If you’ve ever wondered whether the piece on your floor is a rug or a carpet — you’re not alone. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences between rugs and carpets, especially when it comes to how they’re constructed, used, and valued. As a family business specializing in fine handmade rugs, we’re here to clear the confusion.
Size: One of the Most Noticeable Differences
Rugs are typically defined as movable floor coverings, often smaller than a room, and placed under furniture or in defined spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways.
Carpets, on the other hand, often refer to wall-to-wall coverings that are permanently installed and stretched across the entire floor.
Installation: Fixed vs Flexible
Carpets are almost always installed professionally, tacked down, and require removal tools to lift.
Rugs are portable. You can roll them up, move them, replace them seasonally, or take them with you when you move.
Construction & Material
Most carpets are machine-made with synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene. Their patterns are often repeated and mass-produced.
Rugs can be either machine-made or hand-knotted, especially in the case of Persian, Oriental, or tribal rugs. These carry artistic and often historical value, with natural wool, silk, or cotton fibers dyed using traditional methods.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
Rugs — particularly handmade ones — are woven with intention. Each region and tribe has its own patterns, motifs, and symbolism. Persian rugs, for example, can be 100–150 years old and passed down generations.
Carpets rarely carry cultural value. They are functional, neutral, and typically installed for comfort and floor coverage.
Cost & Longevity
A rug can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on its origin, knot density, and age. Properly cared for, rugs can last decades or even centuries.
Carpets tend to have a shorter lifespan (5–15 years) depending on traffic and maintenance. They’re often replaced as part of home renovation cycles.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Rugs can be professionally cleaned off-site, allowing for deep dusting and gentle washing specific to the fiber.
Carpets are cleaned in place using steam extraction or shampooing, which may not always reach deep-set dirt or allergens.
Functionality & Style
Rugs allow more flexibility in design. You can layer them, reposition them, and use them to define a space without changing the floor.
Carpets are static, uniform, and more commonly used in bedrooms, basements, or wall-to-wall installs for insulation and sound dampening.
Final Thoughts: So, Which One Do You Have?
If your floor covering is movable, bordered, and sits within a space, it’s likely a rug. If it’s installed from edge to edge, without defined edges, it’s a carpet.
At Ahmadi Rug, we specialize in handmade, collectible, and heirloom-quality rugs — from Persian and Oriental pieces to modern wool masterpieces. Whether you’re looking to clean, repair, resize, or appraise your rug, we’re here to help.
Get In Touch With Us:
Not sure what type of rug you have?
Send us a photo for a free evaluation or visit our showroom in Skokie.
[Request a Rug Evaluation] – [Call (847) 779‑3288]
