The Different Types of Rug Styles

An area rug can add coziness and style to any room. However, with so many options, finding a rug that fits both your sensibility and your lifestyle can be overwhelming. There are many styles and fabric options for area rugs, and finding the one that works for your home can take a little bit of work.

A fuzzy, light-colored area rug might be perfect for the design you have in mind, but it might not work if you have kids or pets. Some rugs are easier to maintain, while some are more finicky. A geometric rug might work better in your space than a Persian one.

When you’re trying to find the right rug, having more information can make the process easier and less daunting. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of rug styles to help you find the one that’s perfect for you!

Types of Fabric

The first step in your area rug shopping excursion is to determine which fabric is the best for your home. There are practical elements to consider, as well as tactical factors. A sheepskin rug may feel great between your toes, but it might not be functional in your home, especially if you have little ones. Balancing what you need and what you want involves some compromise, but it’s doable! Here are a few of the most common types of area rug fabrics.

Natural Fibers

Natural fabric is an excellent choice if you need to balance durability with style, especially if you love bohemian-style rugs. Natural fibers like jute and sisal offer earthy textures that fit within a boho aesthetic. Pet owners will love the practicality of natural fibers, and, depending on the placement of your new rug, they can work very well in a high-traffic area like a foyer or kitchen. Explore the many natural fiber rugs choices below:

Jute

A jute rug is going to add some definite natural vibes to your space. Jute rugs are available in a range of colors. The fabric is surprisingly soft and, in some cases, resembles wool. Unfortunately, this softness means it’s not as durable as other natural fiber rugs, making jute a better choice in low-traffic areas of your home, such as a bedroom.

Sisal

Sisal can be a great choice if you’re searching for a natural fiber rug in a high-traffic area. It comes from the agave plant indigenous to Brazil and Africa and is a popular material for rugs and ropes. Sisal is dyeable and highly durable, so a sisal rug can be an excellent choice for a high-traffic area. Beware, though, that sisal will become slick after some wear and tear. Sisal is also very absorbent, so stains can be hard to tackle.

Cotton

Shopping for quality area rugs on a budget is always tricky. Cotton rugs are a great alternative if you’re looking for an inexpensive, low-pile rug. Since it’s less expensive, this type of run is ideal for experimenting with trends. Cotton rugs do stain easily, but they’re washable and practical for a family. They tend to slide a bit more, but a rug pad beneath will add stability.

Wool

Wool comes from shearing and spinning sheep fur. Wool is very resilient and can offer a durable rug that will stay in your home for years. A wool rug can be an excellent solution for high-traffic areas. Since wool is tightly coiled, it will quickly spring back from footsteps and heavy furniture. It also holds dye for a long time. If you’re looking for a sustainable rug that you can enjoy in your home for years to come, wool is a great option.

Synthetic Rugs

Synthetic rugs contain non-natural fibers. Usually, synthetic carpeting is less expensive and generally resists stains, making it easier to maintain. Synthetic options are also great if you’re searching for a rug with rich colors. As far as durability, nylon is the best synthetic rug for high traffic areas, with polypropylene being a close second. Overall, synthetic rugs can be a great choice if you’re searching for resilience and vibrant colors on a budget.

Below is a list of common synthetic rug fibers:

• Polypropylene
• Microfiber
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Faux fur

By Design

Once you know what type of rug fiber will work best for your space, you can focus on your new area rug’s design. The list below covers some of the different types of rug styles by design.

Bohemian

Bohemian-style rugs are a fun and romantic choice to add to your home. They include vibrant or muted organic patterns with a little bit of whimsy.

Farmhouse

A neutral palette is ideal if you’re looking to incorporate a farmhouse-style rug into your design. One might describe the texture as nubby, and it adds a rustic charm to your space with a traditional sensibility.

Vintage

Many different design styles can incorporate vintage rugs. Typically, they use organic patterns and offer both synthetic or natural fibers. They can be an attractive option for adding nostalgic charm to your home.

Persian

Persian rugs are similar to vintage rugs in that they have organic patterns. Organic design and a muted color scheme go well with a monochromatic or natural color palette.

Moroccan

Moroccan rugs are recognizable and can be the focal point of a design. They often have a high pile, creating a fuzzy texture, with geometric shapes and a monochromatic color scheme. A Moroccan-style rug works for both traditional and modern interior design styles.

Contemporary

Geometric or even abstract shapes trademark a contemporary-style rug. Generally, they are more western in their design. A contemporary rug style would pair well with a mid-century modern aesthetic.

Southwestern

If you’re searching for earthy tones and a handwoven rug, Southwestern-style rugs can be a great choice. They offer more texture and can be a good match for a minimalist design with a warm color palette.

Finding the rug style that suits your home’s style can seem daunting initially, but anyone with this little bit of knowledge in their design arsenal will be able to navigate the wide world of rugs much easier!