Factory Rugs - Area Rug Buyer's Guide

Definitions


The following is a list of terminology that you may come across in your search for an Oriental rug:

Construction:

Points per square meter – Thread tips on area rug surface in one square meter (relates to its density).

Density & Clarity – The higher the point count, the more thick or dense the rug, the better the clarity.

Pile Height – The height of the threads, the thickness of the rug (often measured in centimeters).

Fringed & Fringeless – Some rugs have a stringy fringe on the ends (a trend that is going away).

Surge & Surging – The yard around the edges of a rug that wrap and finish it cleanly.

Warp & Weft – The strings that make the back or base of the rug (warp is lengthwise, weft goes left).

Canvas Backing – Backing that is applied to a tufted rug.

Knots per square inch – The number of hand-tied knots in one square inch (as it relates to the density).

A Good Hand – A rug that feels good to the hand, is said to have a good hand, a nice feel.

Carved – Some rugs are carved or edged to give them texture (often done on tufted rugs).

Drop stitch – In machine-made rugs, a row of threads will be left out to give the rug detail and texture.

Sizes:

Runner – A rug used in hallways and stairs, usually about 2x8 feet.

Nominal size – The average or usual size of a rug, not exact.

Actual size – The exact dimensions of the rug.

Patterns:

Traditional – Classic old world patterns form the Middle East and western Asia.

Transitional – Often a traditional border with a plain field.

Contemporary – Current of modern designs.

Collection – Term used for a grouping of rugs with similar looks, colors or construction .

Simple Pattern – Simples patterns tend to be thought of as casual or contemporary.

Border – The border or edging of the rug (often 6” to 12” wide).

Field – The center area of the rug.