Area rugs can add beauty, elegance, and a one-of-a-kind feel to your home. When those area rugs are handmade, you can be assured of their quality construction and unique fabrication. At our unique and vast showroom we feature a very large array of handmade area rugs , ranging in natural fiber composition (silk, cotton, wool, etc.) to size (3×5, 6×9, 10×14, to oversize) to style (Persian, Turkish, Moroccan, modern, etc.) and finally to the widest range of designs from Traditional, to Modern, Contemporary, Period, to Transitional and Decorative.
Let’s go over the different types to choose from so you can make the most educated decision possible when it comes to the décor of your home.
Handmade Rugs: Defined
First off, what are handmade rugs? Also known as hand-knotted rugs or Oriental (shorten for Middle-Oriental, the old term used for the Mid-East) rugs, handmade rugs are carpets made by hand through the use of traditional methods passed down through many generations. Created by skilled artisans using a variety of natural materials, handmade rugs can be made of wool, Mohair (goats hair), Camel hair, silk, or cotton to result in intricate patterns and designs. Each knot is tied individually by hand, making this process a very labor-intensive and time-consuming art form.
While historically the value of such a rug were solely determined by the density of knots for each square inch (or SQ. centimeter), with higher knot counts showing a finer, more intricate design, today value is based on labor any given rug has taken to be made- one of the more quantifiable attributes is naturally the knot density. We at Roja Rugs armed with our vast selection, will gladly walk you through the different types of rugs and point out each specific attribute they are sought after.
Types of Handmade Rugs
Not all handmade area rugs are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before buying. Keep in in mind, the construction of the rug will define its value. Here’s a look at just some of the types of handmade rugs available.
Hand-Knotted Rugs
These traditional Persian rugs typically come from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco known for their durability and velvety texture. Weavers craft knots in a symmetrical manner to make a pile. These tribal rugs are a tribute to their unique cultures because of the use of different imagery, symbolism, and motifs.
They are made with high-quality natural materials such as silk, wool, and cotton, colored by natural dyes to result in rich, vibrant colors.
Flat-Weave Rugs
Flat-weave rugs, woven on a loom, involve a less laborious process than that of hand-knotted rugs. They do not have a pile, they are often reversible, and they can even be used outdoors. These lightweight and thin carpets are made on a loom with vertical and horizontal rug fibers woven together. Flat-weave rugs feature a no pile-construction, so they are useful in areas where you don’t want them to accumulate dirt or pose a tripping hazard.
These rugs feature crisp, clean lines showcasing bold, geometric designs categorized as tribal, global, or boho styles.
Hand-Tufted Rugs
A fairly new comer to the area rug field, these rugs are the result several major cost cutting shortcuts in the traditional rug weaving technique. As a result, they a fraction of labor or time as hand-knotted rugs; hence they are considerably less expensive. They are created with a tufting gun designed to punch strands of wool through a backing material. A canvas is then glued to the back to keep the fibers in place. A fringe is then maybe added to the edges by sewing or gluing to achieve a realistic look.
Hand-tufted rugs feature relatively simpler designs, though more intricate pattern are also available. They are comprised of low quality materials such as woolen fibers, or synthetic fibers. Excessive shedding and all around unpleasant odor is of the trademarks of Hand Tufted rugs. Due to their construction, they are not serviceable and may only last past once or twice professional rug cleaning before the glued backing come off to the rug’s total demise.
We at Roja Rugs do not feature hand tufted rugs nor we recommend them due to their less than desirable workmanship, and most importantly bellow standard, and often harmful, material used.
Hand Hooked Rugs
Hand-hooked rugs are created with the use of a hooking technique, as a result of pulling loops of fabric or yarn through a linen or canvas backing. They offer a unique charm featuring intricate designs and sturdy construction, designed to stand the test of time. To make these, the artist draws the design onto the backing, following the pattern to craft a raised loop pile.
Designs can range from traditional to modern, with patterns ranging from floral motifs to geometric patterns. Hand-hooking techniques can even be used to create portraits or landscapes.
Rug Collection Styles
Here at Roja Rugs, we make and sell a variety of styles within our diverse rug collection. Those include:
- Antique/vintage
- Classic/traditional
- Modern/contemporary
- Moroccan/flat weave
- Silk/one of a kind
- Custom rugs
The one you choose will depend heavily on your budget, home décor style, and personal preference. We can help you choose!
Schedule a Visit With Roja Rugs
We welcome you to come in and browse our diverse and beautiful selection of handmade area rugs, from contemporary and collectible antique to silk and classic. Contact us to book a consultation and quote for in-home design or area rug repair.