Flatweave Rugs
Flatweave rugs have no pile. The weft is woven over and under the warp, so the rug lies flat, the pattern shows on both faces and you can turn it over to spread the wear. Most pieces are one of one: when a rug sells, it is not restocked.
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Label STEP dealer
Audits for fair weaver wages
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Most sold once
A sold piece stays listed as Sold and is not restocked
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No pile to flatten
Takes shoes and daily walking
How a flatweave is made
A flatweave is woven, not knotted. Weft threads pass over and under the warp until the pattern builds up, so there is no pile to knot, tuft or trim. Turn a kilim over and the design looks the same on the back.
- Construction
- Handwoven flatweave
- Pile
- None
- Styles
- Kilim, Scandinavian, Navajo, runner
- Most pieces
- One of one
No pile. Nothing to flatten.
Imaco Rugs is a Label STEP dealer. Label STEP audits producers for fair weaver wages and no child labour.
About this collection
Read more
What is a flatweave rug?
A flatweave has no pile. The weft is woven across the warp, so the rug lies flat, the pattern shows on both faces and most pieces are about 3 to 5 mm thick. It is thin and light, so it is easy to lift for vacuuming.
Flatweave or pile rug: which should I choose?
A flatweave is thin, light and reversible. A pile rug has knotted or tufted yarn standing up from a backing, so it is thicker and softer underfoot. Choose a flatweave for halls, kitchens and dining rooms, and a pile rug where you want softness. For pile, browse hand-knotted rugs.
What types of flatweave rug are there?
The main families here are Maimana kilims, Scandinavian kilims, Navajo kilims and modern flatweaves, in rugs and runners. Each has its own collection, so you can narrow by family as well as by size.
| Size (cm) | Size (ft) | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 60 x 90 | 2 x 3 | Doorway, beside a chair |
| 90 x 150 | 3 x 5 | Hall, bedside, kitchen |
| 120 x 185 | 4 x 6 | Small living room, reading corner |
| 150 x 215 | 5 x 7 | Bedroom, home office |
| 185 x 275 | 6 x 9 | Living room with a sofa and chairs |
| 245 x 305 | 8 x 10 | Large living room |
| 275 x 365 | 9 x 12 | Open-plan living or dining area |
| 305 x 425 | 10 x 14 | Large open-plan space |
Are flatweave rugs reversible?
Yes. The pattern shows on both faces, so you can turn the rug over now and then to spread wear and sun evenly.
Do flatweave rugs need a rug pad?
We recommend one. A flatweave is thin, so on a hard floor it can slide and ruck up at the corners. A non-slip pad holds it flat and cushions it. Choose a pad slightly smaller than the rug so it does not show at the edge.
Are flatweaves good for hallways and stairs?
Yes. With no pile to flatten, a flatweave runner takes shoes and daily walking without matting down. Measure your hall first, and leave a little bare floor at each end so the runner sits square. Use a non-slip pad, and on stairs fix the runner with grippers or stair rods.
What size flatweave rug do I need?
Every listing gives its exact size in cm. Leave about 30 cm of bare floor around the edge of the rug. The size table below matches rooms to sizes.
How do I clean a flatweave rug?
Vacuum without the beater bar, on both faces. Blot spills with a clean cloth and do not rub, then dab with cold water. Use a professional rug cleaner when it needs more than that.
Frequently asked questions
What is a flatweave rug?
A rug with no pile. The weft is woven across the warp, so the rug lies flat, the pattern shows on both faces and you can turn it over. Our guide, What Is a Flatweave Rug?, explains how one is made.
What is the difference between a flatweave and a pile rug?
A pile rug has knotted or tufted yarn standing up from a backing. A flatweave is woven flat, so the pattern shows on both sides and the rug is thinner and lighter. Our guide, Flatweave vs Pile Rugs, compares them for a busy home.
Can a flatweave go in a hallway or on stairs?
Yes. With no pile to crush, a flatweave runner suits a hall. Use a non-slip pad so it stays put, and on stairs fix it with grippers or stair rods.
What sizes do flatweave rugs come in?
From 60 x 90 cm to large area rugs, plus runners. Every listing shows its exact size in cm.
Can I get a flatweave made to my size or colour?
Each flatweave kilim is woven as a single piece, so its size is fixed. For a rug made to your size and colours, see our custom rugs collection, which starts with a free CAD preview.
Do I need a rug pad under a flatweave?
We recommend one. A flatweave is thin, so on a hard floor it can slide and ruck up at the corners. A non-slip pad holds it flat, cushions it and reduces wear on the underside. Pick a pad slightly smaller than the rug.
