Types of Rugs: A Guide to Techniques and Craftsmanship

From tufted to knotted, woven to loomed, each Jubi rug is made by hand using techniques that define its feel and structure. Learn what sets each type apart—and which one’s right for your space.

Tufted Rugs

Rust and cream scalloped rug with wavy edge – unique organic shaped rug for boho or southwestern living rooms

Soft, sculptural, and endlessly customizable.

Tufted rugs are made by hand using a tufting gun, which pushes wool through a fabric canvas to create a plush, textural surface. This technique allows for bold shapes, color blocking, and detailed patterns—making it one of our most versatile and design-forward methods.

Key Features

  • Medium to high pile (0.75" to 1")
  • Soft and cushioned underfoot
  • Ideal for curves, waves, and bold silhouettes
  • Great for modern pattern and color play
  • Customizable in color, size, and pile texture

Best For
Bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries—any space that calls for softness and visual impact.

Shag Rugs

High-pile plush burgundy shag rug for living room or bedroom

High pile, high impact.
Our shag rugs are made by hand using the same tufting technique, but with longer strands of wool—creating a luxuriously deep, sink-in feel. Whether sculpted or freeform, they bring softness, warmth, and a bold sense of texture to any space.

Key Features

  • High pile height (1" to 2")
  • Ultra plush underfoot
  • Ideal for cozy layering and statement texture
  • Hand-sculpted carving for dimensional depth
  • Customizable in color, shape, and size

Best For
Bedrooms, lounges, reading corners—spaces that call for extra comfort and visual softness.

Knotted Rugs

Handmade wool rug featuring a vibrant checkerboard pattern with mustard, burnt orange, sage, lilac, red, and blue squares.

Tightly woven, endlessly durable.
Knotted rugs are made entirely by hand—each knot tied one by one to form dense, detailed patterns that hold up beautifully over time. The process takes longer, but the result is rich in texture, structure, and longevity.

Key Features

  • Low to medium pile (0.5" to 0.75")
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Ideal for detailed patterns and tonal variation
  • Feels weighty, grounded, and substantial
  • Customizable in size, shape, and color

Best For
Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic spaces—anywhere you want lasting structure and timeless style.

Woven Rugs

Flatwoven, minimal, and built to last.
Woven rugs are made by interlacing warp and weft yarns—creating a thin, durable surface with no pile. These rugs are lightweight, naturally textured, and ideal for high-traffic areas or layered styling.

Key Features

  • Flatwoven with no pile
  • Lightweight and low-maintenance
  • Subtle texture and structure
  • Customizable in size and color

Best For
Kitchens, entryways, hallways—spaces where you want a clean look and durable performance.

Loomed Rugs

Structured, smooth, and quietly refined.
Loomed rugs are crafted using a loom-assisted technique that produces a low, uniform pile. These rugs have a soft but firm feel underfoot and work well in rooms that call for structure and polish without excess texture.

Key Features

  • Low pile (approx. 0.5")
  • Consistent surface with clean edges
  • Subtle texture, slightly more refined than flatwoven
  • Customizable in color and size

Best For
Dining rooms, offices, or anywhere you want a rug that feels grounded and tailored.

Need Help Choosing?

Whether you’re decorating a cozy bedroom or a high-traffic hallway, we’ll help you find the right rug technique for your space, style, and lifestyle.

Take the Rug Finder Quiz →

Compare Rug Techniques

Prefer to compare side-by-side? Here’s a quick breakdown of the key features of each technique.

Technique Pile Height Feel Best For Durability Customizable
Tufted0.75–1"Soft, plushLiving rooms, bedroomsMedium
Shag1–2"Extra plushBedrooms, loungesMedium
Knotted0.35–0.75"Dense, detailedHigh-traffic spacesHigh
WovenFlatSleek, minimalKitchens, hallwaysHigh
Loomed0.25–0.5"Structured, refinedDining rooms, officesMedium

Tufted

Pile Height: 0.75–1"

Feel: Soft, plush

Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms

Durability: Medium

Customizable:

Shag

Pile Height: 1–2"

Feel: Extra plush

Best For: Bedrooms, lounges

Durability: Medium

Customizable:

Knotted

Pile Height: 0.25–0.5"

Feel: Dense, detailed

Best For: High-traffic spaces

Durability: High

Customizable:

Woven

Pile Height: Flat

Feel: Sleek, minimal

Best For: Kitchens, hallways

Durability: High

Customizable:

Loomed

Pile Height: 0.25–0.5"

Feel: Structured, refined

Best For: Dining rooms, offices

Durability: Medium

Customizable:

Frequently Asked Questions

Each technique creates a distinct feel and texture:

  • Tufted rugs are plush and sculptural, ideal for bold shapes and softness underfoot.
  • Knotted rugs are dense and detailed, offering the most durability and heirloom quality.
  • Woven rugs are flat and sleek—perfect for minimal, high-traffic areas.

For busy areas like hallways, entryways, or dining rooms, we recommend knotted or woven rugs. Both offer high durability and wear beautifully over time.

If you’re looking for softness, choose a tufted or shag rug. Both have a cushioned, cozy feel that’s ideal for bedrooms and living spaces.

View our Rug Size Guide →

Yes—every rug we make is customizable in size, shape, and over 1,200 wool colors, no matter the technique.

Learn more about our Custom Rugs →

Yes. Knotted rugs typically require the most time and craftsmanship, making them our most premium option. Tufted and woven rugs are more cost-efficient and faster to produce.

  • Tufted rugs: 2–3 weeks
  • Knotted rugs: 4–6 weeks
  • Shag, woven, and loomed rugs: 3–5 weeks.

All rugs are handmade to order and ship shortly after production.

Yes! We offer 2' x 3' samples of most rug styles. A refundable deposit applies.

Contact us for more information →

More to Explore

Shop All Rugs

Explore our collection of handcrafted modern wool rugs →

Online Customizer

Visualize your design and try out color combos before you order →

Why Choose Jubi

Learn about our process, values, and what makes Jubi rugs different →