This glossary is the foundational text of rug literacy. Master it, and you master the market.
Every rug—whether a hand-knotted Persian masterpiece or a contemporary flatweave—speaks a precise technical language. Too often, that language is blurred by marketing shortcuts or vague descriptors. Here, ambiguity ends and clarity begins.
Designed as both a rapid reference and a structured course, this page empowers you to evaluate quality, compare like with like, and preserve beauty with confidence. We define not just the word, but the world it represents—and why it matters to your buying, styling, and stewardship decisions.
THE MASTER A–Z INDEX
(Anchor-linked list for navigation)
A Abrash · Aubusson
B Boteh · Border
C Cotton
D Dhurrie
F Field · Fringe
G Gauge · Gul
H Hand-Knotted · Hand-Tufted
J Jute
K Kilim · KPSI
M Medallion · Mihrab
O Olefin · Overdyed · Oushak
P Patina · Pile · Polypropylene
S Silk · Sisal
T Tufted
W Warp · Weft · Wool
A–Z ENTRIES (Definitive Definitions)
Abrash (Design Effect)
Definition: Natural variation in color within a rug’s field caused by hand-dyed yarns absorbing dye unevenly.
Why It Matters: Indicates authenticity and handcraft; prized in traditional rugs.
Related Terms: Patina, Hand-Knotted
[KEY QUALITY INDICATOR] Subtle abrash enhances depth; harsh striping may indicate poor dye control.
Aubusson (Style/Origin)
Definition: A French flatwoven or low-pile rug style, historically tapestry-like with neoclassical motifs.
Why It Matters: Signals refined European design and lighter decorative use.
Related Terms: Flatweave, Medallion
Boteh (Motif)
Definition: Teardrop-shaped motif, ancestor of the paisley, common in Persian rugs.
Why It Matters: Helps identify regional influences and traditional design lineage.
Related Terms: Persian, Gul
Border (Design Element)
Definition: The outer framing bands surrounding a rug’s central field.
Why It Matters: Balances composition and protects the visual center.
Related Terms: Field, Medallion
Cotton (Material)
Definition: Natural plant fiber often used for warp and weft foundations.
Why It Matters: Provides structural stability but less resilience than wool.
Related Terms: Warp, Weft
Dhurrie (Construction/Style)
Definition: Flatwoven rug from India, typically cotton or wool, reversible and lightweight.
Why It Matters: Ideal for casual spaces and layering.
Related Terms: Kilim, Flatweave
Field (Design Element)
Definition: The main central area of a rug inside the borders.
Why It Matters: Dominates visual impact and pattern recognition.
Related Terms: Border, Medallion
Fringe (Structure)
Definition: Exposed warp ends at the rug’s edges; not decorative add-ons in quality rugs.
Why It Matters: Damage to fringe equals damage to structure.
Related Terms: Warp, Repair
[CAUTION] Never cut fringe—secure or repair it.
Gauge (Construction)
Definition: Measurement of machine-made rug density (stitches per inch).
Why It Matters: Higher gauge generally means finer detail.
Related Terms: Machine-Made, KPSI
Gul (Motif)
Definition: Octagonal medallion motif common in Turkoman rugs.
Why It Matters: Identifies tribal origins and authenticity.
Related Terms: Boteh, Medallion
Hand-Knotted (Construction)
Definition: Rug made by tying individual knots onto warp threads by hand.
Why It Matters: Highest durability and long-term value.
Related Terms: KPSI, Warp, Weft
Expert Insight: Knot count matters—but wool quality and dye integrity matter just as much.
Hand-Tufted (Construction)
Definition: Yarn punched into a backing with a tufting gun, then glued.
Why It Matters: Offers design flexibility at lower cost, but shorter lifespan.
Related Terms: Tufted, Pile
Jute (Material)
Definition: Coarse plant fiber used mainly for backing or casual rugs.
Why It Matters: Eco-friendly but moisture-sensitive.
Related Terms: Sisal, Natural Fibers
Kilim (Construction/Style)
Definition: Flatwoven rug without pile, typically bold and geometric.
Why It Matters: Lightweight, reversible, and highly decorative.
Related Terms: Dhurrie, Flatweave
KPSI (Knots Per Square Inch) (Construction Metric)
Definition: Density measurement for hand-knotted rugs.
Why It Matters: Indicates fineness, not sole quality.
Related Terms: Hand-Knotted, Pile
Expert Insight: A balanced KPSI with excellent wool outperforms ultra-high counts with inferior fiber.
Medallion (Design Element)
Definition: Central focal motif, often symmetrical.
Why It Matters: Defines classical rug layouts.
Related Terms: Field, Border
Mihrab (Motif)
Definition: Niche-shaped design pointing toward Mecca, used in prayer rugs.
Why It Matters: Cultural and religious significance affects orientation and value.
Related Terms: Persian, Islamic Design
Olefin (Material)
Definition: Synthetic fiber (polypropylene) known for stain resistance.
Why It Matters: Practical for high-traffic, low-budget spaces.
Related Terms: Polypropylene, Synthetic Fibers
Overdyed (Finish)
Definition: Traditional rug recolored with a single dye to create a contemporary look.
Why It Matters: Modernizes vintage foundations.
Related Terms: Patina, Abrash
Oushak (Style/Origin)
Definition: Turkish rug style with large-scale motifs and soft palettes.
Why It Matters: Popular for airy, transitional interiors.
Related Terms: Turkish, Wool
Patina (Condition/Aesthetic)
Definition: Visual softness and character developed through age and use.
Why It Matters: Signals authenticity and desirability in vintage rugs.
Related Terms: Abrash, Restoration
Pile (Structure)
Definition: Upright yarn surface created by knots or tufts.
Why It Matters: Determines texture, comfort, and wear.
Related Terms: Hand-Knotted, Tufted
Polypropylene (Material)
Definition: Durable synthetic fiber resistant to moisture and stains.
Why It Matters: Excellent for outdoor or busy family spaces.
Related Terms: Olefin, Synthetic Fibers
Silk (Material)
Definition: Luxurious natural fiber used for highlights or full-pile rugs.
Why It Matters: Exceptional sheen, delicate care required.
Related Terms: Wool, Hand-Knotted
Sisal (Material)
Definition: Strong plant fiber with coarse texture.
Why It Matters: Best for low-moisture, modern interiors.
Related Terms: Jute, Natural Fibers
Tufted (Construction)
Definition: See Hand-Tufted.
Why It Matters: Clarifies construction claims.
Related Terms: Hand-Tufted, Pile
Warp (Structure)
Definition: Lengthwise foundation threads on a loom.
Why It Matters: Determines strength and alignment.
Related Terms: Weft, Fringe
Weft (Structure)
Definition: Horizontal threads woven through warp threads.
Why It Matters: Locks knots in place.
Related Terms: Warp, Flatweave
Wool (Material)
Definition: Natural fiber from sheep; resilient, insulating, dye-friendly.
Why It Matters: Gold standard for rug longevity.
Related Terms: Hand-Knotted, Patina
Expert Insight: Highland wool outperforms fine wool in durability.
CHAPTER 1: The Weaver’s Lexicon – Construction
Why Construction Matters: It is the single greatest determinant of durability and value.
The Decorative Rug Handbook: From Hanging Hide Rugs to Styling Vintage Treasures
Bloom Nestify’s Rug Care Academy: The Complete Guide to Cleaning, Stain Removal & Maintenance
Comparative Table: Construction Methods
| Feature | Hand-Knotted | Hand-Tufted | Machine-Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 50–100+ years | 5–20 years | 10–30 years |
| Repairable | Yes | Limited | Rarely |
| Price | Highest | Mid | Lowest |
| Detail | Finest | High | Variable |
CHAPTER 2: The Material World – Fibers
Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
| Property | Natural (Wool, Silk) | Synthetic (Polypropylene) |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Warm, rich | Uniform |
| Durability | High (wool) | High |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Easy |
| Aging | Develops patina | Static |
CHAPTER 3: The Designer’s Eye – Styles & Motifs
Design terms reveal origin, culture, and intent. A medallion suggests formality; abrash signals authenticity; Oushak implies scale and softness.
Rug Dictionary: Demystifying Rug Types, Terms & Materials
Can I Do This to My Rug? Your DIY Decision Guide to Spot Cleaning, Fringe Repair & More
CHAPTER 4: The Custodian’s Guide – Care & Condition
Terminology here protects your investment. Understand pH-neutral cleaning, recognize sun fading, and know when professional restoration preserves value rather than diminishes it.
Your Passport to Confidence
Fluency transforms every interaction with rugs—from browsing to buying to lifelong care. This glossary is your reference. Bloom Nestify is your guide.
