So, you’re at a rug shop or browsing our site at Rug Expo, and one rug just catches your eye. The colors are perfect. The design? Beautiful. You flip it over and take a look at the label—and suddenly, it’s like you’re reading a secret code.
Let’s make sense of it together. If you’re wondering how to read a rug label, this guide will help. We’ll explain what the label tells you—things like what the rug is made of, where it came from, how it was made, and how to take care of it. Once you get the hang of it, rug labels won’t feel confusing anymore.
Rug labels give you the important details. They tell you what the rug is made from, how it was made, where it came from, and how to clean it. If you’re buying a rug for your home, knowing how to read a rug label is important.
Just like you wouldn’t buy clothes without checking the fabric or care instructions, you should give rugs the same attention. The label helps you understand if the rug is strong enough for busy areas, soft enough for comfort, or made with real care. It also helps you avoid rugs that may wear out fast or need special cleaning.
Especially if you’re looking at handmade or special rugs, the label gives you clues about the work behind it. It helps you choose better and avoid surprises.
Here are the parts of the label that matter the most—and how to understand them.
This tells you what the rug is made of. That affects how it feels, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to clean. Some common materials:
Once you know what each material feels like and how it acts over time, labels become a helpful tool. They also help with allergies or if you want a rug that doesn’t hold onto dust. We always list these details clearly at Rug Expo to help you shop smart.
This tells you where the rug was made. And yes, it matters. Some places are famous for their rug-making. If it says Iran, India, Turkey, or Nepal, you’re likely looking at something with skill behind it.
For example, Oriental Rugs from certain regions are made using old techniques. A Persian Rug from Iran might have been made knot by knot by hand. On the other hand, rugs made in factories use machines and take a lot less time.
When you understand how to read a rug label, this part can help you tell the difference between a handmade piece and a mass-produced one.
You might see terms like hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or machine-made. They show how the rug was made, and that tells you a lot about how strong it is.
Hand-knotted rugs take the longest to make but are the most detailed and usually last the longest. Hand-tufted rugs are made with a tool that punches yarn into the base—still nice, but they can shed more. Machine-made rugs are quicker to produce and are usually more budget-friendly.
There are also flatweaves like kilims. They don’t have a soft pile and are very easy to clean.
This is one of the most useful parts when learning how to read a rug label. Once you get familiar with these words, you’ll know what to expect.
Not every rug label has this, but when it does, it gives you even more information.
Knot count tells you how many knots are in a square inch of the rug. More knots usually mean better detail and quality. Think of it like thread count in sheets. Pile height means how high the surface fibers are.
Low-pile rugs are flatter and easier to clean. High-pile rugs are soft and cosy, but they can hold more dust and be harder to vacuum.
This info is handy when comparing two rugs that look similar. It also helps you choose what fits your space better.
Most labels will include the rug’s exact size. But always double-check. A rug listed as 5×8 might actually be 5’3″ x 7’10”. It makes a difference when placing it under furniture.
The label might also mention the shape—like a runner, round, or rectangle. This matters more than people think, especially if you’re shopping in our Clearance Rugs section, where some items may be final sale.
Measurements help avoid surprises. It’s worth paying attention here.
The care part is super important. The label might say if it should be dry-cleaned, hand-washed, or vacuumed in a certain way. If it’s missing, you might risk damaging the rug.
Also, some labels tell you what the rug’s backing is made of. Latex is common but not always the longest lasting. Backings can also affect whether a rug slips or stays put.
Taking care of your rug the right way helps it last longer. And if you’re not sure, our Rug Cleaning Service is always here to help.
Not every rug label tells the full story. Sometimes, it feels like they’re hiding the good stuff.
Here are some things that should be there but often aren’t:
These missing pieces make it harder to know what you’re really buying. That’s why at Rug Expo, we try to be upfront. Whether you’re looking at sizing, cleaning advice, or options through our Rug Appraisal Service, we keep the details open.
Learning how to read a rug label also means learning how to spot what’s been left out.
If something feels off about a label, it probably is. Trust your gut. Some things to look out for:
Another warning sign is when a label says “wool blend” but doesn’t explain what it’s mixed with. It might only have a little bit of wool.
That’s why we keep things clear—especially for rugs that may need special attention. For example, if you have pets, we recommend looking into our Rug Pet Stain Removal Service.
Learning how to read a rug label will help you catch these signs early.
Rug labels might look dull at first, but they hold useful info. They can tell you about the rug’s quality, how to care for it, and how it might fit your home.
We believe in clear details at Rug Expo, whether you’re shopping for high-end Oriental Rugs, handcrafted Persian Rugs, or deals in our Clearance Rugs section. Labels help you pick the rug that fits your space and your needs.
Once you understand how to read a rug label, you’ll feel more confident about what you’re getting. It’s not just about finding a rug you like—it’s about knowing it’s the right one for you.
