How to choose between a low pile or a high pile rug

Hi there, today I want to talk about rug pile and give you a few points to think about when making a decision about the pile and density of a new rug. Pile height and pile thickness or density can make a difference in how a room or space feels but very importantly you also have to think about the practical aspects and how the space or room is used and who is using it! Please remember that rug quality is not determined by the height of the pile. Some of the most unique, rare and costly rugs have a short pile that is dense and have been handwoven from high quality natural materials using beautiful dyes.

What is rug pile?

Look at the rug fibres closely and see how high they stand up from the backing or foundation of the rug. Some fibres are loops and some look like they are individual fibre strands.  Some are woven completely flat, and these rugs are known as flatweave or zero pile rugs, think kilim style thin rugs. Very short strands are low pile and long or high strands are high pile or even shaggy pile, think Moroccan style rugs. 

We supply rugs that are:

Flatweave and zero pile

Low pile

Medium pile 

High pile 

Flatweave and zero pile rugs

A flatweave or zero pile rug is easy to look after particularly if you have pets and children using the space. These rugs are suited to any area such as a hallway, kitchen, living room and also the bedroom. Generally the flatweave and zero pile rugs that we supply are also reversible and light so they can be flipped over regularly to cut down on wear and dirt on one side only. As these rugs do not have fibres that stand up that means that they will remain looking fresher for longer as the fibres will not compress or sink particularly under furniture legs. 

Take a look at some of our flatweave and zero pile rugs, we have all sizes ranging from runners for hallways and kitchen areas, up to large Sumak zero pile rugs 4 metres x 3 metres which are great for a large hallway or high traffic sitting room. 

Low pile rugs

Low pile rugs are practical and hardwearing and perfect for high traffic areas and busy households. Easy to vacuum and to move around as they are light, remember that we always recommend a vacuum with a suction head only and not a rotating brush or beater bar. 

As these rugs have a low pile they do not hold particles of dust easily and so are great for people who suffers from allergies or have respiratory conditions. They also are lighter to move around and do not hold as much heat as thicker high pile rugs so can keep a room cooler.

Medium pile rugs

The perfect compromise between practicality and cosiness! Rugs with a medium pile create a relaxing atmosphere and are naturally softer underfoot so are great for bedrooms and for relaxing sitting rooms where you probably wouldn’t wear heavy shoes and boots. 

A medium pile rug also hold a good amount of heat in a room so if you have an older period property with large rooms and stripped floorboards then a medium pile rug will help to keep the heat in a room and also stop draughts and coming up from the floor. 

High pile rugs 

High pile rugs have longer fibres and loops. They are also known as shaggy rugs or fluffy rugs, you will have seen the styles for many years but particularly in Moroccan rug styles. 

Some people prefer using these rugs in bedroom or guest bedroom areas as there is less traffic. 

While it also comes down to personal preference then maintenance is always a high consideration, a thicker pile rug will take more looking after in terms of cleaning and vacuuming which should always be with a suction head type vacuum cleaner and not a rotating brush type. 

The Persian Gabbeh rugs do have a slightly longer and very thick, dense pile, they are incredibly cosy and warm and are relatively easy to look after. I would call them medium to high pile rugs. Here are some Persian Gabbeh rugs which have been handwoven in the local villages of South West Iran. 

Some of our rugs are a mix of low pile and zero pile, this is achieved by the weavers carving and shaping the pile. Here are two great rugs that we have supplied to clients that have been woven from very high quality New Zealand wool by our artisan weavers in India. They can be used both in traditional and modern interiors. Please contact us if you would like a similar style of rug to these pictured here.

If you are not sure of what type of rug to choose then let us help you. We have a lovely selection of rugs in different styles and for different budgets. If you are looking for a special Oriental style rug in either traditional or modern style then we can source something unique for you. Through our contacts we have access to literally thousands of different rugs, contact us today to have a chat. You can make an appointment for us to visit you in your home or if you would prefer you can make appointment to visit our London showroom.