At Heritage and Rugs, we get it – the world of rugs can be a maze of unfamiliar terms. That's why we've crafted this blog to be your beacon of clarity in the rug universe. 🌐
Embark on a journey with us as we unravel the secrets behind every rug term, empowering you to make informed decisions. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to the perfect rug for your space! 🏡
Let's turn your rug dreams into a reality – where style meets substance. Heritage and Rugs, your trusted companion in the artistry of rug selection! 🌟
A
Abrash:
- Natural variations in color within a rug due to variations in the dyeing process.
Acrylic:
- A synthetic fiber used in rug making, known for its softness and resistance to mold and mildew.
Antique Wash:
- A technique of aging colors by submerging the rug into a special chemical solution.
Art. Silk (Faux Silk, Bamboo Silk):
- Artificial silk created using fibers such as viscose or rayon, resembling real silk but with cost and maintenance advantages.
B
Backing:
- The material used at the back of the rug on top of which the pile is woven.
Background Colour:
- The principal color on the rug's surface, usually taking up more than 50% of the overall rug coloration.
Blend:
- A mixture of two or more fibers in the manufacture of any one rug.
Border Rugs:
- Rugs with a border around the outer area, often having a different design than the core area.
C
Hand-Carved/Carving:
- A construction technique where the rug surface is engraved by hand to fashion ridges or canals, creating a design or highlighting the detailing and depth of a rug.
Chenille Rugs:
- Rugs constructed by wrapping short lengths of fabric around a tight core of yarn, giving them a soft and unique look.
Classic Rugs / Traditional Rugs:
- Rug designs that pre-date the 20th century, often originating from different parts of the world.
Colourfast:
- Colors/dyes that do not run when exposed to water.
Contemporary / Modern Rugs:
- Any rug design that is not considered classical, including striped, non-patterned floral, plain, and shaggy rugs.
Cotton:
- Cotton is a natural fiber used in rug making, valued for its softness, breathability, and absorbency. Cotton rugs are often more lightweight, making them suitable for various settings. They come in a range of styles, from flatweave to tufted, offering versatility in design.
Cut Pile Rugs:
- The process of smoothing the surface of a wool rug by leveling and twisting the yarns, resulting in a flat and soft surface.
F
Flatweave Rugs:
- Rugs constructed using a method that does not require knots, making them flexible and often reversible.
Fringe (Antique Fringe):
- Twisted threads along the edges of a rug, common in antique and Persian rugs.
H
Hand-Knotted Rugs / Nepalese Weave:
- One of the most intricate, expensive, and time-consuming rug-making techniques, involving weaving knots one at a time to create a thick, luxurious pile. Sample Video
Handmade Rugs / Hand-Woven Rugs:
- Rugs made without the aid of automated machinery, generally more durable and expensive than machine-made rugs.
Hand-Tufted Rugs:
- A construction method mimicking hand-knotted rugs but more accessible, with threads punched through a pre-fabricated backing and held together with special glue.
Hard Twist:
- A type of cut pile rug where the yarn is twisted and heated to prevent unraveling.
Heat-set Rugs:
- Machine-made rugs with yarn heated to give strength, softness, and prevent unraveling.
J
Jute Rugs:
- Rugs made of a natural plant fiber known for durability and wear resistance.
K
Kelim/Kilim Rugs:
- Hand-woven rugs using the flat-weave technique, often reversible and colourful.
Knot:
- The structural unit of rug, knots vary according to local and tribal weaving traditions. Usually symmetrical ones are identified as Turkish and asymmetrical ones are Persian. For more information
Knot Count:
- the number of knots per square decimetre. Usually, (be careful!) more the knots better the quality and higher the price.
L
Loop Pile:
- Uncut pile where yarns remain unleavened, providing extra durability.
M
Machine Made Rugs:
- Rugs made using automated machinery, offering great value and a wider range of designs and materials.
Multi-level Loop Pile:
- Different pile heights on a rug that achieve a three-dimensional effect.
N
Nylon:
- A synthetic fiber known for its strength and dye-absorbing characteristics.
O
Oriental Rugs:
- A term used to describe classic rugs made in the Middle East and South East Asia, excluding Iran.
P
Pile / Nap:
- The yarn of a rug that is not flat-woven.
Polyester:
- A synthetic fiber used in rug making, offering softness and wrinkle resistance.
Polypropylene:
- A synthetic fiber commonly used in machine-made and handmade rugs.
R
Rug Pad / Rug Underlay:
- A layer beneath a rug to provide cushioning, prevent slipping, and protect the floor.
Runners:
- Long, narrow rugs designed for hallways or staircases.
S
Shag Pile / Shaggy Rug:
- Rugs with a deep, luxurious pile that provides a soft and cozy feel.
Shedding:
- The natural process of fibers coming loose from a rug, common in new rugs.
Sisal:
- A natural plant fiber used in rug making, known for its durability.
Sisal Style Rugs:
- Rugs that mimic the look of sisal but may use different materials.
Space-Dyed:
- Yarns dyed in multiple colors along their length, creating a variegated effect.
T
Tibetan Weave:
- A hand-knotting technique used in rug making, known for its intricacy.
Tribal Rugs:
- Rugs featuring designs inspired by traditional tribal patterns.
Turkish Oushak:
- Rug type which implies symmetrical knot design and Turkish art.
W
Warp:
- The warp refers to the foundation threads that run vertically on the loom. These threads are stretched tightly during the weaving process, providing support for the horizontal weft threads. The arrangement and tension of the warp threads influence the structure and strength of the rug, and they play a crucial role in determining the overall design and pattern.
Weft:
- Horizontally wowen yarns woven through the warps. Video
Wool:
- A natural fiber derived from the fleece of sheep, wool is a widely used material in rug making. Known for its durability, softness, and flame-resistant properties, wool rugs offer a luxurious feel and often showcase intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
Y
Yarn:
- The fibers used in rug making, contributing to the overall texture and appearance.