A rug glossary is a plain-English dictionary of the words you meet when shopping for a rug — pile, flatweave, hand-tufted, points per square meter, and more — so you can read any product page with confidence and choose the right rug for your room. Use this rug glossary to decode the labels and compare rugs on what actually matters instead of guessing.
Construction: how a rug is made
How a rug is built is the single biggest driver of its price, durability, and feel, so it is the best place to start. Handmade rugs like the Alisha Striped rug are crafted by artisans, while others are woven by machine. These are the construction words you will see most often.
Hand-knotted
The oldest method: an artisan ties individual knots of yarn around the foundation threads by hand, row by row. A single rug can hold anywhere from a few dozen to more than a thousand knots per square inch, and more knots generally mean finer detail and a longer life. Hand-knotted rugs take months to make and sit at the top of the price range.
Hand-tufted
A faster handmade method in which yarn is punched through a fabric backing with a tufting tool and then secured with a backing layer. It delivers a handmade look and a plush feel for far less than hand-knotting. The Maya Hand Tufted Collection is an example of this construction.
Loom-made and power-loomed
Woven on a loom — increasingly a computer-controlled one — rather than knotted by hand. Power-loomed rugs are produced quickly and consistently, which keeps them affordable and makes them a dependable choice for busy rooms. The loom-made Aarav Abstract rug and the machine-made Abelia Geometric rug are two examples.
Flatweave
A rug woven with no raised pile at all, such as a kilim or a dhurrie. The surface is thin, often reversible, and easy to clean, which makes flatweaves popular in entryways, kitchens, and under furniture where a thick rug would get in the way.
Construction methods at a glance
| Method | How it is made | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted | Knotted by hand, row by row | Highest | Heirloom pieces and formal rooms |
| Hand-tufted | Yarn punched into a backing | Mid-range | A plush, handmade feel for less |
| Power-loomed / loom-made | Woven by machine | Budget-friendly | Busy, everyday rooms |
| Flatweave | Woven flat with no pile | Budget-friendly | Entryways, layering, easy care |
Pile and texture
Pile
The upright surface fibers of a rug — the part you feel underfoot. Pile can be cut, looped, or a mix of the two.
Cut pile and loop pile
Cut pile has its loops sheared open for a soft, even surface, while loop pile leaves the loops intact for a hard-wearing, textured one. Many rugs combine both to create a pattern.
Pile height
How tall the fibers stand, measured from the backing to the tip. Low pile is thin and easy to clean; high pile and shag are plush and warm but trap more dust and show footprints.
Points per square meter
A density figure you will see on many product pages, sometimes written points/sqm. It counts the yarn tips packed into a square meter: the more points, the denser and more detailed the rug. Density and pile height together shape how a rug feels and how it wears.
Materials and fibers
The next part of this rug glossary covers the fibers a rug is made from, which affect softness, durability, and care.
Polypropylene
A synthetic fiber prized for stain and fade resistance and an easy-care surface, which is why it is so common in high-traffic and family rooms.
Wool
A natural fiber that is soft, resilient, and naturally temperature-regulating. It holds color well and springs back from crushing, which is why it is considered a premium choice.
Jute and natural fibers
Plant-based fibers such as jute and sisal bring an earthy, textured look. They are durable but coarser underfoot, so they suit living rooms and hallways more than bedrooms.
Viscose
A silk-like fiber that adds sheen and softness but is more delicate, so it performs best in low-traffic spots rather than entryways.
Size, shape, and layout terms
Runner
A long, narrow rug for hallways, kitchens, and the sides of a bed. Browse lengths and widths in the Rug Runners collection.
Area rug
Any rug that covers part of a floor rather than running wall to wall, named for the area it defines, such as a seating group or a dining zone.
Rug pad
A thin underlay placed beneath a rug to stop it from sliding, add a little cushioning, and protect the floor. See the Non-Slip Rug Pads for the right fit.
Care and quality terms
Shedding
The loose fibers a new rug releases early in its life. It is normal, especially with wool, and eases over time with regular, gentle vacuuming.
Abrash
Soft, natural color variation caused by small differences in dyeing, usually seen as faint horizontal banding. It is a hallmark of handmade rugs rather than a flaw.
Spot cleaning
Treating a spill in one area with a damp cloth and a mild solution instead of washing the whole rug. It is the right first response to most everyday stains.
Foundation and edges
Warp and weft
The structural threads of a woven rug. Warp threads run lengthwise and are held under tension on the loom, while weft threads pass across them to lock the rows together. The pile or knots attach to this grid.
Fringe
The short tassels at a rug's two ends. On a hand-knotted rug the fringe is the exposed warp, so it is part of the structure; on many machine-made rugs it is sewn or woven on purely for looks.
Selvedge
The finished, bound edge along a rug's long sides that keeps the weave from unraveling. A tight, even selvedge is a quiet sign of careful finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important term in a rug glossary?
Construction — whether a rug is hand-knotted, hand-tufted, power-loomed, or flatweave — matters most, because it drives price, durability, and feel more than any other single factor.
What does points per square meter mean on a rug?
It is a density count of the yarn tips in a square meter. A higher number means a tighter, more detailed rug, and it is one clue to quality alongside the material and the construction.
Is a higher pile always better?
No. High pile feels plush and warm but shows footprints and traps dust, while low pile is easier to clean and sits better under doors and furniture. The right height depends on how the room is used.
What is the difference between a flatweave and a pile rug?
A flatweave has no raised surface fibers, so it is thin and often reversible, while a pile rug has upright fibers you feel underfoot. Flatweaves are easier to clean; pile rugs are softer and warmer.
