An alfombra is the Spanish word for carpet or rug, referring to a thick fabric floor covering, but it can also describe unique items like traditional Philippine slippers or colorful sawdust carpets in Guatemala, all stemming from an Arabic root meaning "the red one," signifying warmth and covering. It generally means a large carpet or rug, distinguishing it from moqueta (wall-to-wall) or tapete (small rug) in Spanish, and can be made of various materials for comfort and decoration, from wool to polypropylene.