How do carpets differ from rugs in modern floor-covering use?

In modern floor covering terminology, the primary distinction between carpets and rugs lies in their installation and coverage area.1

• Carpets: In contemporary usage, carpets are typically fastened to the floor and are designed to cover an entire floor area, often referred to as wall-to-wall carpeting.213
• Rugs: Rugs are not fastened to the floor and generally cover only a portion of the floor surface.14

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably when referring to textile floor coverings, the distinction remains important for defining how these materials are applied within a space. Notably, when discussing handmade or antique pieces, the names rug and carpet are often used interchangeably regardless of their size or placement.21