What are some common area rug materials?
Cotton, wool, nylon, triesta, viscose. . . area rug fibers can get confusing. They bring texture, color, warmth and beauty to any room in your home, and for most of us, choosing a rug based on these factors is the easy part. The confusion comes in when you start thinking about one important detail–the type of fiber. There are six common types to choose from, when it comes to area rugs:- Synthetic fibers
- Natural fibers
- Hydes
- Silk
- Cotton
- Wool
Pros and Cons of 6 Common Area Rug Materials
1. Synthetics
Also known as man-made material, these fibers are made from a combination of machine-made materials and chemicals. Olefin and polyester fibers have a shiny, plastic feel, whereas rayon, nylon, triesta and viscose fibers are softer. Viscose fiber is made to imitate silk rugs. These rugs work well in high traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.Pros and cons of synthetic fibers
PROS:
- Synthetic fibers are mostly stain-resistant and easy to clean with home remedies.
- When kept up with routine maintenance and cleaning, a rug can last for a couple of years before the traffic patterns appear worn and soiled.
CONS:
- Though they are stain resistant, anything oil-based, such as salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and grease will still stain them.
- If used in a high-traffic area without frequent (quarterly) professional cleanings, traffic patterns appear quickly, giving a sometimes-permanent soiled appearance.
2. Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are just what they sound like. Naturally occurring plant fibers like cellulose and lignin are used to weave aesthetically pleasing jute and sisal carpets that blend well in any home.Pros and cons of sisal and jute
PROS:
- These cool, contemporary looking pieces are not only beautiful, but inexpensive.
- They can easily withstand plenty of foot traffic, and do not wear down easily like some other carpets.
CONS:
- Unfortunately, natural fibers stain easily and permanently, especially with oil-based liquids.
- Once dark traffic patterns appear, they can be fairly difficult to remove, even with professional cleaning. There may be a slight discoloration left.
- The material is coarse and rough, so if you’re looking for something soft underfoot, they are not the way to go.
3. Hides
A hide is an animal fur rug, simple as that. There are several types, such as sheepskin, cow, and even bear. They go well in low traffic areas and as accents, and can bring that perfect finishing touch to any sitting room or bedroom.Pros and cons of hide rugs
PROS:
- These rugs look spectacular in front of a fireplace or in a sitting room, with a rustic feel.
- Most are water-resistant, meaning you can wipe up a spill before it’s absorbed into the fur.
CONS:
- Hides are not meant to be in a heavy traffic area. They’re best left as an accent rug, because when they are walked on by a lot of feet, the fur will twist, matte and crush.
- They’re also not resistant to any kind of pet urine and will permanently stain.
- Plus, depending on the hide, they can get fairly expensive.
4. Silk
Silk is a protein fiber and is produced by silkworms that lay larvae to form cocoons. The cocoons are then boiled, unraveled, and spun to make the silk threads that make up the fabric you see. It’s a pretty neat process.Pros and cons of silk rugs
PROS:
- Silk has thin, fine fibers, giving the rug a shiny, natural beauty that looks beautiful hung on a wall.
- Silk is often associated with wealth and luxury, giving your space a decadent atmosphere.
CONS:
- Silk rugs can be costly.
- They can’t take much traffic before losing their smooth texture.
- Also, cleaning can be a hassle, as silk requires a delicate, professional cleaning process to avoid damage to the fibers.
Special note:
Be aware that some cotton or viscose rugs have been sold as silk, only for the unlucky buyer to find out the rug was mostly viscose, or cotton with a bit of silk tied in.
5. Cotton
Cotton comes from cottonwood trees, and cotton rugs are the perfect casual addition to your space, if you’re looking for a more understated feel.
Pros and cons of cotton rugs
PROS:
- Cotton too can have a shiny thin fiber look, but can also look soft and lustrous, depending on the weave.
- A great addition to more heavy traffic areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
CONS:
- Cotton rugs, like a white t-shirt that has been worn over and over, discolor to the point that no matter how much bleach you use, you can’t bring the bright white back.
Special note Cotton area rugs are usually braided or made with a flat weave. They’re much softer than jute or sisal.
6. Wool
We saved the best fiber for last. Wool, as you probably already know, comes from sheep, and is perhaps the most common type of naturally occurring rug materials out there. Its durability and softness make it a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and any other relaxation space.
Pros and cons of wool area rugs
PROS:
- Wool rugs clean up easily because wool is naturally water-repellent, allowing you time to wipe up spills.
- This water-resistance also makes it easier for professionals to clean it, which is an added bonus for us.
- Plus, when properly maintained, wool can last decades–even generations.
CONS:
- Because of all its great qualities, wool gets pretty expensive, certainly more than synthetic or natural fibers like jute. If you’re looking for a less-spendy item, wool probably isn’t the best choice for you.
- Because wool rugs are meant to last, they may not be the best choice for you if you like to frequently switch around your furnishings.
<strong”>Special note:
Among all of the common area rug fibers, hands down, wool is the most durable and cleanable fiber available. They win the best rug material award in our opinion.
How to Choose Your Rug
Now that you’ve learned all about the different types of area rug materials, it comes down to that last question–how do you know which one will work for you?
The answer isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Just ask yourself a couple of questions. What do you want to use the rug for? Do you want an accent rug or one that will stand up to a lot of foot traffic? Knowing will help you decide between a fluffy hide and a down-to-earth cotton rug. Where are you going to put it? If you’re looking for something sturdy and easily replaceable for your kitchen, silk will probably not be the best choice. Who lives in your space? If you’re a part of a large, busy household with lots of kids and pets running around, an easily stained natural-fiber rug isn’t advisable; if you live alone or with just a partner, it could be exactly what you want. It all comes down to your specific needs. Now that you know what works best in what situations, you can confidently choose a rug that is just the right fit for you.
Final Thoughts About Common Area Rug Fibers
You can’t go wrong with nylon or wool fibers. They’re both the easiest to spot clean, professionally clean and they wear the best. If you choose to go a different route–or if you already have–that’s still great. We’re here to keep your rugs clean all year round.
Have a pro or con to add about your experience with these common area rug fibers? We’d love to hear it.
Why Trust HammondKnoll?
With experience cleaning every surface in your home since 1939, HammondKnoll is a service you can trust. We’re committed to your satisfaction, and want to make sure that your home is the clean, comfortable space that you deserve. Contact us today anywhere from Tacoma to Olympia to clean your area rug–no hassle, no charge.
