Rug Glossary

Contemporary rugs are an investment in beauty; they are your signature style that tells others you are a bit daring, slightly sassy, subtly sophisticated, and artistic. Contemporary designs are based on light and space, using the bare necessities, with uncluttered and simple themes that focus on style. Contemporary rug designs are balanced, as are the furnishings they complement.

Contemporary designs are respectful of the past and what has endured through centuries of changes; they are insightful of changes to come. A well-thought-out contemporary rug design will endure new trends and fads, earmarked as heirlooms of the future. Research what contemporary rugs have to offer, then express yourself here and now - and decorate for today!

• Acrylic - inexpensive, man-made fiber.
• All-Over Design - consistent pattern, without borders or focal point.
• Anti-Static Treatment - reduces static electricity buildup.
• Arabesque - pattern of interlacing vines and flowers.
• Art Deco - bold, geometric designs.
• Art Nouveau - winding lines and use of leaves and flowers.
• Art Silk - mercerized cotton that imitates silk.
• Backing - backside of carpets that protects or secures loops.
• Background Color - dominant color behind the design.
• Binding - sewn band at carpet edge.
• Blend - composed of multiple fibers.
• Braided Rug - continuous rope braid sewn in circle, oval, square, or rectangle, forming a reversible rug.
• Colorfast - steadfast colors that will not run.
• Cotton - strong, soft, natural fiber for rug-making.
• Cross-woven - side-to-side weaving for use of intricate deigns and more colors.
• Cut Pile - wool loops are cut and twisted into erect-standing tufts.
• Density - number of knots and height of pile.
• Fibers - natural fibers are soft and durable, with low-luster colors; synthetic fibers are soft, value-priced, and easily maintained with dazzling colors.
• Flokati - plush wool rug dating back to Greece, 400 AD.
• Latex - rug adhesive made from a mix of synthetic rubber or plastic.
• Loop Pile - untrimmed loops; extremely durable; multi-level loops provide varied heights and 3 dimensions.
• Machine-Made - made on power looms operated by machines that are directed by computers.
• Motif - single or repeating elements of pattern.
• Nap - pile.
• Pile - rug surface formed by cut edges of knots; measured in tenths of an inch from surface to backing.
• Plush - cut pile with blended tuft ends.
• Polyester - Synthetic fiber.
• Polypropylene/Olefin Fibers - petroleum-based synthetic fiber that resists moisture and heat; mildew-, soil-, and stain-resistant, and durable.
• Primary Backing - tufts are inserted into backing and bonded with latex.
• Resilience - carpet durability.
• Secondary Backing - backing bonded onto primary backing.
• Shag Rug - contemporary rug with long, synthetic pile.
• Synthetic Fibers - stain-proof, curable, soft, easily maintained.
• Tone-on-Tone - 2 tones of 1 color.
• Wool - natural fibers sheared mainly from sheep, llamas, and goats.