Handmade rugs have been an essential part of home decor for centuries. They add warmth, character, and style to any space. However, not all handmade rugs are created equal. Hand knotted rugs and hand-tufted rugs are two of the most popular types of handmade rugs, but they differ in their production process, quality, and price.
We’ve outlined the advantages and the disadvantages of both to help you make an informed decision on which construction style is best for your home.
Hand Knotted Rugs
Hand knotted rugs are made using a traditional weaving process that involves manually knotting individual threads together to create the rug's pattern and texture. This process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it results in a high-quality rug that is durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic and regular use.
Hand knotted rugs are typically made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or silk, and they often feature intricate designs and patterns.
Advantages
Quality & Durability:
Hand knotted rugs are of the highest quality and are crafted to stand the test of time.The labor-intensive hand weaving process results in a tightly woven rug that is durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Hand knotted rugs are well known to last for decades, even centuries, with proper care.
Unique
Each Hand knotted rug is unique, and no two rugs are exactly alike. The handmade nature of these rugs means that they can vary slightly in size, shape, and color, which adds to their charm and character.
Natural Materials
Hand knotted rugs are made from natural, high-quality materials such as wool, cotton, or silk, which offer durability and a luxurious feel.
Maintenance
Hand knotted rugs are constructed using materials known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. These natural fibers are also naturally resistant to stains, odors, and mildew, making them easy to maintain.
Disdvantages
Price
Hand knotted rugs are generally more expensive than hand-tufted rugs due to the time and labor required to create them.
Hand-Tufted Rugs
Hand-tufted rugs are made using a mechanical process that involves punching individual threads into a fabric backing using a tufting gun. This method allows for faster production and is less labor-intensive, making hand tufted rugs more affordable compared to hand knotted rugs.
Advantages
Affordability
Hand-tufted rugs are generally less expensive than hand knotted rugs, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Material & Design Versatility
While hand-tufted rugs can also be made using natural materials, they are often available in synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, and viscose.
These synthetic and semi-synthetic materials come in an extensive range of colors allowing for more design options.This makes hand-tufted rugs a more versatile choice for different home decor styles.
Disadvantages
Durability
While hand tufted rugs can mimic the appearance of hand knotted rugs, they are generally less durable. The backing material used in hand tufted rugs can degrade over time, leading to yarns becoming loose or detached.
Consequently, they are better suited for low-traffic areas or rooms where the rug's visual appeal is prioritized over longevity.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Due to their construction, it can be easy to damage the backing or tufting yarn if too much force is applied when vacuuming. Hand-tufted rugs can be prone to shedding which means they need to be vacuumed more often.
Some of the synthetic materials used in hand-tufted rugs are also less stain resistant than the natural materials used in hand knotted rugs.
Hand Knotted or Hand-tufted - Which is Better?
Both hand knotted rugs and hand-tufted rugs have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
Hand knotted rugs are more durable and considered higher quality. The construction quality of hand knotted rug makes it last for many decades and it often ends up being a generational heirloom. While more expensive than a hand-tufted rug, it is a better value proposition.
Hand-tufted rugs are more affordable and versatile, but they are of lower quality and are often made from synthetic materials that are more difficult to clean.
Regardless of your choice, a well-selected rug will undoubtedly enhance the ambiance and comfort of your living space for years to come.
We’re all fans of hallway runners—but they’ve expanded beyond those corners of the home. These days, the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to where you place runners, how you style them, and what kind of runner speaks to your home. Here, three interior designers share their favorite runners from Jaipur Living, as well as how to choose and style them.
Start With Sizing
As with any rug, the first step to choosing a runner is selecting the correct length and width. “If you are placing the runner in a hallway, I typically go 2 to 3 inches off the walls for the runner width and 1 to 2 inches off the opening of the space for the length,” says Lauren Davenport of Davenport Designs. “You want to make sure your runner is not too long or too short, or the edge of the rug does not fall into a traffic pathway.”
Think Outside the Hallway
While runners are traditionally installed in hallways, they’re also great ways to make an impact in other spaces. “I think runners are a great way to add a pop of dimension, texture, pattern, and color to a smaller space, so take some risks,” says designer Kate Lester, who partnered with Jaipur Living to create Harman Hold, a collection of runners with a built-in backing that means no rug pad is required.
"I love Harman Hold runners in kitchens, laundry rooms, and even longer bathrooms. The integrated padding makes them super comfortable and prevents them from sliding around."
— Kate Lester
Designer Kristin Kong of K Kong Designs agrees.“We love to add a colorful runner to a laundry or mud room, to install runners on stairways, and to layer runners over rugs and neutral wall-to-wall carpeting to create interest.” When it comes to stair runners or wall-to-wall carpeting, designers agree that custom rugs are a great way to fit a space to a tee. “When installing runners on stairways, safety is the first consideration so I look for rugs with a looped pile,” adds Kong.
Play with Color and Pattern
For Kong, runners are a blend of form and function. “Runners have so many possibilities when styling a home that adds color, texture, and an artistic pop while providing functionality,” she says. “A patterned runner is great in a kitchen between a sink and an island or in a longer entryway,” adds Lester. “Elect for something vibrant for a little bit of wow factor.”
Davenport utilizes runners as a layering tool in a room’s overall design. “I always make sure that the runner is another layer in the space and not the showstopper,” she advises. “Look to the colors and patterns in your space and then pull in colors from your decor for the runner. If you love color and the rest of your space is neutral, then this would be a good opportunity to introduce color.”
Consider Usability
For Lester, choosing the right runner all comes down to how you’re using the space. “Runners in a kitchen, for example, tend to take a beating, so I always suggest something more durable or stain resistant so you can quickly spot clean,” she says. Davenport often looks to indoor/outdoor rugs for the kitchen—or 100% wool or polyester rugs, which are durable and easy to clean, while “for bathrooms, you want to make sure that it will be soft under your feet.”
“I typically look for natural materials that are pet and kid-friendly and will stand the test of time,” Kong adds. “In certain areas of the home that are high-traffic, we look for lower pile options to accommodate daily use and doorways.”
Lester's Favorites
“I love the way that the pad comes integrated Harman Hold runners so you don’t have to worry about finding the right size and type of rug pad to fit your runner. Plus, no more adjusting and trimming pads that come loose.”
Davenport's Favorites
“Someplace in Time is one of my favorites. It’s a classic, low pile with a ton of color and pattern to hide dirt and wear.”
“The Sanna is a statement runner. It’s high impact but power loomed, so it’s well-priced as well as kid and pet friendly.”
“This Jaida runner is soft, subtle, and plush—great for a bathroom. This runner could also be layered in a neutral scheme over grasscloth to add texture or alongside a bed over wall-to-wall neutral carpeting.”
Kong's Favorites
“I like a sisal runner in hallways where there is not a lot of traffic. This Naturals Tobago runner has a nice pattern, but the natural color and design will work in any space, whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or transitional. This would be great on a stair runner as well.”
“This Catalyst runner is a fun animal print that is neutral enough to add another layer to your decor while still staying neutral.”
“The geometric pattern and neutral colors of this Lore runner will add interest to your space. A bonus is that this is pet and kid friendly!”
“I love the muted colors of the tan, gold, and gray in this Canteena runner. This would work well in more traditional or transitional space.”