High-pile or low-pile rug? The differences explained

You're looking for a new rug, but you're still deciding: high-pile or low-pile rug? When you're looking for a new rug and don't quite know what you want yet, we completely understand if you feel a bit overwhelmed. So many different types of rugs, colours and sizes! One of the questions that will likely come up is: 'Should I go for a high-pile rug or a low-pile rug?' Makes sense, as the difference seems small but makes a big difference in use. To help you with this choice, we've listed all the pros and cons of high-pile and low-pile rugs.

When choosing between a high-pile and low-pile rug, several factors matter. The first factor is of course your own taste and preference. Where your neighbour might prefer a high-pile rug, you yourself might have a strong preference for a low-pile rug and vice versa. Additionally, factors such as pets, allergies and your home's layout play an important role.

What is low-pile?

A low-pile rug has short fibres (the 'pile') less than 1 centimetre high. This makes the rug look sleek, feel smooth and is easier to keep clean than a high-pile rug. Low-pile rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas, modern interiors and spaces where chairs move, such as under the dining table or in a home office.

The difference between a high-pile and low-pile rug

Simply put, the difference between a high-pile and low-pile rug lies in the thickness of the rug. The difference in thickness is often visible in the upright threads, also called pile. If the pile woven through the rug has a minimum length of 1 cm, it's a high-pile rug. When the upright threads are shorter than 1 cm, the rug is called low-pile.

Because a high-pile rug is thicker, it can feel softer and warmer underfoot. If you like walking around barefoot or often have cold feet, a high-pile rug offers the perfect solution.

Nonetheless, a low-pile rug can also provide your feet with a pleasant feeling. Unlike a high-pile rug, a low-pile rug often has a sleeker appearance. Because of this, a low-pile rug fits better in a classical setting.

Which is better: a high-pile or low-pile rug?

Whether a high-pile or low-pile rug is better depends on your preference. High-pile rugs offer comfort, warmth and a luxurious appearance, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Low-pile rugs are easy to maintain, hard-wearing and perfect for busy spaces or households with children or pets.

Think carefully about where you want to place the rug and what matters most to you: comfort or ease of use.

Why choose a high-pile rug?

Why opt for a high-pile rug? Because it provides extra comfort and a warm, atmospheric feel. The long, soft fibres feel wonderful underfoot and instantly make your interior cosier and more luxurious. Additionally, a high-pile rug works as a sound dampener, contributing to a calm atmosphere in the home. It's an ideal choice for spaces like the living room, bedroom or children's room.

Benefits of a high-pile rug

We've already mentioned some benefits of a high-pile rug when comparing it to a low-pile rug. We'd like to expand on the benefits of a high-pile rug for you in a handy overview.

• Ideal if you quickly get cold feet;
• Gives your interior a warm and luxurious look;
• Provides your feet with a soft surface;
• Provides sound dampening;

Doesn't this mean a high-pile rug is harder to clean? Not at all! A high-pile rug is easy to clean. A high-pile rug is soft, so dirt is easily removed. Break out the vacuum cleaner every so often and your rug will be dirt-free in no time. Let your rug air out occasionally and beat it so any remaining dust particles come loose. A high-pile rug is excellent as a living room rug, bedroom rug or children's room rug. This way you can keep your feet warm every morning or let the little ones romp about.

What are the drawbacks of a high-pile rug?

A high-pile rug feels soft and looks luxurious, but it does have a few drawbacks.

1. Dirt or dust gets caught more easily between the long fibres, so it requires slightly more maintenance than a low-pile rug.
2. It's less suitable for office chairs or high-traffic areas because the pile can flatten or get caught in the wheels.
3. High-pile rugs are often less suitable with pets because hairs get caught more easily in the fibres.

Yet for many people, these drawbacks don't outweigh the comfort and appearance. As long as you maintain it properly, you can enjoy your high-pile rug for years to come.

Benefits of a low-pile rug

• Many designs possible;
• Suitable for allergies and pets;
• Can be used in virtually any living space;
• Suits any interior;

If you have a busy lifestyle and don't want to spend much time cleaning your home, a low-pile rug is a great addition. A low-pile rug is very easy to maintain. In no time you've vacuumed up all the crumbs and your rug is clean again. In fact, some low-pile rugs can even go straight in the washing machine!

A fun fact about low-pile rugs is that with some materials or weaving techniques, it's possible to print a nice design on the rug. We often see this with cotton rugs. These are produced as blank rugs and then given a fun and decorative print. Exactly as the designers envisioned!

Bring the creativity of the rug into your workspace. With a creative office rug, you let your mind run free and shake solutions to problems straight out of your sleeve. Because the rug is a flatwoven rug or has a low pile, you'll roll your office chair 'from the window, to the wall!' with ease.

What are the drawbacks of a low-pile rug?

Low-pile rugs are practical and stylish, but do have a few drawbacks.

1. They feel less soft than a high-pile rug, meaning they sometimes offer less warmth or comfort, especially if you like walking around barefoot.
2. A low-pile rug can also be slightly less sound-dampening, which can be noticeable in rooms with hard floors.
3. Also, very thin or flatwoven rugs can shift more easily if not properly secured.

Fortunately, you can easily solve many of these drawbacks with an anti-slip underlay or by cleverly combining the rug with other soft elements in your interior.

Volero's collection of high and low-pile rugs

At Volero, we have a wide range of both high-pile and low-pile rugs. Still not quite sure which type is best for you? Feel free to contact us. We're happy to help you make that choice.