At Ruggable, the main difference between their Flatwoven and Tufted rugs is texture, durability, and visual presence. Flatwoven rugs have a low-profile, smooth surface that is highly durable for high-traffic areas, while Tufted rugs feature a plush, high-pile texture for a much softer feel and a more prominent, statement look. Though both are famously machine-washable, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize robust practicality or cozy comfort.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide between Ruggable's Flatwoven and Tufted rugs for your home.
Ruggable Flatwoven Rugs
Ruggable's Flatwoven style is the brand's workhorse, offering a classic low-profile look that is incredibly durable and versatile. This rug texture is characterized by its tightly woven construction, resulting in a flat surface without a pile. It's an excellent choice for busy spaces like entryways, hallways, and kitchens because it resists crushing and matting while being exceptionally easy to care for.
- What it is: A two-piece machine-washable rug system with a low-profile, non-pile woven top layer.
- Key features: Extremely durable construction, no pile, resists trapping dirt and pet hair, smooth surface is easy to vacuum.
- Price: Generally starting around $99 for small sizes (2x3 ft) up to $739+ for larger sizes like 9x12 ft.
- Style: Ranges from minimalist and geometric patterns to traditional and Persian-inspired designs. Its understated look allows it to blend seamlessly into many decor styles, including modern, Scandinavian, and bohemian.
- Materials/Construction: The rug cover is made from polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier. They are woven tightly to create the flat surface.
- Pros: Highly durable for high-traffic areas. Easy to spot-clean and fits in standard washing machines. Rug pad keeps furniture level with no pile issues. Great for homes with pets as claws are less likely to snag the fibers.
- Cons: Lacks the softness and plush feel of piled rugs. Offers minimal cushioning underfoot compared to tufted styles. Style may appear too simple or casual for more formal spaces.
This Flatwoven rug is for anyone who values durability, easy cleaning, and a low-maintenance solution for the busiest areas of their home.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/collections/classic-flatwoven-rugs
Ruggable Tufted Rugs
The Ruggable Tufted rug provides a textural and dimensional feel, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to any room. Using a premium tufting process, yarns are punched through the backing to create a high-pile, plush surface that feels very soft underfoot. These rugs often feature bold patterns, intricate details, and a cozy aesthetic that makes them the focal point of a living room or bedroom.
- What it is: A two-piece machine-washable rug system featuring a high-pile, plush, and textured top layer.
- Key features: Very soft and cushioned feel, 1/2" high pile adds visual depth and texture. Premium tufted construction creates a statement look.
- Price: More premium pricing, starting around $239 for a 3x5 ft rug and going up to $969+ for a 9x12 ft.
- Style: Often features bold, modern, abstract, or geometric designs that serve as a strong visual anchor. The textural element fits well in modern, luxe, and eclectic interiors.
- Materials/Construction: The top layer is made of 100% polyester fiber. Yarns are machine-tufted into a backing fabric for the signature plush texture.
- Pros: Luxuriously soft and comfortable underfoot. Adds significant warmth, texture, and visual interest to a space. Provides better sound absorption than flatweaves. Can make a room feel cozier and more inviting.
- Cons: Higher price point. The taller pile requires more delicate vacuuming (without a beater bar) and may show matting in extremely high-traffic paths over time. Can be bulkier and more difficult to fit into some home washing machines, especially in larger sizes. May be more susceptible to snagging from pet claws.
The Tufted rug is perfect for spaces where comfort and a strong design presence are the top priorities, like bedrooms and living rooms.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/collections/tufted-rugs
Ruggable Flatwoven vs. Ruggable Tufted Rugs Comparison
Pile Height & Feel
The most immediate difference between the two is how they feel. The Flatwoven Rug has virtually no pile, offering a smooth but firm feel underfoot similar to a traditional kilim. It's practical and not designed for lounging on the floor. It lies flat, allowing doors to swing over it easily and chairs to slide smoothly. This is a purely functional texture that is great for layering or high-function areas.
In contrast, the Tufted Rug is all about texture and softness. Its 1/2" high pile is inviting and cozy, providing a noticeable cushion and warmth. This is the kind of rug you want your feet to sink into when you get out of bed on a cold morning. The added height gives it more visual dimension, making it appear more substantial and luxurious in a given space.
Durability & Placement
Durability is where the Flatwoven rug truly shines. Its tight, low-profile weave is built to withstand constant foot traffic, pets, kids, and shuffling furniture without showing wear, pilling, or matting. This makes it the undisputed choice for entryways, hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, and home offices. Its construction resists trapping debris, making daily upkeep simple.
The Tufted rug is still durable for a Ruggable, but by nature, a high-pile rug is less resilient to heavy traffic. The fibers can become compressed or matted in main walkways over time. While great for a living room or bedroom, it's less ideal for areas where chairs are constantly moved or where it will see nonstop action from the front door. It performs best in cozy spaces dedicated to relaxation.
Care & Cleaning
Both styles are built on Ruggable's key selling point: they are machine washable. However, there are slight practical differences. The low-profile Flatwoven Rug Cover folds up compactly and manages moisture more effectively, allowing it to fit into standard-sized washing machines and dryers more easily, even in large sizes like 8x10. Its smooth surface also makes spot-cleaning spills a breeze.
The Tufted Rug Cover is also washable, but its high pile makes it bulkier and more absorbent. This means larger sizes may need a large-capacity washing machine. It can also take longer to dry completely. For daily care, the looser fibers can trap more dust and debris, requiring more diligent vacuuming (using a suction-only setting).
Style & Aesthetic Presence
Flatwoven rugs tend to offer more subtle and versatile patterns that integrate easily with existing decor. Their classic look can complement a room without overwhelming it. They excel in achieving a layered, understated aesthetic that feels chic and timeless, from geometric designs to modern abstracts. They are background players that tie a room together.
Tufted rugs are designed to be statement pieces. The plush texture and vibrant hues common in these collections create an instant focal point. They add a sense of luxury and depth that draws the eye and makes a room feel more curated and intentionally designed. These rugs are perfect for grounding a furniture arrangement and injecting personality into a space.
Price & Value
Flatwoven rugs are the more budget-friendly option. Their simpler construction and material usage translate into a lower starting price across all sizes, offering fantastic value for shoppers prioritizing ease of use and durability. For a small premium over a standard rug, you get washability and longevity.
Tufted rugs come with a premium price tag reflecting their more complex construction and plushness. The value here lies in the enhanced comfort and greater aesthetic impact. If your goal is to add a noticeable touch of luxury, softness, and vibrant style to a room, the higher cost is justified.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Flatwoven and Tufted rugs from Ruggable offer the amazing benefit of washability, but they cater to very different needs and spaces.
Choose the Ruggable Flatwoven Rug if:
- You're decorating a high-traffic area like a hallway, kitchen, or entryway.
- You have pets and kids and need the most durable, stain-resistant option available.
- You prefer a low-maintenance rug that's easy to vacuum.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want a good value.
- You need a low-profile rug that won't obstruct doors or get caught under furniture feet.
Choose the Ruggable Tufted Rug if:
- Your top priority is a soft, plush feel underfoot, especially for a bedroom or family room.
- You want your rug to be a statement piece with bold color and dimension.
- You are placing the rug in a primary living area where you lounge and relax.
- You are aiming for a luxurious, cozy, or eclectic design aesthetic.
- You have a larger budget and are prioritizing texture and comfort over maximum durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Tufted and Flatwoven Ruggable rugs?
The main difference is the texture and pile height. Flatwoven rugs are thin with a smooth, durable surface, while Tufted rugs are thick and plush with a soft, high pile. This impacts their durability, feel, and best placement in the home.
Will a Tufted Ruggable fit in my washing machine?
It depends on the size of the rug and your machine's capacity. Smaller Tufted rugs (up to 5x7 ft) generally fit in standard home washers. However, larger sizes like 8x10 ft or 9x12 ft may require a large-capacity or commercial-grade machine due to their bulk.
Which Ruggable style is better for households with pets?
For most pet owners, the Flatwoven Rug is the better choice. Its non-pile surface doesn't snag on claws, and it's less likely to trap pet hair and dander. It's also exceptionally easy to clean up after accidents and muddy paws.
Do Tufted Ruggable rugs shed?
Ruggable's Tufted rugs are designed to minimize shedding compared to traditional wool tufted rugs. While some initial fuzzing may occur, prolonged shedding is not a common issue thanks to the polyester fiber construction.
Is the Tufted Ruggable comfortable enough to sit on?
Yes, the Tufted rug's soft, half-inch pile makes it very comfortable for sitting or lounging on the floor, adding a cozy layer to family movie nights or playtime with kids. The Flatwoven style is not designed for this type of comfort.
Can I use the same Ruggable Pad for both styles?
Yes, Ruggable Rug Pads - both Classic and Cushioned - are compatible with both Flatwoven and Tufted Rug Covers. This allows you to swap styles for different seasons or design changes without needing to buy a new pad.
How do I vacuum a Tufted Ruggable without damaging it?
It's best to use a vacuum without a beater bar or rotary brush, as these can snag and pull the long fibers. Use a suction-only setting or a high-pile vacuum attachment to gently clean the surface.
Which style is best for a dining room?
A Flatwoven rug is strongly recommended for a dining room. Chairs slide much more easily on its flat surface, and it’s simpler to clean up any food or drink spills. A Tufted rug's high pile can make moving chairs difficult and trap crumbs.
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