5 unique rug weaves & their individual advantages
Thinking of adding a luxurious rug to your interior design? Rugs come in all beautiful shapes, colours, sizes, and weaves, adding a touch of personality and style to your home design. Whether you have wooden floors or fluffy carpets, a rug can add character to any living space.
The trick is to choose a unique texture to match your surroundings. Here, we share our top five rug weaves and designs, so you can decide which rug is right for you.
Rug weave #1: Braided
A braided rug is a must-have to add a cozy, welcoming feeling to your home. These rugs look stunning in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. The braided rug weave is neat and intricate, all the things you want for a modern interior design.
Braided rugs also have a rich, fascinating history. The weave was invented by Native Americans who used the technique to make heavy saddle blankets for horses, along with ceremonial rugs and soft ponchos for the cooler months. Following Colonial settlement in America, settlers started creating braided rugs and displaying them in their homes.
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San Pietro Braided Rug Wool and cotton are common materials used to make braided rugs, which means they also feel soft and cosy underfoot. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, braided rugs make a wonderful addition to all home designs.
Rug weave #2: Flat Weave
Another good rug weave is the flatweave. Rather than braiding or knotting the fabric, flatweave rugs have running parallel fibres along the length and width of the rug. This makes them smooth and flat, acting as a carpet or floor covering in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or even entrance hallway.
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Medea Flatweave Wool Rug Flatweave rugs are often made with light and breathable wool or cotton, which means they can be designed in a wide range of gorgeous patterns, colours, and designs. But apart from their stunning appearance, flatweave rugs are also functional - in comparison to heavy braided rugs, flatweave rugs trap less heat in summer, so your favourite room will be cool and comfortable all year-round.
Rug weave #3: Hand Loomed
Hand loomed rugs are a popular choice for homeowners. Strong, durable, and often woven from natural fibres like jute or sisal, hand loomed rugs are a must-have item in modern, high fashion homes.
The art of hand weaving goes back thousands of years - in fact, the earliest hand loomed rug was found in the Siberian ice of the Altai Mountains near the outer Mongolian border, dating back over 2,500 years. The design featured rows of elk and horsemen, suggesting it was made in Turkey.
It is also thought hand weaving started in the Stone Age. Men and women dressed in the pelts of animals, so it wasn’t long before fleece was invented and hand woven clothing, blankets, and rugs became popular.
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Now, hand-loomed rugs are decorative items; in various colours and designs, hand-loomed rugs look stunning matched with indoor plants and neutrally coloured furniture, including natural timber and wicker.
Rug weave #4: Power Loomed
You'll love our power-loomed rugs if you’re looking for a fun, vibrant, and eye-catching rug for your living space. Unlike braided and hand-loomed rugs, these machine-made rugs are available in vibrant colours and detailed patterns and designs.
The loom is strung with sisal, jute, or sometimes cotton, then woven together using wool, nylon, polypropylene, or another synthetic yarn. Thanks to these materials, power-loomed rugs are cool, don’t retain too much heat in the summertime, and can take a lot of wear and tear (ideal for playrooms, nurseries, and high-traffic areas).
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Adobe Modern Abstract Rug If you’re looking to add a splash of colour to your living space, a power loomed rug is a definite must. Shop a wide range of colourful, power loomed rugs online today (don’t forget, we offer Afterpay!)
Rug weave #5: Tufted
An average weaver will create 10,000 knots in a day, meaning hand-tufted rugs can take months to make. Tufted rugs are far less complicated (and expensive); instead, tufted, hand-knotted rugs are made by hand and machine to create a soft “pile” of materials.
Tufted rugs are made by punching strands of wool into a canvas stretched over a frame. After piling “tufts” of wool, the rug is removed from the frame, and a supportive fabric is glued to the back. A non-slip pad can sometimes be added to the back to prevent slips and falls.
Tufted rugs are soft and uncomplicated, making them an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. The Amir Diamond Flatweave Rug (pictured above) is available in various stunning patterns and designs — this rug is a must-have to complete your interior design goals!
How to choose the right rug weave for your home
Choosing the right rug weave depends on various factors, including your interior design and home decor, the intended use of the rug, maintenance considerations, and budget. Here are some tips for choosing a rug:
Consider the room's functionality
- High-traffic areas: For spaces like living rooms or hallways, choose durable weaves like hand-knotted, flatweave, or high-quality machine-made rugs. These weaves can withstand heavy use.
- Low-traffic areas: Delicate weaves like hand-knotted rugs are suitable for areas with less foot traffic, such as bedrooms or formal sitting areas.
Aesthetics
- Traditional or elegant spaces: Hand-knotted rugs, known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship, are ideal for traditional or luxurious decor.
- Contemporary or casual settings: Flatweave or simple geometric patterns in hand-tufted rugs suit modern, minimalist, or casual interiors.
Comfort and texture
- Softness and comfort: Consider hand-tufted or shag rugs if you're looking for softness underfoot. These offer a plush, comfortable feel.
- Flat and smooth: Flatweave rugs provide a smooth surface, suitable for dining areas or under furniture, as they do not obstruct chair movement or doors.
Maintenance and care
- Easy to clean: Machine-made and flatweave rugs are generally easier to clean and maintain.
- Special care: Hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs may require professional cleaning, especially from natural fibres like wool or silk.
Budget
Hand-knotted rugs are typically the most expensive due to their labour-intensive production process and durability. Machine-made and flatweave rugs are more budget-friendly and can still offer good quality and stylish designs.
Allergies
If allergies are a concern, look for natural fibres like wool, less likely to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than synthetic materials. Flatweaves and low-pile rugs also tend to collect less dust and allergens.
Sustainability
Consider rugs made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, wool, or recycled materials if environmental impact is a concern.
Find the perfect rug weave for your space online at RUG.com.au
From braided handmade rugs to machine-made rugs with vibrant colours and incredible detail, you can find the perfect rug online here. Available on Zippay and Afterpay, we make it easy and affordable to refresh your interior design.
