Rug Glossary - The Rug Decor

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11/11 Quality

It is a traditional way to measure the quality of hand-knotted rugs. The quality depends on the number of knots per square inch (knot density). The more knots, the better the quality. So, 11/11 quality means the rug has 121 knots per square inch, making this rug incredibly durable.

14/14 Quality

It is a standard measure for analyzing the quality of hand-knotted rugs. The quality of the rug is directly related to the knot density. 14/14 quality means the rug has 196 knots per square inch. This makes it one of the highest quality rugs for a large rug size.

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3/20 Quality

It is a quality rug that is durable and functional. 3/20 quality means that the rug has 12 knots per square inch. These types of rugs feature thicker knots. The knots aren't tied in perfect squares like the 11/11 or 14/14 quality rugs. This measurement is well-known by local craftsmen.

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4/25 Quality

It is a rug that has 25 knots per square inch. Rugs with below 80 knots per square inch are considered lower-quality rugs. This type of rug quality has knots that aren't tied in perfect squares. The quality is also determined by the material used and how compactly it's woven.

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6/6 Quality

It is a reference to the rug's knot density. 6/6 quality means the rug has 26 knots per square inch. Although the number of knots is below 80, the rugs are still luxurious, durable, and functional. The credit goes to experts who craft each rug. You'll love how these rugs will add character to your space.

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8/8 Quality

It is a hand-knotted rug with a denser weave, tighter knots, and richer details. The quality of the rug is directly related to the knot density. 8/8 quality means the rug has 64 knots per square inch. This makes the rug durable and serves as a beautiful statement piece for your home.

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Afghani Wool

It is a wool blend that comes from different regions of Afghanistan, like Kunar and Ghazni. Rugs made from this wool are dyed using natural dyes. You can easily tell the difference between good wool and bad wool just by touching the rugs. Pure Afghani wool feels supple and can last generations. If it's dry and brassy, it's made from bad wool and can wear out quickly.

All-over Design/Pattern

It is a design repeated all over the rug without a focal point. The ends of some of the patterns are carefully planned, while others end abruptly. This gives a balanced look when paired with the rest of your decor. Rugs with all-over patterns can add visual depth to your room. A large-scale pattern can make your room look spacious. Whereas a small-scale pattern can make your room look more intimate.

Angora Wool

It is also known as Mohair wool. It is a soft and fluffy fiber originally obtained from the furry coat of Angora rabbits or goats, reared in the highlands of Turkey. It is blended with other fibers like sheep's wool. Rugs made from this blend are famously known for their warmth, softness, and luxurious sheen. It is a material that is breathable, stretchy, and has high heat retention. Fun fact: Each strand has a halo effect that gives the rugs their fluffiness.

Anywhere Weaves

It is also referred to as "indoor-outdoor" rugs. This means that they can be shuffled between interior and exterior spaces. They can be placed in any room and any area in your home. Anywhere weaves boast versatile designs and a neutral color palette. The patterns are simple and do not have a particular theme. They are made from synthetic yet durable materials that don't come with a backing. So, for indoors, it's advisable to use a rug pad for better grip and safety.

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Chokla Wool

It is a type of wool that is originally from Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. It is sourced from the Chokla sheep breed sheared in the spring and fall seasons. It is considered to be the best wool to make rugs. This wool is dense and heavy and is known for its durability and quality. Chokla wool is also referred to as Rajasthan Merino, Shekhawati, or Chapper.

Construction

It is a process of making a rug which includes the materials used, the weaving technique, and the final finish. Each step is important as it determines the texture, quality, and longevity of the rug. The rugs are hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or machine-made using materials such as polypropylene, wool, silk, etc.

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Dead Wool

It is also known as "pulled" wool. It is considered low-quality as chemicals are used to remove it from dead or very sick sheep. The texture of dead wool feels coarse and brittle. This is because it doesn't have the same oils that come from healthy sheep. You can identify this wool by rubbing your hand over the rug. If fibers come out easily, it is most likely made from dead wool.

Delustered Fibers

It is also known as synthetic fiber. It is treated to reduce its shine and reflectivity. The delustering process includes adding a white pigment like titanium dioxide to deluster the fibers, scatter and absorb the light. This makes the fibers appear duller, and difficult to spot dirt. This process takes place during the manufacturing stage of the fibers.

Design

It is the overall arrangement that goes into the look and feel of the rug. This includes the blend of different patterns, colors, knot density, and motifs. Designs range from modern, minimalist, traditional, Persian, etc. Choosing the perfect rug design is important in tying the rest of your decor together.

Durability

It is the lifespan of a rug. Many factors contribute to its durability. For example, the materials used, the weaving technique, the knot count, the construction method, and its maintenance. Hand-knotted rugs can last 30+ years, whereas tufted rugs, 5-7 years. Handlooms and flatweaves have a lifespan of 10+ years.

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Erased Design

It is a design that has an intentionally faded look. It is created by blending colors to give a worn-out design. The purpose of an erased design is to make the rug appear vintage and to give your home an antique aesthetic. They are available in wool and silk materials.

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Fiber

It is a strand of material woven to make rugs. These fibers can be natural or artificial materials. For example, cotton, wool, silk, or synthetics. Some fibers are durable, whereas some wear out quickly. Hence, different rug fibers require different cleaning techniques to maintain the longevity of the rugs.

Fiber Rugs

It is a rug made from fibers that are natural or artificial. Examples of rugs made from natural fibers are jute, sisal, wool, etc. Examples of artificial fibers include polyester, polypropylene, etc. Choosing the best rug fiber for your home is important.

Finishing

It is the final step of the rug-making process. This step includes washing, stretching, binding, trimming, shearing, fringing, tea-dyeing, knot counting, and pile height checking. This entire finishing process can take up to a month to complete. The overall look and durability of the rug rely on the finishing step.

Flat Weave

It is a rug made by weaving warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads on a loom. Flat weave rugs are thick and don't have knots, unlike hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs. They are lightweight and flexible, and both sides can be used. They are durable and can last for over 10 years. They are made using natural materials like cotton, jute, wool, silk, etc. You can place a flat weave rug indoors or outdoors.

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Garden Design

It is a design that represents paradise. You can find such designs on Persian rugs. The designs are usually garden-inspired, featuring flowers, plants, and birds. The colors, too, are landscape-centric. Just placing this rug in a room adds a breath of fresh air to your aesthetics. They work perfectly as outdoor rugs amidst nature.

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Herati Pattern

It is a pattern that features repetitive motifs in the form of flowers or rosettes enclosed in a diamond shape. This diamond shape is also surrounded by flowers that branch outward in infinite bending leaves, sometimes resembling fish. Hence, the Herati pattern is also called the "Mahi" or "Fish" pattern. Such patterns are usually used in Persian rugs that originate from the city of Herat, Afghanistan. They symbolize fertility, abundance, and the four directions.

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Kork Wool

It is wool that is obtained from the underbelly and neck of the Rayen goat. It is found in the Kerman region of Iran. The word "Kork" is Persian for "soft down". The texture is shiny, luxurious, and soft. It is considered to be the finest grade of wool, used to make expensive rugs in intricate designs. It can absorb dye well. This makes the rugs beautiful, premium, and durable.

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Locked-In-Weave

It is a weaving technique that secures each yarn and is weaved through the back of the rug. This weaving technique involves looping the yarn under and over the crossthreads, locking the knots together. The yarn is then pulled tight, ensuring that the face of the rug is sturdy, preventing it from loosening or unraveling. The consistency in this locking technique signifies high-quality craftsmanship. Couristan has patented this technique.

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Manchester Wool

It is yarn made from natural fibers like wool, silk, cotton, and mohair. It is sheared from Merino sheep and imported from Manchester, England. This type of wool is used to produce high-quality, lustrous rugs with a soft underfoot. It is finely spun and hand-dyed to create unique looks. This wool is environment-friendly, durable, soil-resistant, comfortable, and perfect for heavy traffic areas.

Merino Wool

It is sourced from the sheep that graze in the highlands of Australia and New Zealand. Rugs made from this wool are soft, comfortable, and durable than regular wool. This wool is also known for its lustrous and cloudy texture, giving a very comfortable underfoot. These rugs are versatile and look chic in any room. They are perfect for high-traffic areas.

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New Zealand Wool

It is sourced from sheep raised in New Zealand. It is known for its softness, durability, sheen, and eco-friendly properties. It can absorb dye well, allowing these rugs to come in a wide range of vibrant colors. It is excellent to make long shag rugs. It can absorb moisture, thus withstanding indoor humidity. In addition, it helps to regulate the room temperature by emitting warmth during harsh winters.

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Panel Design

It is a design that involves dividing the rug into panels or sections. They can be used to create different motifs inspired by local customs and traditions. These designs are also known as Garden Designs or Bandy Designs. They are available in many variations. One of them is a brick design, featuring a type of tree design that is repeated. The designs symbolize paradise and a weaver's hope for a brighter future.

Pashmina Wool

It is derived from the undercoat of Changthangi goats in the Himalayas. "Pashm" is a Persian word for "wool." It is soft and elegant. It is spun into yarn with a traditional spinning wheel. The yarn is then turned into fabric. It is washed and ironed to improve the texture.

Pattern

It is the harmonious arrangement of different shapes, lines, and colors. Our rugs come in various patterns, such as geometric, floral, stripes, abstract, animal prints, textured, etc. Some of these patterns may also be symbolic. For example, the Herati pattern has leaves shaped like fish, signifying the unity of nature.

Pattern Cut Pile

It is a rug with a textured pattern. The craftsmen use a combination of cut and loop piles to form specific shapes. A rug with a cut pile means the face of the rug has loops that are cut. On the other hand, a rug with a loop pile means the loops remain uncut. Both piles create a soft, plush, and velvety underfoot. This type of rug is sheared to create an upright pile. It can come in various patterns like geometric, floral, etc.

Pattern Match

It is a representation of how a pattern lines up on both sides of the rug. There are two kinds of pattern match. First, a standard pattern match where both sides and top and bottom match. Second, a drop match pattern where one part is lower than the other.

Pattern Streaks

It is a variation in the rug design that occurs during the weaving process. These streaks emerge due to the natural shift of the dye, texture, or weaving tension. Pattern streaks are beautiful flaws, ones that add character to your home. Every rug makes for a unique statement piece of home decor.

Patterned Loop

It is a type of rug with a textured surface. It is crafted by leaving loops of yarn uncut but arranged in a specific pattern. These loops are then sewn together to form patterns like waves, stripes, etc. Rugs with patterned loops are durable, stylish, and perfect for high-traffic areas.

Pile Weave

It is a weaving style that features a three-dimensional textured rug surface. It can be a thick, looped, or tufted surface. These pile weave rugs are machine-made or handwoven. Berber rugs are the best examples of pile weave rugs. They have a very soft underfoot, owing to their pile texture.

Plain Weave

It is the most commonly used weaving pattern. It boasts a grid-like, minimalistic pattern. This means that the vertical and horizontal threads intersect each other in a simple one-over-one-under formation. This creates a flat, uniform, and sturdy surface. Examples of plain weave rugs are Dhurries, Kilims, and other flatwoven rugs.

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Sardinian Wool

It is a high-quality coarse wool that is sourced from the island of Sardinia, Italy. It is used to make Orbace, a thick and heavy woolen fabric. Its most prominent feature is the raised stitch resembling grapes, also known as "pibiones". This stitch is a handwoven ancient technique. Crafting rugs from this material ensures sturdiness and durability with a rustic charm, featuring earthy tones. This material is also waterproof, stain, and fire-resistant.

Semi-Worsted Wool

It is a type of yarn specially processed to remove the shorter fibers. The yarn is spun tightly but not combed. During gilling, a process to prepare wool fibers before spinning them into yarn, the fibers are straightened, making the wool less bulky. It has a lean and lustrous appearance and is used in relatively dense, loop-pile constructions.

Sumac Weave

It is also known as Soumak weave. It is a hand-braided technique used to make flatweave rugs. The name is derived from the village of Shemaka, Caucasus. The design is complex yet reversible, which means both sides of the rug offer a visually appealing look. The threads are wrapped around the vertical threads in a standardized sequence. Then, the threads are left to hang loose on the back of the rug.

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Tapestry Weave

It is a handmade weaving technique that highlights the weft threads. Weft threads are the horizontal threads that are woven over and under the warp (vertical) threads. Although there are warp threads, they only act as a grid and are completely covered. The weaver interlaces the weft threads to create a pattern. The finished product reveals a weft-faced rug or wall-hanging that is sturdy and compact.

Texture

It is the feel of the rug that depends on the weaving technique and materials used. It also depends on the pile height, which refers to the vertical distance between the surface of the rug fibers and the backing. Choosing a rug with the right texture for your space is very important. For example, some textures are made for high foot traffic areas to ensure your rug's longevity.

Texture Retention

It is the ability of your rug to maintain its shape and appearance under normal foot traffic. Texture retention can be measured with a standard rating system. The scale ranges from 1.0, which means a severe change, to 5.0, indicating that it still looks new or no change at all.

Textured Loop Pile

It is a rug that features different heights of loops. This creates a textured appearance. It is also called multi-level loop pile, high-low loop pile, or patterned textured loop pile. This pattern is created by keeping the loop pile untrimmed. It can be used in medium to high-foot traffic areas.

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Weave

It is a rug-making technique that requires the weaver to intertwine warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads on a loom. The outcome of this handmade wonder is a durable rug with a fancy design. Some types of weaves are hand-knotted (tying thousands of knots to the rug's foundation), hand-tufted (punching strands through the canvas's backing using a tufting gun), and hooked (pulling loops of yarn through a woven base using a crochet-like hook). Woven rugs are famous for their quality and longevity.

Weaver

It is a highly skilled artisan who specializes in weaving threads together. The weaver uses a loom to hold the threads in place. The warp threads are stretched from one side, and the weft threads are woven in and out of the warp threads. Then, they are knotted together. The weaver is skilled in using ancient techniques to create unique pieces of rug decor.

Wilton Weave

It is a rug-weaving technique used by artisans to combine the warp and weft threads. Using this technique helps to create a strong and durable rug. Wilton rugs hold a reputation for having intricate patterns, a dense pile, and a luxurious feel. It is the ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

Wool

It is a natural fiber that is warm, comfortable, and durable. Wool rugs can retain their shape and color even after many years of using them. They require regular maintenance if you choose to have them in your home. Here's how you can clean your wool rug at home.

Wool Sisal

It is a rug made from wool and sisal. When combined, they bring out the best qualities in both materials with a very stylish finish. Wool is soft, durable, and luxurious, while Sisal is a natural, hypoallergenic fiber. It is perfect for people with allergies. It's flame, stain, and mildew-resistant.

Worsted Wool

It is a high-quality wool that is specially processed to make a fine, smooth, and durable material. This material is then used to make rugs. The fibers are combed, ensuring that they are all in one direction, creating a stronger material. It is light, bright, and a sign of wealth.