If you are shopping for rugs or have recently got yourself one, you might have noticed that there are two sides. One looks a little lighter than the other.
Seeing that, you might have thought it is the universal design of the rugs. But, you should know that it is not the proper answer to the question.
So, why do rugs have a light and dark side? Well, the direction of the threads will determine which side is light.
The lightness and the darkness will also depend on the weaving technique and luster of the fiber. Those two factors can also make one side darker than the other.
Want to know more about the topic? This discussion has all the info that you would like to know! So, give the entire thing a read!
Why Do Rugs Have a Dark Side?
As we have mentioned, the direction of the threads determines which side of the rug is lighter than the other. You see, the fibers of these are laid out in such a way that one of the sides absorbs light while the other reflects light.
The one that absorbs light looks darker than the other.
On the other hand, the one that reflects light looks brighter and more vibrant. This particular side makes the colors of the threads and fiber come out.
So, how come this is a thing for every rug?
The thing is, the world of rugs is full of intricate designs, detailed terminology, and rich history. A good example of one of the terminologies would be the pile direction.
When you are running your hand against or with the rug’s fibers, you are gauging the plie direction of it.
Most of the rugs have a distinctive pile direction. It can be both seen and felt.
Whether you are running your hand diagonally or from edge to edge, you will notice that the pile direction has one smooth side and one rough side. Now, if the pile seems smooth and leveled, you are feeling or observing the darker side.
In contrast, you are feeling or observing the light side of the pile direction is rough or has a jagged nature. So, you could say that the rugs get the contrast in terms of sides from the pile direction.
How the Light and Dark Side Effects the Rug’s Color
Generally, all hand-knitted rugs out there have a light and dark side. The color will depend entirely on how you view the back part.
In other words, whether the shade intensity will look vastly different or not will depend on whether you are looking with the nape or into the nape.
Nonetheless, handmade rugs also have another distinctive character: they have a relatively higher shine and consistency. These two factors can affect color.
It might appear like it has several shades of lighter or darker color if you are viewing it from a particular angle or direction.
Which Side of the Rug Should You Put Up on Your Home?
There is really no right side for the rugs. But you can certainly consider the shade of the light that is in your room.
You can put the dark side up if you have a relatively dark room or if the light is relatively on the shady side. That will make the rug complement the overall aesthetics of the room.
On that note, you could also put the dark side up near the room’s entrance with relatively bright lights. It will balance the hues and make the room much more welcoming.
Nonetheless, you could also keep the light side up if the room has a relatively bright color to it. It will let the rug complement the room and make it highly welcoming. Also, we would recommend considering the other accessories and furniture that are in the room. Those factors will play a huge role as well.
Do All Rugs Have a Light and a Dark Side?
Usually, the contrast in terms of color is mostly noticeable in handmade rugs. In other words, hand-knitted rugs have more pronounced light and dark sides.
On the other hand, the sides might not seem any different. Although, if you take a closer look at the sides, you should notice that one side is lighter than the other.
Final Words
Why do rugs have a light and dark side again? The direction of the threads and piling direction is why the rugs have a darker side.
And if you are thinking about which side you should keep up on your home, it will depend on the room’s lighting, hues, and colors.
Last Updated on September 1, 2022
