Types of Textured Rugs Every DIY Decorator Should Know About

 

DIY is fast becoming a popular route for homeowners. It costs less than hiring a professional decorator, and, if you are DIY-inclined, it is always fun to learn a new skill. In this article, we look at the five different types of textured rugs and how they can elevate your home décor.

Rugs are not at all complicated to place when you are decorating your home, but to make the right rug decision, it always helps to know a little something about them.

If you’ve seriously shopped around for rugs before, you will know all about colours, rug materials, shapes and most of the placement basics, all of which will ensure that the rug you select is the best possible choice for you and your home.

For DIY decorators who take the time to understand rug textures, creating a truly inviting and stylish home won’t take long, and the selection of a new rug will go from being a daunting task to something a little more exciting.

And these days, DIY decorators have the luxury of being able to shop online for their rugs, which makes knowing more about rug textures a must. Rugs Original also offer a great guide on the do’s and don’ts of decorating with rugs. Shop our range of top-quality rugs for sale online.

 

What Every DIY Decorator Needs to Know about Textured Rugs

 

While most of your rug basics have to do with the look of the rug, texture in rugs isn't just about aesthetics. Instead, texture plays a vital role in the overall feel and functionality of a space, once the rug has been properly placed.

The term texture refers to the look of the rug and the texture is determined by the material that is used to create the rug.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start this guide by saying that the best rug texture for you is quite simply the texture that you love best. When selecting a rug, and when considering the texture, you should opt for the kind that best suits your needs.

Like most rug selection factors, where you’ll be placing the rug is equally important as functionality will determine not only where your rug will be placed but also how much life you’ll get from it.

 

Why else is rug texture important?

 

·        The texture will add visual interest to the room

Texture adds depth and visual interest to a room especially if the room you are placing it in has plenty of light, the kind that changes throughout the day.

The play of light and shadow on the different pile heights generally creates quite a fascinating design element, by drawing in the eye.

Flatweaves, on the other hand, with their clean lines and geometric patterns, can introduce a touch of modern sophistication or a hint of boho aesthetic, depending on the design.

 

·        The texture will help with temperature control

The South African climate is quite varied, and the use of textured rugs allows us to adapt our homes accordingly.

Deep pile rugs can add warmth and comfort during those cooler winter months, especially if you have tiled floors, while flatweaves can be used to make a room feel cool and refreshing during those hot summer days.

By making sure that you are choosing the texture of your rug properly, you can create a space that feels comfortable and inviting all year round.

 

·        The texture is important for functionality

Texture can also be a key player in defining areas within a room.

A plush rug in your reading nook will make a perfect, cosy place for curling up with a good book, while a low-pile flatweave in your high-traffic hallway offers a durable and easy-to-clean surface.

When you take the time to understand the functional benefits of the different textures, you will be well on your way towards creating a space that is both beautiful and practical.

 

The 5 Main Rug Textures

 

The rug world is known for its fabulous collection of pieces, but those who really know their rugs will know that rugs are limited in terms of materials, which means that textures can be categorised into 1 of these 5 options, each of which is unique and can be used to achieve a certain design goal.

 

·        Plush Pile

The epitome of comfort, plush pile rugs are made with a dense layer of yarn loops that are uniformly cut to create a smooth, velvety surface. Plush piles are a popular option, and for good reason. They are wondrously comfortable underfoot and they tend to look as soft as they feel.

Plush pile rugs come in a variety of colours and patterns, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.

 

Plush Pile Characteristics

 

Plush piles offer excellent soundproofing and insulation, making them perfect for colder climates. However, they can be prone to matting and will require regular cleaning and general care.

 

·        Frieze Pile

Frieze pile rugs (pronounced “freeze” or “frizz-ay”) have a more textured look because they are constructed with short, tightly twisted yarn loops that create a slightly uneven surface.

Frieze pile rugs offer a casual yet sophisticated aesthetic as the twisted yarn creates a subtle visual texture that is both interesting to look at and comfortable underfoot. Generally, these rugs will be used in living rooms, offices, and other busy spaces. They are available in a wide range of colours and styles.

 

Frieze Pile Characteristics

 

Frieze piles are known for their durability and ability to hide dirt, especially when bought in a darker colour. They are a great choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.

 

·        Cut-Loop

Cut-loop rugs combine the plush pile with uncut loops which is used to create a visual statement as well as a lovely feel underfoot.

The combination of smooth and textured areas is truly unique for those who want to use the rug to add something interesting to the space. Cut-loop rugs can also be used by those who love the whimsy-look or who want to add a modern edge to the space, depending on the pattern you choose.

 

Cut-Loop Characteristics

 

One of the best characteristics of cut-loop rugs is that they are generally quite durable and can hide the dirt well. These rugs are also easy to keep clean and they are ideal for busy spaces, the kind that sees plenty of foot traffic.

 

·        Flatweave

These rugs are a classic. Flatweave rugs are made using tightly woven horizontal and vertical strands that lie flat against the backing.

They will generally be made with a natural and rustic aesthetic, and they are typically low-profile. For those who want to get creative, it helps to know that the flatweave selection comes in a wide range of geometric patterns and solid colours.

 

Flatweave Characteristics

 

These sorts of rugs are known to be durable, easy to clean, and perfect for high-traffic areas. Flatweaves are also reversible, allowing you to switch up the look of your space whenever you feel like it.

 

·        Shag

Shag rugs are known for their deep, luxurious pile, which creates that sink-your-toes-in feel that we all love. These rugs are undeniably plush and decadent, adding instant warmth and texture to a room, which is exactly why these rugs are extremely popular, especially among those who want to make their home look and feel rich and cosy.

 

Shag Characteristics

 

Shag rugs are excellent for soundproofing and insulation. However, they can be difficult to clean and may not be ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.

 

Choosing the Right Textured Rug

 

Now that you're familiar with the different types of textured rugs, this is how you, the DIY decorator, can choose the perfect one for your space:

 

●       Think carefully about the Room's Function –

High-traffic areas like passages and living rooms will greatly benefit from having durable, low-pile textures like frieze or flatweaves. Plush piles are ideal for bedrooms and guest rooms, while shag rugs are perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms.

●       Think about the Climate –

For those hot South African summers, you should think about using flatweaves or low-pile rugs. And for winter, plush piles will be ideal for providing better insulation.

●       Think about the Style –

Finally, you should match the texture of your rug to the overall style of your space. Plush piles complement most traditional and romantic styles, while flatweaves are ideal for boho or modern spaces.

 

Caring for Your Textured Rug

 

Taking good care of your rug will ensure its beauty and longevity. You can use these texture-specific tips to maintain the textured rug you end up choosing:

 

·        Plush Pile –

Regular vacuuming with the upholstery attachment is a must. This rug will also need a deep clean every few months to ensure that the rug stays in great condition.

·        Frieze Pile –

Regular vacuuming with the upholstery attachment is recommended. Due to the textured nature of these rugs, a deeper clean might be needed less often than with plush piles. You should also spot clean spills immediately with a mild carpet cleaner and blot with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent stains.

·        Cut-Loop –

You should vacuum this rug regularly, and make sure that you use the upholstery attachment to avoid snagging the loops. As with all other rugs, act immediately should something spill on the rug. Use a mild carpet cleaner and blot with a clean, absorbent cloth. You might also want to consider having the rug professionally cleaned every few years.

·        Flatweave –

Flatweaves are generally super easy to clean. Regular shaking or vacuuming with the hard floor attachment should be sufficient. For spills, blot up excess liquid with a clean, absorbent cloth and treat with a mild carpet cleaner. As with the cut-loop rug, you should have the rug professionally cleaned every few years.

·        Shag –

Shag rugs require a lot more attention than most other textures. Regularly vacuuming is a must and to maintain the fluffiness, use a carpet rake once a week. You should also give the rug a deep professional cleans every 1-2 years.

 

The Perfect Textured Rug Awaits

 

At Rugs Original, we offer a curated selection of high-quality textured rugs for sale in South Africa, including luxurious Persian rugs, hand-woven flatweaves, and sumptuous shag rugs.

We are confident that when you shop with us, you'll find the perfect textured rug to add warmth, style, and functionality to your home.

Browse our collection today.