Looking for a new rug and wondering which material to choose?
Each option comes with pros and cons, and you’ll need to consider style, comfort, durability, and practicality. For example, a busy home that’s full of kids and pets will need a different rug to a luxury studio apartment.
Keep reading for help deciding between five of the most common rug textures.
1. Wool
Wool is ideal if you want a colorful rug that can withstand plenty of use. It’s durable and versatile, making it perfect if you’re a large, busy family.
Prone to spills? Wool naturally repels liquid, making them easier clean up and less likely to stain permanently. If you purchase the world’s finest wool you’ll have something that can last you for a lifetime.
Wool rugs are also warm and cozy underfoot and provide good insulation for chilly homes. They may shed a little when first laid, but this shouldn’t last too long.
2. Cotton
Cotton is cheaper than wool but still reasonably durable and available in a range of colors.
Most cotton rugs can be washed in your normal washing machine, making them ideal for kid’s rooms where things might get messy.
Cotton rugs are often flat-weave and have a nice, casual look. They might wear over time, but this is to be expected given the price.
3. Jute
Jute is a great natural fiber that creates trendy, durable rugs.
These won’t feel as soft as cotton or wool and tend to be available in natural, muted colors. They look great in modern homes and are good for the environment, perfect if you want to do your bit for the planet.
They’re absorbent and do stain fairly easily, to take care to avoid spillages.
4. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material, popular for its durability and affordability. Polyester rugs don’t wear out easily, so they’re perfect for high foot traffic locations.
They’re not as easy to dye as cotton or wool, so you might not find the color you’re looking for.
Polyester is easy to clean, making it family-friendly. Just avoid oil-based spillages as these are tricky to remove.
5. Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic option that’s available in a huge range of colors, making it perfect if you want things to look bright and cheerful.
It’s durable, stain-resistant, and easy to hoover and clean, so it’s great for living rooms and dining rooms.
However, it can be affected by fading and should be kept out of sunny areas.
Need tips on laying a new area rug? Read on here for everything you need to know.
Why Are Rug Textures Important?
The right rug should fit your lifestyle and meet your family’s needs. Make sure you stock up on oil absorbent pads ahead of time so you’ll have them on hand when you need them.
You’ll need to consider the level of wear and tear your rug needs to withstand, your style and design preferences, and your ability to keep different fibers clean.
Weigh up the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to mix and match rug textures in different areas of your home. Wool might be perfect in your dining room, while polyester could be better in the living room.
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