What to Know About Rug Textures Before Buying

If you're considering installing some carpet or looking to buy a new rug for your home, it's important to understand there are many options available when it comes to texture.

The texture of a rug or carpet can change the way we feel and interact with our living space. Whether you want something soft and plush underneath your bare feet, or something more durable for those high traffic areas, choosing the right texture and construction of a rug or carpet for your area is an important aspect that should not be overlooked.

What is a textured rug?

Textured rugs and carpets can fall into either the "cut pile" or "loop pile" categories. Cut pile rugs usually look more plush and luxurious, featuring exposed fibres that are attached to the backing and then cut off as opposed to looped.

Looped pile carpets come in a variety of patterns and textures and are often more hardwearing, so they're perfect for those high traffic areas. Some rugs are a combination of cut and looped piles allowing many different patterns to be achieved in a wide range of styles.

The texture of a rug is characterised by fibres or loops of varying heights and allows for a pattern or design to suit any space. Often textures are created by tightly twisting and kinking the yarn to conform to a desired shape or pattern.

Rug texture can also be influenced by the type of material used, with different yarns made from natural materials like wool or synthetic fibres like nylon all adding a distinct feeling and appearance of texture.

What should I look for when buying a rug?

There are many factors to take into account when beginning the search for a new rug. It is important to find something that fits in with your decor and your furniture, as well as your lifestyle.

Do you need a rug with great durability for the kids that can be machine washed? Or do you want something luxurious and soft or a statement piece in a particular colour?

Everyones tastes and needs are different so you want to make sure you buy something that feels right for your space.

What is the best rug texture?

Carpet and rug textures are subjective and when trying to define the best one for your needs there are definitely a few things that should be taken into account.

Regardless of texture, you want your rugs to be functional for the space that they are in. A plush rug that is perfect for next to your bed may not be the best option for a busy entranceway by the front door. The best rug to have in your lounge may be a completely different style and material to the carpet or rugs used in a high traffic area such as a hallway or on the stairs.

What type of rug is best for living room?

Living room rugs come in a huge range of colours, styles and textures. When shopping for the perfect rug you need to think about the way your living room is used, and what type of rug best suits your needs.

If you have pets or children, and the living room is an active area with a lot of traffic then durability is important. A small rug that is machine washable to help with sticky fingers and pet hair can be a life saver. For larger rugs, something stain resistant that can be easily wiped and cleaned could be a good idea.

If, on the other hand, your living room is all about relaxing in front of the fire with the TV on or a good book and you want the ultimate in texture, consider something like a sheepskin rug. A sheepskin rug brings a uniquely soft and luxurious feel to your home, and is a totally different aesthetic than your standard area rug.

What is the best carpet for high traffic areas?

While a living room is usually for relaxing and lounging and sees less foot traffic than other areas of the home, stairs and hallways are high use areas that see a lot a use. Textured rugs and carpets are a popular choice for busy areas - and for good reason. They are extremely hard wearing and less likely to show up dirt, tracks and wear.

Does textured carpet wear well?

Textured rugs and carpets are a great choice for busy households and high traffic areas. Those tightly twisted yarns create a very durable carpet and any style of textured carpet is less likely to show the wear patterns that you’ll see in plush or standard cut pile carpets.

Another bonus with textured carpet is that it any indentations made by heavy objects or furniture is much less noticeable.

Textured rugs can be a great addition to a busy space or walkway as they wear down less than other types of rugs and are usually easier to clean as well, so any dirty footprints, spilled drinks or pet related incidents can be cleaned up with ease.

How do you pick a good quality rug?

When shopping for a new rug you want something that's in line with your personal tastes, a rug that will last, and a rug that is worth the cost. A rug is only as good as the materials and skill it is made with and for a rug to stand up to everyday use and wear it needs to be made from quality materials.

The best rugs are made from natural fibres like wool. Wool is an extremely durable and long lasting fibre, and a well looked after woollen rug can last for generations. Rugs made with 100% wool are durable, versatile and natural, and they will feel and look better than synthetics.

The process with which a rug is made is also an important aspect when it comes to overall quality. Cheap synthetic rugs dyed with chemicals can release harmful toxins into your home, so if purchasing a rug that has been dyed, make sure to get one that has been coloured with natural products.

And finally, while cost isn't the only factor to take into account, high quality rugs will inevitably cost more than those made with cheaper materials. A high quality wool rug is well worth the investment, and will last for years to come, making it a perfect choice for those who want to invest in their home decor.