The choice between a pile rug and a flat weave depends on your home’s needs and intended use. A pile rug creates a soft, cozy atmosphere and is particularly suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. Flat weave, on the other hand, withstands wear better and is suitable for busier spaces. Both options are available as custom orders, so you can choose while considering your home’s proportions.
The choice of rug significantly affects the home’s coziness and practicality. Explore our extensive selection of living room rugs and find the perfect solution for your home.
Pile rug or flat weave – which suits your home?
Choosing a rug is an important interior design decision that affects the home’s atmosphere and practicality. A pile rug softens the room’s appearance, while flat weave offers a durable and easy-care option.
Pile rugs, such as the Viita wool-linen pile rug, create a luxuriously soft atmosphere. The pile surface feels pleasant underfoot and effectively dampens sound. Flat weaves, on the other hand, are suitable for spaces that require special durability and easy care.
What is the difference between a pile rug and flat weave?
A pile rug is made using tufted or woven techniques, where pile yarns are attached to a base fabric. Flat weave is a woven rug that has no separate pile surface but creates patterns through different yarns and weave densities.
Pile rugs are divided into two main types: short-pile and long-pile. Short-pile rugs, like the Basalt rug, withstand heavy use and are suitable for busy spaces. Long-pile rugs, like the Sointu rug, create a luxuriously soft atmosphere.
Flat weaves are structurally denser and flatter. They don’t collect dirt as easily as pile rugs and are often easier to clean. In flat weaves, patterns are created through variations in different yarns and weave densities.
Which rug withstands daily use better?
Flat weaves generally withstand daily use and heavy wear better. Their dense structure doesn’t collect dirt as easily, and they are less susceptible to wear in busy walkways.
Among pile rugs, short-pile options are well-suited for daily use. For example, polyamide rugs withstand heavy use and are easy to care for. Wool rugs naturally repel dirt, making them surprisingly practical even for kitchens and other busy spaces.
EVAPOLYTEX backing significantly improves the rug’s durability and practicality. It makes the rug non-slip, resilient, and flexible. The backing contains no latex, leaves no marks on the floor, and is odorless.
Is a pile rug or flat weave better suited for underfloor heating?
Both rug types are suitable for underfloor heating when they have appropriate backing. EVAPOLYTEX backing is designed to allow heat to pass through the backing, making it ideal for underfloor heated spaces.
Flat weaves conduct heat slightly better due to their dense structure. They don’t insulate heat rising from the floor as much as thick pile rugs. This makes them energy-efficient with underfloor heating.
Short-pile rugs also work well with underfloor heating. Wool is naturally a good temperature regulator that balances temperature and creates a comfortable feeling. Long-pile rugs may insulate more, but with proper backing, they are also suitable for underfloor heating.
How do I choose the right size and shape for my rug?
The rug size should be planned according to furniture. In the living room, a rug should be clearly longer than the sofa – if the rug and sofa are the same length, the rug will appear shorter when viewing the space.
You get the best result with a sufficiently large rug. It’s always better to choose one large rug than two small ones. The rug’s edge should extend tens of centimeters under the sofa’s front legs so that the furniture binds together.
Custom sizing options solve many homes’ challenges. Homes are different sizes, and a standard-sized rug doesn’t always fit in the best possible way. The unique EVAPOLYTEX backing enables custom sizes, allowing up to four meters in width and 30 meters in length.
| Space | Recommended rug size | Special considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | 20-30 cm longer than sofa | Sofa front legs under the edge |
| Dining area | 60 cm space for chairs on both sides | Chairs can be pulled out |
| Bedroom | Bed width + 40-60 cm | Even space on both sides |
Which rug is the better choice for you?
The choice depends on your home’s needs and life situation. If you value softness and coziness, a pile rug is an excellent choice for the living room or bedroom. Flat weave is better suited for busy spaces and families who need an easy-care option.
Both options are available in quality materials and as custom orders. Wool-linen pile rugs combine durability and coziness, while flat weaves made from synthetic materials offer practicality and easy care.
VM Carpet helps you find just the right rug for your home’s needs. Contact our experts or explore our living room rug selection to find the perfect solution for your home.