Dhurrie, sometimes spelled "dari," "durrie" or "durry," is a type of rug native to India and its surrounding regions, Burma, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These loom-woven rugs are made using techniques employed for centuries. The flat-weave design used to create dhurrie rugs makes them both durable and decorative. Indian versions of the rug are a staple in rug and import shops in the United States.

The Weave

A flat, no-pile weave is one of the key distinguishing features of a dhurrie rug. The rug's tight weave makes it durable and easy to clean. Shaking the rug out removes accumulated dirt and debris, and a vacuum cleaner takes care of the rest. The warp or lengthwise portions of a dhurrie are not visible, except at their fringed edges, primarily due to the horizontal loom weaving techniques used to create the rug.

Fashion Flip

Part of the appeal of a dhurrie, besides its durability, is that the reverse side is also patterned, meaning the rug can be flipped for a fresh surface. The pattern is essentially the same on the reverse side, with a little variation in color due to the part of the strand that shows when turned over. The rugs do not have a built-in pad or backing, which also makes them easier to carry and shake out for a quick cleaning.