Schoolhouse 101: Rug Pile Height For Every Room
If there’s one thing that can make an impact in a room, it’s an area rug. From inviting a sense of calm to pulling in a playful pattern, a rug has the power to ground a space in a way no other form of decor can. This makes choosing one for your space all the more exciting—or intimidating, depending on how you look at it.
Most people know to pay attention to size when shopping for a rug. But there’s another factor that’s often overlooked, and that’s pile height. Just ahead, we’re covering what you need to know about the term, including which options are best for which rooms.
First things first: There is a difference between the terms “pile” and “pile height.” “Pile,” on the one hand, refers to the density of a rug’s fibers, from thin to thick. “Pile height,” meanwhile, is the thickness of the rug measured from the backing to the top surface.
In terms of pile height, rugs fall under three broad categories: low, medium, and high. Low-pile rugs, as you may have guessed, are flat with short, tightly woven fibers. They’re typically less than 1/4 inch thick. High-pile rugs are shaggier, with long fibers that create a soft and fluffy feel. They’re usually between 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
While there is no best pile height, certain options tend to work better in certain spaces. Let’s break it down.
Low-pile or flatwoven rugs have a slim profile, as they are crafted on a loom from cotton or wool. They’re extremely versatile, not to mention durable, making them a shoo-in for a variety of spaces (especially high-traffic areas).
We love adding low-pile rugs to busy entryways, hallways, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. They’re also a great fit for dining rooms, where they allow chairs to slide in and out easily without leaving indentations. Another bonus: They’re easy to vacuum and clean, as their shorter fibers are less likely to trap crumbs.
A medium-pile rug—one that’s 1/4 inch to 1/2 thick—can offer the best of both worlds. Usually made of knotted or looped wool, it adds a soft and plush feel underfoot, lending a cozy touch to your space. Meanwhile, vacuuming and cleaning remains relatively low-key. This is a rug that plays well with a number of spaces, including living rooms, hallways, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
High-pile rugs, also known as the shag rugs, offer a nice, plush cushion in living spaces where you might find yourself sitting on the floor. We also love adding one to the bedroom, where those tall fibers will give you a soft landing spot when you get up in the morning. There’s nothing quite like a large, plush rug when you’re looking to cozy up the room.
Once you’ve found the right pile height for your space, you’ll need to nail down the best rug size—and make some decisions around placement.
First, when in doubt, go big. Experts often say that the number one mistake people make when purchasing a rug is choosing one that is too small. In a living room, for example, it’s best to have only 1 to 2 feet of space from the wall to the edge of the rug, so most of the floor is covered. This allows at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on the rug while still leaving ample room to walk between each piece.
This best practice applies to the dining room as well, where all chair legs should stay on top of the rug even when pushed out. Otherwise, you could end up with wobbly seats, or with chair legs that constantly get caught on the rug’s edge.
This isn’t to say a smaller rug won’t work wonders in your space. In fact, we love tinier sizes for certain bedroom situations, such as next to a bunk bed. Ultimately, the size and placement you go for depends on square footage, furniture, and your own personal aesthetic.
