Types of Rugs

At Jubi, each rug is handmade using time-honored techniques that ensure quality and longevity. Learn how each type differs and which is best for your space. Crafted from premium New Zealand wool, our rugs can be customized in any size, shape, or color.

types of rugs stacked on top of each other with thick sculptural shapes and piles

What are the different types of rugs?

“Type of rug” usually refers to the technique used to make it, which determines its texture and surface. At Jubi, we specialize in all traditional rug-making methods. Learn more in this guide and explore how different rug styles, patterns, and materials create distinct looks and feels.

hand tufted rug texture

Tufted Rugs

hand-knotted rug texture

Knotted Rugs

shag rug texture

Shag Rugs

hand loomed rug texture

Loomed Rugs

Woven Rugs

Hand-Tufted Rugs

Hand-tufted rugs are made by pushing wool through a fabric base to create a dense, textural surface. Each piece is then secured with a cotton backing and finished by hand along the edges for durability. The result is a plush, soft feel with sculptural dimension.

This versatile technique allows for curves, sculptural silhouettes, and detailed carving, making it ideal for modern patterned designs. With the aid of a tufting tool, it’s also the fastest method for producing a handmade rug. All Jubi tufted rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be made in any size, shape, or color.

Pile Height: 0.5"–1.5", fully customizable.

Close-up of sculpted wool rug edge showing scalloped rust border and cream stripe carving

What is a tufted rug?

hand tufted rugs process

Handmade with a Tufting Tool

Wool is pushed through a fabric base by hand, creating a dense, textural surface that’s later secured with a cotton backing.
hand tufted sculpted wool rug modern living room

Sculptural and Versatile

Perfect for curves, waves, and detailed carving — tufted rugs allow for expressive, modern forms and intricate patterning.
hand tufted rug wool texture soft

Soft, Dimensional Texture

The pile can range from low and dense to high and plush, offering a cushioned feel underfoot and sculpted surface detail.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Knotted rugs are made entirely by hand, with individual knots tied one by one onto a loom. This meticulous process forms the rug’s structure, creating dense, detailed patterns and a strong foundation that lasts for generations. The result is a richly textured surface with subtle variations that reveal the hand of the maker.

Hand-knotted rugs are ideal for geometric motifs, tonal variations, and heirloom-quality pieces. Styles such as Persian, Oriental, and Turkish Oushak are all examples of this traditional technique. All Jubi knotted rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be made in any size, shape, or color.

Pile Height: 0.25"–2" (shag), fully customizable.

hand knotted wool rugs in modern patterns and earthy boho colors

What is a hand-knotted rug?

hand knotted wool rug type

Individually Tied by Hand

Each knot is tied one by one onto a loom, creating intricate patterns and a durable foundation built to last for generations.
hand knotted rug soft wool texture pattern

Naturally Textured and Detailed

The density of the knots gives the surface rich dimension, with subtle variations that highlight the craftsmanship of the maker.
persian knotted rug modern living room

Heirloom-Quality

Hand-knotted rugs are the most traditional and enduring technique, favored for their strength, refined texture, and lasting beauty.

Shag Rugs

Shag rugs are made by hand using the same knotting technique as traditional rugs, but with longer strands of wool that create a deep, luxuriously plush pile. The result is a soft, tactile surface with rich texture and warmth underfoot.

Known for their dimensional depth and sculptural quality, shag rugs can be carved by hand for added form and movement. Often inspired by Moroccan designs, they bring a relaxed, tactile feel to modern interiors. All Jubi shag rugs are made from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any color, shape, or size.

Pile Height: 1"–2", fully customizable.

wool shaggy rug with thick pile in cream

What is a shag rug?

shag wool rug handmade process

Made by Hand with Long Wool Strands

Each strand of wool is knotted by hand to create a thick, plush pile with natural movement and depth.
shag wool rug soft thick texture

Sculptural and Dimensional

Long fibers can be hand-carved for subtle contouring, adding form and texture to the surface.
shag rug in a modern bedroom

Soft, Relaxed, and Luxurious

Defined by a deep pile and organic texture, shag rugs have a tactile softness and sense of ease suited to modern interiors.

Hand-Loomed Rugs

Hand-loomed rugs are made by weaving horizontal weft threads through vertical warp threads on a loom, producing a low, even pile. The result is a consistent surface with clean edges and a refined, structured appearance.

These rugs have a soft yet firm feel underfoot, ideal for rooms that call for polish without excess texture. Loomed rugs can also be hand-carved for subtle ribbing or linear designs. All Jubi loomed rugs are made from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any size, shape, or color.

Pile Height: Approx. 0.5", fully customizable.

Two ombre loomed wool rugs, one purple and one blue, on a white background.

What is a hand-loomed rug?

hand loomed wool rug type

Woven by Hand on a Loom

Horizontal weft threads are woven through vertical warp threads to form a smooth, even pile.
hand loomed rug in modern living room in vibrant pink

Clean and Structured Surface

Defined by its uniform texture and precise edges, a hand-loomed rug offers a polished, tailored look.
hand loomed wool rug soft texture

Soft but Firm Underfoot

With its low pile and consistent weave, it provides a comfortable yet stable feel ideal for refined interiors.

Hand-Woven Rugs

Hand-woven rugs are made by interlacing warp and weft yarns to create a flat, durable surface with no pile. The result is a lightweight construction with natural texture and subtle variation throughout.

These rugs are easy to maintain and ideal for high-traffic areas or layered styling. Their flat woven structure offers a relaxed, versatile look that suits both modern and traditional spaces. All Jubi hand-woven rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any size or color.

Pile Height: Flatwoven, no pile.

Textured wool accent rug in 2x3 with colorful woven floral outlines, small handmade rug for entryway or kitchen

What is a hand-woven rug?

hand woven rug process

Crafted by Interlacing Warp and Weft

Yarns are woven together on a loom to form a flat, durable surface with no pile.
flat woven wool rug texture

Lightweight and Durable

The thin, flexible structure makes these rugs easy to move, layer, and maintain — ideal for everyday use.
modern flatweave wool rug

Naturally Textured and Versatile

A subtle weave pattern adds organic texture and structure, suited to both modern and traditional spaces.

Compare Rug Types

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
Tufted 0.5–1.5" Soft, plush; sculpted Modern patterns, curves & carving; living rooms, bedrooms Medium
Knotted 0.25–2" Dense, richly textured Heirloom pieces, geometric or tonal motifs; high-traffic spaces Very high
Shag 1–2" Ultra-plush, tactile Bedrooms, lounges, relaxed modern spaces Medium
Loomed 0.5" Smooth, structured; soft-firm Dining rooms, offices, refined interiors High
Woven 0.25" (no pile) Flat, naturally textured; lightweight Kitchens, hallways, layering; high-traffic areas Very High

Tufted

Pile Height: 0.5–1.5"

Feel: Soft, plush; sculpted

Best For: Modern patterns, curves & carving; living rooms, bedrooms

Durability: Medium

Customizable:

Knotted

Pile Height: 0.25–2"

Feel: Dense, richly textured

Best For: Heirloom pieces, geometric or tonal motifs; high-traffic spaces

Durability: Very high

Customizable:

Shag

Pile Height: 1–2"

Feel: Ultra-plush, tactile

Best For: Bedrooms, lounges, relaxed modern spaces

Durability: Medium

Customizable:

Loomed

Pile Height: 0.5"

Feel: Smooth, structured; soft-firm

Best For: Dining rooms, offices, refined interiors

Durability: High

Customizable:

Woven

Pile Height: 0.25" (no pile)

Feel: Flat, naturally textured; lightweight

Best For: Kitchens, hallways, layering; high-traffic areas

Durability: Very High

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 →