Pile and flatweave
Pile is the raised surface formed by upright or looped yarn. In a pile rug, its height and density affect feel and how furniture interacts with the surface. A flatweave has no comparable raised pile: its structure itself forms the surface. Neither term is a quality grade. Compare the construction with the room rather than assuming thicker always means better.
Warp and weft
Warp threads run lengthwise through the weaving structure. Weft travels across them. Together they form the foundation of woven textiles; pile knots or other structures add further elements in some constructions. Ask for foundation composition separately from pile composition. A wool-pile rug can have a foundation made from another material, which may matter for care and repairs.
Fringe, selvedge and backing
Fringe may be formed by foundation threads at the ends, although decorative fringe can also be attached. Selvedge refers to the finished side edge. Backing is a broader term that can describe structural fabric, adhesive or a secondary layer, depending on construction. A reverse photograph is useful, but do not use a single detail such as fringe to prove that a rug is handmade.
Abrash and color variation
Abrash describes variation in color within a rug. It can contribute to visual character, but variation alone is not evidence of age, natural dyes or a specific origin. Ask whether changes are part of manufacture, exposure, repairs or treatment. View the whole field in daylight and examine areas that seem unusually different from their surroundings.
Condition language
Low pile, wear, repair, restoration and distressing are not interchangeable descriptions. Ask what material is missing, what has been added and whether treatments were intended to alter the surface. Request close views of weak areas and the reverse. A useful description states the observation and its uncertainty instead of substituting a romantic story for evidence.
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