Area rugs fulfill a need in the home that is so much more than purely functional. Sure, they help protect your feet from chilly floors and keep sound from echoing in a room. But rugs are a unique marriage of form and function—a sensory journey! These pieces are not only pleasing to the eye, but also soft to the touch.
If you’re looking for an area rug with just the right softness underfoot, look no further–we’ll break it all down for you.
Soft Rug Shopping: What You Need to Know
When you want to make sure you get the perfect soft rug, it helps to know some of the basic terms that describe them.
- Fiber is the type of material that a rug is made from. The two general categories are natural fibers (such as jute, wool, and cotton) and synthetic fibers (such as polyester and polypropylene). Each category of fiber is soft in its own way! (We’ll talk more about this later.)
- Pile refers to how high the fiber is (high, medium, and low). Shags are high pile rugs; flatweave rugs—those that you can place under the sweep of a door without blocking it—are low pile; the in-betweens are medium pile. Whatever the pile height, each of these different types of rugs has a uniquely comfortable feel underfoot.
- Weave describes how a rug is constructed. Handmade rugs are made one at a time by hand, with individual, slight variations in the fiber and patterning. Machine made or power-loomed rugs are made mechanically and have color and patterning that varies less from piece to piece.
Find Your Style of Soft Rug
Finding the right soft rug is a snap when you can picture how it’s going to feel. So let’s explore the sensory delights you can expect when you unroll each rug style!
Shag Rugs
Feel like: A fuzzy baby duck
Shag rugs—both wool and synthetic—have that classic, tousled look in their pile that helps a room feel pulled together without feeling sterile. This quintessentially boho style feels as awesome as it looks, with a plushness that radiates calm. Check out our washable shags for a terrific, easy-care version of this timeless pile.
Synthetic Rugs
Feel like: A soft-bristle toothbrush
Synthetic rugs that are low- and medium-pile are made to be both soft and durable. Polypropylene rugs typically have the most traction underfoot, while nylon and polyester rugs are more silky. Our entire stain-warrior washable collection is made from synthetics, too.
Flatweave Rugs
Feel like: The floor, only better
Flatweaves are the original “it” rugs, woven to make a statement while keeping a low profile. They look great anywhere they are placed and have a special affinity for any spot that’s under a doorway, since they won’t interfere with the sweep of the door. Flatwoven washables drape beautifully when being taken up for laundering, making the whole process extra easy-peasy!
Jute and Sisal Rugs
Feel like: A bed of autumn leaves
Handwoven jute and jute-blend rugs—often, they’re woven together with wool and cotton—have a soft, gentle feeling of “give” when you step onto them. Machine woven natural fibers such as sisal have a feel that’s slightly firmer but still uniquely laid back. These fibers bring the look and feel of the outdoors inside, which makes them an amazing choice for rustic natural décor. For a fantastic washable jute (yes, you heard that right!), try our easy-jute.
Hi-Low Rugs
Feel like: A footpath in the grass
The coexistence of high and low piles in a rug pattern is an incredibly unique and delightful design feature. Whether your hi-low rug is made from wool or synthetic, you can expect a soft sensory experience in every step. The eye-catching patterns add instant interest to any room, in styles that range from boho to contemporary.
