Rug Glossary
The Ultimate Rug Glossary: Terms & Definitions (2026)
What's the difference between hand-knotted and hand-tufted? What is pile height? This comprehensive glossary explains every rug term you need to know so you can shop with confidence.
Shopping for a rug can feel like learning a new language. From "warp and weft" to "Oushak" and "flatweave," the terminology can be overwhelming. But understanding these terms is the key to knowing exactly what you are paying for—and ensuring you get the perfect rug for your home's needs.
We've compiled this complete dictionary of rug terminology, broken down by category, so you can decipher product descriptions and make an informed investment.
Rug Construction & Weaving Terms
Hand-Knotted
The highest quality, most labor-intensive method of rug making. Artisans tie individual knots of yarn onto a vertical loom. A single hand-knotted rug can take months or even years to complete. These rugs are incredibly durable, often lasting for generations as heirlooms, and have no backing material.
Hand-Tufted
A faster method where a worker uses a "tufting gun" to punch yarn through a canvas backing. A secondary backing (usually canvas or cotton) is then glued on to hold the yarns in place. They look similar to hand-knotted rugs but are less expensive and generally last 5-10 years.
Machine-Made (Power-Loomed)
Rugs woven rapidly by large, computer-controlled machines. This method allows for complex patterns and high production volume at a much lower cost. Typically made from synthetic materials like polypropylene or nylon.
Flatweave
A rug woven without any pile (no knots or tufts). The vertical and horizontal threads (warp and weft) are simply woven tightly together. Kilims and Dhurries are examples of flatweaves. They are thin, reversible, and excellent for high-traffic areas or layering.
Hand-Loomed
Rugs woven on a loom operated by hand (rather than a machine), but without tying individual knots. The weaver passes the horizontal yarn (weft) back and forth through the vertical yarn (warp). This produces a flatweave or a low, uniform pile.
Knot Density (KPSI)
Stands for "Knots Per Square Inch." It is a measure of the fineness and quality of a hand-knotted rug. A higher KPSI means a denser, more detailed pattern and generally a more valuable rug. KPSI can range from 50 (coarse) to over 500 (extremely fine, usually silk).
Rug Material Terms
Wool
The most common and highly regarded natural fiber for rugs. Wool is incredibly durable, naturally stain-resistant (due to lanolin), flame-retardant, and holds dye beautifully. It is the standard for high-quality hand-knotted rugs.
Silk
A luxurious, highly prized natural fiber produced by silkworms. Silk is incredibly strong but very fine, allowing for rugs with extremely high knot densities and intricate details. It has a beautiful natural sheen. Often used for accents within a wool rug to highlight the pattern.
Polypropylene (Olefin)
The most common synthetic rug fiber. It is highly stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and very affordable. It is often used for indoor/outdoor rugs and machine-made rugs. It does not absorb liquids, making it easy to clean, but it can flatten under heavy furniture over time.
Jute
A natural plant fiber grown primarily in India and Bangladesh. Jute rugs are thick, textured, and have a natural golden-brown color. They are great for adding organic texture to a room (like Coastal or Farmhouse styles) but are not ideal for damp areas.
Viscose (Art Silk)
A semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp (cellulose). It is designed to mimic the look and feel of real silk at a fraction of the cost. However, viscose is very delicate, sheds easily, and stains permanently if exposed to water. Best used in low-traffic areas.
Cotton
A soft, natural fiber often used for the foundation (warp and weft) of hand-knotted rugs. It is also used as the primary pile material in casual, flatweave rugs (like Dhurries) and washable rugs. It is easy to clean but less durable than wool.
Rug Styles & Pattern Terms
Persian Rug
Specifically, a hand-knotted rug made within the borders of modern-day Iran. They are renowned for their incredible quality, intricate floral or geometric patterns, and use of traditional natural dyes. (Note: "Oriental rug" is a broader term for rugs made anywhere in Asia).
Oushak (Ushak)
A style of Turkish rug known for its large-scale, stylized floral patterns and soft, muted, pastel color palettes (apricot, soft blue, pale green). They have a very relaxed, elegant look that is highly sought after in Transitional design.
Kilim
A specific type of flatweave rug traditionally produced in countries from the Balkans to Pakistan. They are known for their slit-weave technique, which produces sharp, geometric, tribal patterns and vibrant colors.
Beni Ourain
A type of Moroccan rug hand-woven by the Beni Ourain tribes in the Atlas Mountains. They are traditionally made of undyed, plush cream wool featuring dark brown or black geometric lines and diamond patterns. Very popular in Boho and Modern design.
Overdyed
A process where a vintage or antique rug is bleached to remove its original colors, and then dyed with a vibrant, saturated new color (like bright pink, teal, or deep blue). The original pattern still shows through faintly. Also known as "distressed" or "vintage-look."
Medallion
A large, central design element found in many traditional Persian and Oriental rugs. It acts as the focal point of the rug, often surrounded by a contrasting field color and intricate borders.
Rug Anatomy Terms
Pile
The visible surface of the rug that you walk on. It is formed by the cut ends of the knots (in a hand-knotted rug) or tufts. Rugs can have a "low pile" (flat, easy to vacuum) or a "high pile" (thick, plush, like a shag rug).
Warp
The structural foundation threads of the rug that run vertically (up and down) on the loom. The knots are tied onto the warp threads. The fringes at the ends of a hand-knotted rug are actually the exposed ends of the warp threads.
Weft
The structural foundation threads that run horizontally (left to right) across the loom. After a row of knots is tied across the warp, the weft thread is woven through and packed down tightly to secure the knots in place.
Fringe
The decorative tassels at the ends of a rug. On a true hand-knotted rug, the fringe is the structural extension of the vertical warp threads. On machine-made or hand-tufted rugs, the fringe is usually sewn or glued on purely for decoration.
Field
The main, central background area of the rug's design, located inside the borders. The field contains the central medallion or the overall repeating pattern.
Border
The outer bands of design that frame the central field of the rug. A traditional rug often has one wide main border flanked by several narrower "guard borders."
Pro Tip: The "Fold Test"
Want to quickly tell if a rug is hand-knotted or machine-made? Fold the rug back on itself so the pile opens up. If you can see the individual knots tied around the foundation threads at the base of the pile, it's hand-knotted. If you see a solid canvas or plastic grid backing, it's machine-made or hand-tufted.
Put Your Knowledge to Use
Now that you speak the language of rugs, browse our collection with confidence. Find the perfect hand-knotted wool, durable polypropylene, or flatweave rug for your home.
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