattern that most often comes to mind when thinking about braided rugs. You will find the braiding technique used in area rugs of various shapes and designs for the contemporary homeowner, as well. Braided rugs do require a modicum of standard care and are best when regularly shaken or beaten to remove surface debris that can collect in its characteristic nooks. Care needs to be exercised when vacuuming and around pets that like to scratch, to protect this rug’s trademark stitching. 

Beauty, By-Hand

Hand-knotted rugs are among the pricier area rug options favored by homeowners, but for good reason. The process used to make them is an intricate one where every individual fiber is tied by hand onto the rug until a desired thickness in pile is achieved. While it is a time-intensive process, these rugs, which are generally made of natural wool or silk, reflect a wide range of creativity in its designs. A popular type of rug in this category is the Persian rug which is most often used as a statement-making feature in a living room or bedroom. 

Next-Level Knotting

The more modern process of hand-tufting uses updated tools and a specific pattern that is applied to a canvas or sheet comparable to the material of the rug. The rug’s materials are then pulled through the backing along the pattern with a tufting tool. This method allows for a good deal of flexibility in design, durability, and a rug that is thicker than most handcrafted rugs.

Nostalgic & Noteworthy

Just too good to be relegated to the annals of design history, the shag rug has once again regained favor among interiors experts. More often than not, shag area rugs are handwoven. Using a process of hand-knotting, hand-looping, or hand-tufting, the shag rug is a compilation of loop-like fibers. Popular fiber types include polyester and polypropylene, but other materials such as wool, faux and real fur, leather and acrylic, are helping boost the desirability of shag styles among contemporary consumers.  

Today’s Floor-Top Trend

Anything that gets walked on as much as a rug does is bound to create a palpable amount of anxiety for any homeowner who stresses about cleanliness. In fact, the thought of tracking the outside world’s dirt into the house is a bridge too far for some homeowners; the ones who make a rule of checking shoes at the door for all who enter. How relieved those homeowners must be now that we have entered the world of truly washable rugs that can be peeled from their surface backing and thrown into the washing machine and dryer. No more beating, spot-cleaning, or fretting about juice stains. Today’s original washable rugs are stain-resistant, water-resistant, and designed specifically so they can be thrown into a standard home washing machine, even the 9- by 12-foot styles. How does it work? The first iterations of these rugs consisted of a primarily low pile, flatwoven cover or topper designed to work in conjunction with a non-slip rug pad that remains on the floor during the washing process. These options are especially nice for high traffic, beachy, vacation homes—sound familiar? The best news is the manufacturing process in this category continues to improve and now the machine-washable offerings have expanded to include tufted and more plush varieties including shag.