Rugs you've been eyeing — pick up where you left off.
A flat weave rug is woven on a loom with no pile, so it lies thin and flat on the floor and is easy to live with in busy rooms. This collection holds more than 850 flatweave rugs, all hand woven, in wool, wool blends, polyester, jute, linen, coir and cotton. You will find geometric, striped, southwestern, bohemian and Scandinavian designs in sizes from 2x3 accent rugs to 10x14 room-size rugs, plus runners, and more than 130 of them are made for indoor and outdoor use. If you need a rug that sits low under a door, a dining table or a desk chair, start here.
What Is a Flat Weave Rug?
Most area rugs have pile: tufts or knots of yarn that stand up from a backing and create a soft, raised surface. A flat weave rug has none. Instead, the colored yarns (the weft) are passed over and under tightly strung foundation threads (the warp) on a loom, and the pattern is built directly into that woven surface. The result is a thin, firm textile that looks much the same on the face as it does in structure.
Flat weaving is one of the oldest rug-making methods in the world. Traditional styles such as the Indian dhurrie and the tapestry-woven rugs of Turkey, Persia and the Caucasus are all flat woven, and the same basic technique is used for Scandinavian rag-style and modern striped rugs today. The rugs in this collection are hand woven flatweaves in a mix of classic and contemporary designs. Searching for a "flat woven rug" or "flatweave area rug" brings up the same thing: a rug with a woven surface and no pile.
Flat Weave vs Hand Tufted and Pile Rugs
Flat weave rug
Hand tufted or other pile rug
Surface
Woven, no pile
Raised yarn pile
Profile
Thin and low
Thicker, with more height
Feel underfoot
Firm, with less cushioning
Softer and plusher
Chairs and doors
Chairs slide easily; clears most doors
Chairs can catch; may rub under doors
Cleaning
Dirt sits on the surface and vacuums off easily
Pile can hold more dust and crumbs
Best for
Dining rooms, entryways, hallways, layering
Living rooms and bedrooms where softness matters
Pros and Cons of a Flat Weave Rug
Pros
Low profile. A flatweave sits close to the floor, so it fits under doors that would catch on a thicker rug and is less of a tripping point at the edges.
Good under dining chairs and desks. Chairs roll and slide across a flat surface instead of snagging in pile.
Easy to clean. With no pile to trap dirt, crumbs and pet hair sit on top and vacuum away.
Reversible in some cases. Because the pattern is woven through the rug, some flat weave rugs can be flipped to spread wear. Check the listing, since not every design is finished the same on both sides.
Lightweight. Flatweaves are easy to move, roll and layer over a larger rug.
Cons
Less cushioning. A flat weave rug is firmer underfoot than a plush pile rug. A rug pad adds some softness and is worth using on hard floors.
Can slide. Thin, light rugs move more easily than heavy ones, which is another reason to use a pad.
Less sound absorption. A thinner rug muffles less noise than a deep pile rug.
Shop Flatweave Rugs by Material, Style and Room
Flat Weave Wool Rugs
Wool is the core of this collection, with more than 300 all-wool flatweaves and about 300 wool blends. A flat weave wool rug is durable, naturally resists soil and has a matte, slightly textured surface that suits both traditional and modern rooms. Browse more in wool rugs.
Flat Weave Jute, Linen, Coir and Cotton Rugs
About 85 rugs are jute or jute blends, and there are smaller groups of linen, coir and cotton flatweaves. A flat weave jute rug has a natural, nubby texture and earthy color that works in farmhouse, coastal and bohemian rooms. See jute and sisal rugs for more natural fiber options.
Flat Weave Outdoor Rugs
More than 130 flatweaves are tagged for indoor and outdoor use and suggested for patios. A flat weave outdoor rug is light, dries faster than a thick rug and is easy to shake out. Pair one with our outdoor rugs for porches, decks and covered patios.
Flatweave Rugs by Style and Pattern
Most designs are contemporary, with a large group of southwestern patterns and smaller sets of traditional, bohemian, Scandinavian, coastal and modern looks. Geometric and striped patterns lead, followed by zig zag, basket weave, medallion, abstract, check, diamond and Greek key designs, plus about 40 solid flatweaves. Flat weaving suits bold, crisp patterns, so it is a natural fit for southwestern rugs and black and white geometric designs.
Flatweave Rugs by Color
Blue is the most common color, followed by ivory, natural, green, black, grey and brown, with pink, navy, beige, red and multicolor designs too. Black and white flat weave rugs and neutral flatweaves in ivory and natural are easy to pair with other rugs and furniture.
Flatweave Rugs by Room
Flatweaves are especially useful in dining room rugs, entryways and hallways, where low height matters. The collection also includes more than 140 flat weave runner rugs for halls and stairs. In a living room or bedroom, a flatweave layers well over a larger natural fiber rug or under furniture you move often.
Flat Weave Rug Sizes
The most common sizes here are 2x3 accent rugs, 8x10, 5x8, 9x12, 2x8 runners and 4x6. Size buckets are approximate, so check each listing for exact dimensions.
Vacuum regularly with suction only or the beater bar raised, and avoid catching the fringe or edges.
Blot spills right away with a clean white cloth. On wool, use cool water and a little mild wool-safe detergent.
Keep jute, coir and linen dry. Plant fibers can brown or stain if soaked, so spot-clean lightly and let them dry fast.
Shake out or hose down outdoor flatweaves and let them dry fully before rolling or storing.
Rotate or flip the rug every few months, if it is reversible, to even out wear and sun fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flat weave rug?
A flat weave rug is a rug woven on a loom with no pile. The yarns are interlaced over and under the warp threads to form a thin, firm surface with the pattern built in. Dhurries and tapestry-woven rugs are traditional examples. Flatweaves are lighter, lower and easier to clean than tufted or knotted pile rugs.
Are flat weave rugs comfortable?
They are firmer than pile rugs, so they feel less cushioned underfoot. Many people prefer them in dining rooms, entryways and hallways, where a low surface matters more than softness. A rug pad underneath adds a little comfort, stops sliding and protects the floor, so it is worth using under any flat weave rug on a hard floor.
Are flat weave rugs good for dining rooms?
Yes. A flat weave rug is one of the best choices for a dining room because chairs slide over it without catching, crumbs vacuum off easily, and the low profile keeps chair legs level. Choose a size that extends at least 24 inches past the table on every side, usually an 8x10 or 9x12 for a table seating six.
Are flat weave rugs reversible?
Some are. Because the pattern is woven through the rug rather than sitting on top as pile, many flatweaves can be turned over to spread wear and fading. Others have a finished back that is not meant to face up. Check the product listing or look at both sides when the rug arrives.
How do you clean a flat weave rug?
Vacuum it regularly with suction only, blot spills at once with a clean cloth and cool water, and spot-clean wool with a mild wool-safe detergent. Keep jute and other plant fiber flatweaves as dry as possible. Indoor/outdoor flatweaves can be hosed down and left to dry fully in the shade.
Can a flat weave rug go outdoors?
Only if it is made for it. More than 130 polyester flatweaves in this collection are tagged for indoor and outdoor use, which suits covered patios, porches and decks. Wool, jute and cotton flatweaves are indoor rugs and should stay inside, away from rain and standing moisture.
Why Buy Flatweave Rugs from RugKnots
We have been sourcing rugs since 1987, and every flatweave listing states the material, construction and size. Flat weave rugs start from about $69, shipping is free on all orders in the contiguous US, and returns are free for 30 days. Looking for something with more height underfoot? Browse shag rugs or runner rugs for hallways.
