Ideas + Advice

Styles

High Pile Rugs vs. Low Pile Rugs – and Why It Matters

Rug pile height and density can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your home. Here’s how to choose the best rug pile height for your space! 

What Is Rug Pile?

If you look closely, you can see that the fibers on an area rug are actually tiny loops woven into the rug’s backing. These loops are known as rug pile, and rug pile height is the distance from the top surface of the loops to the backing of the rug.

High Pile Rug

Best for: Rooms with low traffic (guest room, office, reading nook)

High pile rugs feature longer fibers and loops and are often called shag rugs. Because of their height, high pile rugs allow for more give and tend to look and feel softer than mid and low pile rugs – but they also tend to be a bit more difficult to vacuum. To keep a high pile rug in new condition for as long as possible, refrain from placing it in areas that see high foot traffic.

How to Style It: The tall loops of a high pile rug bring a uniquely cozy aesthetic, so show it off by placing it under furniture pieces with opposing elements. For example, a dark wood coffee table on a white high pile rug will create sharp contrast and bring out the rug’s soft texture.

Low Pile Rug

Best for: Rooms with high traffic (living room, dining room)

Because they tend to feel softer and make for easier vacuuming, low pile rugs are best for kids rooms – or any room in a household with children, for that matter. Plus, because the fibers are tighter and lower to the ground, there’s almost no risk of tripping over any loose ends.

How to Style It: The fibers of a low pile rug are tight and low to the ground and serve by function more than aesthetic, so choose a low pile rug in a fun or unique pattern to prevent it from blending in with the rest of the flooring.

Mid Rug Pile

Best for: Rooms with medium traffic (bedroom, nursery, laundry room)

If you want the luxurious look of a high pile rug and the tight feel of a low pile rug, consider splitting the difference with a mid pile rug. As its name suggests, a mid pile rug is a rug with a pile height in between high and low. One of the most popular rug options on the market, a mid pile rug carries just enough height to deliver a shag appearance – and just enough density to make it easy to clean.

How to Style It: Mid pile rugs are versatile, in both use and style, and you can’t go wrong with location, pattern or color. However, to make a mid pile rug truly shine, consider cozy layers; placing a small mid pile rug over a larger low pile rug offers unexpected flair – in the comfiest way possible.

Watch: Layering Rug Textures

Featured Products

2'X4'9" Doormat Welcome Stripe Natural

$45
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 2'X4'9" Doormat Welcome Stripe Natural as soon as Mar 28 - Apr 01
Quicklook
OUTLET Item

5'x7' Rug-Marble Light Grey/Gold

$95
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 5'x7' Rug-Marble Light Grey/Gold as soon as Mar 25 - Mar 29
Quicklook

8'x10' Rug-Zora Natural

$695
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 8'x10' Rug-Zora Natural as soon as Mar 23 - Mar 27
Quicklook

7'8"x10' Rug-Traditional Light Greys And Creams

$295
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 7'8"x10' Rug-Traditional Light Greys And Creams as soon as Mar 23 - Mar 27
Quicklook

9'x12'3" Rug-Traditional Light Greys And Creams

$395
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 9'x12'3" Rug-Traditional Light Greys And Creams as soon as Mar 23 - Mar 27
Quicklook

9'x12'3" Rug-Modern Stripe Grey And Tans

$395
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 9'x12'3" Rug-Modern Stripe Grey And Tans as soon as Mar 23 - Mar 27
Quicklook

Ml Rug-8'X10' Kallan Textures Charcoal

$695
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the Ml Rug-8'X10' Kallan Textures Charcoal as soon as Mar 25 - Mar 29
Quicklook

5'3"x7'3"Rug-Colbourn Machine Washable Plum/Ink Blue

$175
This item qualifies for Free Parcel Shipping
Get the 5'3"x7'3"Rug-Colbourn Machine Washable Plum/Ink Blue as soon as Mar 23 - Mar 27
Quicklook

— More Great Articles —

Related Categories

Read the Latest

Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.