What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?
- Usually installed wall-to-wall for floor coverage
- Meant to stay put for years as a permanent fixture
- Usually larger than 2.4 by 3 metres
- Require professional installation with padding underneath
- Create a unified look throughout the room
- Loose floor coverings that can be easily moved, rolled up, or relocated
- Like the accessories of the flooring world, versatile and changeable
- Perfect for defining spaces within a room
- Available in various sizes to suit different needs
- Can be layered or repositioned as décor changes
How to identify a rug vs. a carpet: Key characteristics
- Installed permanently with adhesive or tack strips
- Cover the entire floor area from wall to wall
- Require professional installation and removal
- Usually have padding underneath for comfort
- Cannot be easily moved or repositioned
- Portable and can be moved or rolled up
- Come in defined sizes and shapes
- Placed on top of existing flooring
- Can be layered or repositioned as needed
- Often have finished edges or fringes
Which rooms/areas are carpets and rugs best suited for?
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Room type
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Carpets
|
Rugs
|
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Living room
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Great for large spaces, creates warmth | Perfect for defining seating areas |
|
Bedroom
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Luxurious underfoot, especially in AC rooms | Ideal beside beds, easy to change with decor |
|
Dining room
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Can be challenging with food spills | Washable options perfect for under tables |
|
Children's room
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Soft play surface, but harder to clean | Easy to replace when outgrown or damaged |
|
Kitchen
|
Not recommended due to spills and odours | Small washable rugs work well |
|
Bathroom
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Moisture issues make this impractical | Bath mats and small rugs are perfect |
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Entrance/foyer
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Durable option for high traffic | Easy to clean and replace |
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Balcony/terrace
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Weather-resistant options only | Outdoor rugs can define spaces beautifully |
Which is better for high-traffic areas: rugs or carpets in busy Indian households?
Livspace carpets and rugs collection
Aquarius Collection: High-density contemporary carpets with sophisticated textures and soft-touch pile in striking colours and designs.
Arizona Collection: Bold geometric patterns in easy-clean materials, blending heirloom charm with modern practicality and luxurious underfoot comfort.
Aspendous Collection: Richly coloured vintage and abstract designs in soft grey, silver, and gold tones, crafted for timeless elegance.
Benz Collection: 100% polyester rugs featuring geometric to organic patterns, designed for contemporary spaces with easy maintenance.
Cocoon Collection: Plush polyester rugs with modern 3D textures in Art Deco to Berber styles, offering durability and floor-heating compatibility.
Cuba Collection: Polypropylene-polyester blend rugs with abstract patterns and distressed textures in muted tones, perfect for pet-friendly homes.
Cyrus Collection: Bold abstract freeform designs in beige, grey, rust, and mustard tones, crafted from durable PP Frieze yarn for stylish contemporary expression.
Davinci Collection: Ultra-fine yarn rugs combining classical designs with modern aesthetics in densely woven, high-quality construction.
Diamond Collection: High-density carpets with sophisticated construction and contemporary appeal, featuring striking colours and textured surfaces.
Esfahan Collection: Mid-century Persian-inspired designs in 100% polypropylene, offering machine-woven durability with authentic, rich colours.
Gul Collection: 100% polyester rugs blending timeless elegance with modern geometry through intricate designs and luxuriously soft textures.
Gypsy Collection: 100% space-dyed polyester featuring vintage charm with modern expression, using advanced dyeing techniques for multidimensional colour effects.
Ibiza Collection: High-density textured carpets with contemporary styling and sophisticated construction, delivering both visual appeal and lasting performance.
Jodhpur Collections (A, C, D, H): Timeless motifs in calming tones, woven from durable PP polyester with cotton backing and fringe for classic elegance.
Oyster Collection: Abstract art meets classic elegance in weathered tones, crafted from high-quality PP polyester with subtle sheen for modern interiors.
Penny Collection: Premium PP and PES fibre blend offering bold contemporary patterns with a perfect balance of softness, strength, and visual appeal.
Reverie Collection: 100% recycled polyester rugs with abstract flowing visuals, combining sustainability with contemporary artistic appeal.
Rosa Collection: 100% polyester tone-on-tone rugs with intricate textures and architectural patterns, blending minimalism with sophisticated design.
Tuscany Collection: Nature-inspired patterns in soft neutral tones from durable polyester, featuring organic motifs perfect for contemporary, calm interiors.
Maintenance and durability: comparing rugs and carpets in India's climate
- Daily care: Vacuum in multiple directions to lift embedded dust and dirt
- Monsoon prep: Use dehumidifiers and ensure excellent ventilation to prevent mould
- Deep cleaning: Schedule professional cleaning every 12-18 months, ideally before monsoon season
- Spot treatment: Address spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth—never rub, always blot
- Dust mite control: Steam clean annually to eliminate allergens, particularly important in humid regions
- Traffic patterns: Rearrange furniture periodically to prevent permanent indentations and uneven wear
- Weekly routine: Shake out smaller rugs outdoors to remove dust and debris
- Sun-drying: Take advantage of India's abundant sunshine—air-dry rugs monthly to prevent mustiness
- Rotation strategy: Turn rugs 180 degrees every few months to ensure even wear patterns
- Stain removal: For washable rugs, treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water before washing
- Monsoon storage: Roll up delicate rugs during heavy monsoon periods if your home lacks proper ventilation
- Professional care: Send valuable or delicate rugs for specialist cleaning annually
What materials are best for rugs and carpets in India?
- Wool: Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, though requires more careful maintenance in humid conditions.
- Cotton: Highly breathable, washable, and perfect for India's heat. Dhurries are classic examples.
- Jute and coir: Naturally resistant to moisture and insects, plus they're locally sourced.
- Polypropylene: Synthetic but highly stain-resistant and quick-drying—perfect for families with children.
- Bamboo: Naturally antibacterial and eco-friendly, ideal for contemporary Indian homes.
What are the eco-friendly options for rugs and carpets available in India?
- Jute rugs: Biodegradable, naturally antimicrobial, and locally produced
- Coir carpets: Made from coconut husks, extremely durable and sustainable
- Bamboo rugs: Fast-growing material with natural antibacterial properties
- Recycled cotton rugs: Often made from textile industry waste
- Hemp rugs: Naturally pest-resistant and long-lasting
Which is best suited for small Indian apartments: rugs or carpets?
- Choose one large rug rather than several small ones
- Light colours reflect more light, making spaces feel larger
- Diagonal placement can make narrow rooms feel wider
- Layering thin rugs adds texture without bulk
How do rugs and carpets compare for pet-friendly Indian households?
- Washable options available for accidents
- Easier to replace if damaged beyond repair
- Can be removed during pet bathing or grooming
- Less likely to trap pet dander permanently
- Some can be machine-washed at home
- Indoor-outdoor polypropylene: Stain-resistant and easily hoseable
- Flat-weave cotton: Machine-washable and quick-drying
- Jute: Naturally antimicrobial and scratch-resistant
FAQs
Can a carpet be a rug?
No, a carpet cannot technically be a rug due to their different installation methods and purposes. Carpets are permanently installed wall-to-wall coverings that require professional fitting, whilst rugs are loose, portable floor coverings that can be moved freely. However, some people colloquially use the terms interchangeably, which can create confusion when shopping for floor coverings.
Can I use rugs instead of carpet?
Absolutely! Using rugs instead of carpet is often a smarter choice for Indian homes, offering greater flexibility and easier maintenance. You can achieve similar coverage by strategically placing multiple rugs or choosing one large area rug for your main living space. This approach allows you to change your décor seasonally, clean individual pieces more easily, and replace worn areas without renovating your entire floor.
Can I put a rug in the washing machine?
It depends on the rug's size, material, and washing machine capacity. Small cotton dhurries, bath mats, and certain synthetic rugs can often go in a large-capacity washing machine on a gentle cycle. However, larger rugs, wool pieces, or those with rubber backing should be professionally cleaned or hand-washed to avoid damage or shrinkage.
What type of rug is most popular?
Cotton dhurries and flat-weave rugs remain the most popular choice in Indian homes due to their practicality and affordability. These traditional floor coverings are breathable, easy to clean, and perfectly suited to India's climate. Jute and coir rugs are also gaining popularity as eco-conscious homeowners seek sustainable, locally-made options that complement both traditional and contemporary décor.
What type of carpet is trending now?
Loop pile and berber-style carpets are currently trending in Indian homes for their durability and ability to hide dirt and footprints. Neutral tones like beige, grey, and warm taupe are particularly popular as they complement India's love for colourful accents through furniture and textiles. Carpet tiles are also gaining traction among urban homeowners who want the luxury of carpeting with the practical benefits of easy replacement and maintenance.
