The Ruggable Low Pile and Medium Pile rugs share the brand's signature washability, but differ significantly in texture, feel, and price. The Low Pile version features a flat, smooth surface perfect for high-traffic areas and easy cleaning, while the Medium Pile offers a plush, cozier feel that adds warmth and comfort to a space.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Ruggable rug for your home.
Ruggable Low Pile Rugs
Ruggable's Low Pile rugs are designed with practicality and a minimalist aesthetic in mind. Featuring a flat, tightly woven surface, these rugs are ideal for busy areas where dirt, dust, and pet hair are common concerns. Their sleek profile minimizes tripping hazards and allows doors to open easily over them, making them a functional choice for entryways, hallways, kitchens, and under dining tables.
- What it is: A washable, two-piece rug system with a flat, smooth top layer that's approximately 0.2 inches thick.
- Key features: Smooth surface for easy vacuuming, stain- and water-resistant polyester construction, signature non-slip rug pad.
- Price: Generally starts around $150 for smaller sizes, making it the more budget-friendly option.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Patterns appear sharp and well-defined on the flat surface.
- Materials/Construction: Durable, performance-grade polyester that's designed for repeated machine washing without fading.
- Pros: Extremely easy to clean and vacuum. Less likely to trap allergens and pet hair. Perfect for high-traffic zones and rolling office chairs. More affordable price point.
- Cons: Lacks the plush, cushioned feel some people want in a rug. Offers minimal sound absorption. Can feel more utilitarian than luxurious.
This rug is for anyone who values easy maintenance and has a busy household with pets or kids, especially in functional spaces like kitchens or entryways.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/collections/low-pile-rugs
Ruggable Medium Pile Rugs
The Medium Pile rugs from Ruggable strike a balance between sink-in comfort and practical washability. With a noticeably softer and plusher texture, these rugs are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms. The added thickness provides more cushioning underfoot and contributes to better sound absorption, making spaces feel warmer and quieter without sacrificing the convenience of Ruggable's two-piece cleaning system.
- What it is: A washable, two-piece rug system with a plusher, textured top layer that's approximately 0.4 to 0.6 inches thick.
- Key features: Soft, textured feel for enhanced comfort, stain- and water-resistant polyester construction, signature non-slip rug pad.
- Price: Ranges from around $200 for smaller sizes to $600 or more for large area rugs.
- Style: Cozy, warm, and inviting. The added texture adds dimension and can enhance both contemporary and traditional decor.
- Materials/Construction: Durable, performance-grade polyester with a higher pile designed to feel soft underfoot.
- Pros: Offers significantly more comfort and softness. Provides better sound insulation. Adds warmth and texture to a room, making it feel more complete. Feels more luxurious underfoot.
- Cons: Higher price point. Can trap more dirt and pet hair, requiring more thorough vacuuming. The textured surface can slightly soften the appearance of intricate designs.
This rug works well for those who prioritize a soft, comfortable feel in primary living areas and are willing to pay a bit more for that cozy upgrade.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/collections/medium-pile-rugs
Ruggable Low Pile vs. Medium Pile Comparison
Materials & Texture
Both rugs are made from high-quality, stain-resistant polyester, but their texture is the main point of difference. The Low Pile offers a flat, almost canvas-like feel that is smooth to the touch. It provides a stable, unobtrusive surface. On the other hand, the Medium Pile is noticeably plusher underfoot. Its fibers have more height, adding a soft, textured dimension that feels warmer and more comfortable, especially when walking barefoot.
The texture difference also impacts how designs appear. Intricate patterns look sharper and more defined on Low Pile rugs, while they have a slightly softer, more blended look on the Medium Pile surface. The choice comes down to whether you prefer a crisp, modern appearance or a soft, textured one.
Care & Cleaning
While the greatest feature of any Ruggable is its washability, there is a clear winner in day-to-day maintenance. The Low Pile is a breeze to clean. Its flat weave allows vacuums to glide over it effortlessly, picking up pet hair, crumbs, and dirt without issue. The Medium Pile requires a bit more effort, as its taller fibers can trap debris more easily.
Both rug covers can be detached from their pad and thrown into a standard washing machine, making deep cleaning simple for both types. However, for quick, daily spot-cleaning and vacuuming, the Low Pile is objectively easier and faster to maintain.
Price & Value
Low Pile rugs are consistently more affordable across all sizes. The simpler construction and use of less material contribute to a lower price point, making it a strong value proposition for those on a budget or needing to cover large areas. Medium Pile rugs command a higher price for their added material and more luxurious feel. The value here is subjective: if your main goal is easy cleaning for a high-traffic area, the Low Pile offers better value. If crafting a cozy sanctuary in a bedroom or living room is your priority, the extra cost for the Medium Pile's comfort is a worthwhile investment.
Style & Versatility
Low Pile rugs integrate perfectly into modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian-style homes. Their unobtrusive profile keeps spaces looking clean and simple. They're also highly versatile for functional areas: they work well under office chairs with casters, beneath dining room tables where chairs move frequently, and in kitchens where messes are common.
Medium Pile rugs are stylistically versatile but excel at creating a cozy, hygge-inspired atmosphere. They are excellent for defining seating areas in a living room or providing a soft landing in a bedroom. The added texture can make a space feel richer and more inviting, suiting a range of decor styles from transitional to eclectic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Ruggable options deliver on their promise of easy-to-clean flooring, but they are built for different rooms and priorities.
Choose the Ruggable Low Pile if:
- You have pets that shed heavily or children who are prone to spills.
- The rug will be placed in a high-traffic area like an entryway, hallway, or kitchen.
- You need a rug to go under a dining table or rolling office chair.
- You prefer a clean, sleek, and minimalist aesthetic in your home.
- Your budget is a primary consideration.
Choose the Ruggable Medium Pile if:
- Comfort and a soft feeling underfoot are your top priorities.
- You want to make a living room or bedroom feel cozier and more inviting.
- Sound absorption is a benefit you'd appreciate in a larger room.
- You prefer decor with more texture and visual warmth.
- You're willing to pay more for a plusher, more luxurious feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Ruggable's low and medium pile rugs?
The main difference is the height and texture of the rug fibers. Low Pile rugs are flat and smooth (about 0.2 inches) for easy cleaning and a sleek look. Medium Pile rugs are plusher and softer (about 0.4-0.6 inches) for added comfort and a cozier feel.
Which Ruggable pile is better for pets and kids?
Both are great because they are washable. However, the Low Pile is generally considered better for households with pets and kids because its flat surface makes it easier to vacuum up pet hair and wipe up spills in between washes.
Do Ruggable medium pile rugs feel soft?
Yes, Medium Pile rugs offer a noticeably softer, more cushioned feel compared to the standard Low Pile version. While not as thick as a shag rug, they provide a very pleasant and cozy texture for living rooms and bedrooms.
Is there a big price difference between low and medium pile?
Yes, Medium Pile rugs are priced higher than Low Pile rugs in the same size and design. The price increase accounts for the additional material used to create the plusher, thicker texture.
Can I put furniture on a medium pile rug?
You can absolutely place furniture on a Medium Pile rug. However, extremely heavy pieces may leave indentations over time. For furniture that moves often, like dining chairs or an office chair, a Low Pile rug is a more practical choice.
Does the pile height affect the rug's design clarity?
Slightly. Patterns and intricate designs appear sharpest on a Low Pile rug due to its flat surface. The texture of a Medium Pile rug can soften the edges of a design, giving it a more blended and less crisp look.
Which pile height is easier to wash?
The machine-washing process is identical for both. You detach the rug cover from its pad and wash it at home. In terms of day-to-day maintenance, however, the Low Pile is easier to vacuum and keep free of debris.
Do I need an additional rug pad with Ruggable rugs?
No, you do not. The Ruggable system is two pieces: the washable rug cover and a non-slip rug pad. The two pieces are designed to work together, and an extra pad is not necessary.
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