Though the words "rug" and "carpet" are sometimes used interchangeably, there is definitely a difference between the two. Defining a rug in simple terms will help you to determine whether you need a rug or a carpet for your room.

Coverage

Carpets cover all areas of the floor. Wall-to-wall carpeting leaves no trace of the underneath floorboards. However, a rug will cover just a certain area and is called an area rug. They come in different sizes for different areas of the home. .

Mobility

A carpet is affixed to the floor of a room using special tacks, carpet staples or tackless adhesive strips. A rug is more mobile; it's able to be placed in many different areas.

Function

The function of a rug can be for aesthetics, comfort, warmth or even safety. A bathmat, for example, is a type of rug put in a bathroom for aesthetic purposes, but also to prevent slipping when exiting the shower or bath. Rugs can also be used to add warm to a room or to make a room more comfortable to bare feet.

Textures

A rug's texture can vary. Some are extremely plush and soft to the touch, while others give the sensation of a hard surface (such as with Berber rugs).

History

Rugs are made via a weaving process, or through hand knotting. Hand knotting began among nomadic peoples in an imitation of the texture and warmth of animal pelts. The art of rug making, as it developed over time in different cultures, often took on a central role in helping to identify certain people in an region.

Source:

wordia.com

Rug History: How Rugs are Made