Different Types Of Rug Material

Area rugs are designed and manufactured in different materials, styles, colors and fabrics. Since such a wide range of designs exist, the urge to find the best rug material has risen, too! It's also worth noting that some of these materials are man-made, while others are natural. Consider which rooms in your home could benefit from a carpet made from these materials. Using the same carpet in your bedroom as you would near the entrance or outdoors is not a good decision.

The rug materials are classified into three branches: Natural, synthetic, and hides (Animal skins). Natural fibres include materials like wool, silk, cotton, and Hemp, and synthetics include propylene, polyester, nylon, etc. Both these fibres have their uniqueness and stand out in different ways. The best rug material is determined based on its durability, texture, maintenance and other features.

The sensation of a warm, inviting rug beneath your toes or feet is unparalleled. So, now, let's delve into the best material for rugs.

Silk Material

As you might as well imagine in your head, silk is a royal material. It gives you that extra fancy and extravagant vibe. Apart from being a visual aesthetic treat (which is a plus), it also gives you a soft feeling. It is advisable to put rugs of silk material in places with this low traffic and rush since these are not durable.

Also, if you have children whose hands are slippery and anything and everything drops from their hands, then silk rugs are a big no for you. The silk material is highly absorbent and, eventually, stinks. However, if you are obsessed with the silk rugs, that you want to place it where most people can see and gush over it? Well, it's also possible, too. When combined/ mixed with bamboo and wool, silk material can make the rugs more durable.

Therefore, you can think about buying bamboo silk rugs or wool silk rugs. As compared to pure silk, they are less absorbent. It helps you put it anywhere and everywhere you want without giving you a nightmare about its maintenance. Flash it and shine your way through these silk rugs!

Wool Material

Do you have kids running here and there? Are there a notable number of members in your family? Is your home always a mess? Rugs made of wool material are the ultimate best for you! Here is the reason why. Well, simply because these are stain-resistant and durable. You can spread it in any space of your house (even high-traffic areas). Nothing matches its warmth and softness, and it can be of immense importance during the winters (don't freak out; they are also available in the flat weave).

It is the most comfortable material out of all. Moreover, it stands for liquids so you can clean any spill off of the wool rug. That means they are easy to clean and maintain. Most importantly, they are eco-friendly. Area rugs made of wool material allow you to walk around your house barefoot (Imagine how liberating that is!). But they tend to fade if exposed to constant sunlight. So, area rugs made of wool might not be suitable outdoors, but you can use this rug for bedroom. Wool rugs are simply the best for you in every way!

Cotton

Yet, another most common rug material is cotton. Just as it's common and versatile in nearly every fabric industry, most notably clothes, it's also found in the rugs industry. The most significant advantage of a cotton rug is that they are the most economical. But that's obviously not the only reason you should buy a cotton rug.

Cotton rugs are dyeable. They can be dyed in any color that you want. Understandably, you might change your mind after buying a rug in a specific color, and then the store doesn't return. By the way, that doesn't happen at RugKnots, as we provide a free 30-day return and refund! Well, that's not a problem for you, as you can get it dyed in any color you might want!

Most notably, it's easier to wash and doesn't damage, too. However, cotton rugs are not durable and have high levels of absorbency, which also makes them suitable for areas with more traffic. Furthermore, the color of the rug can turn brown due to the release of cells and lignin deposits. Anyway, they are relaxed and breezy!

Jute And Sisal

You would often find that industries and professionals address jute and sisal together; now, why is that? That's because both these materials perform similarly. They share almost similar features, advantages, and disadvantages. The best thing about this material is that it is the most durable out of all.

Also, jute and sisal rugs are solid since fiber is used in the making. It keeps you stress-free about the constant wear and tear that a rug might be put through. The most shocking feature that such area rugs possess is that they are renewable! Yes, you didn't think of rugs that way, did you?

Moreover, they are eco-friendly, too. These rugs have material a little like wool. Therefore, you cannot place it in areas with some kind of dewyness or humidity. It means jute and sisal are not suitable for outdoors; otherwise, a kind of mustiness can start appearing on top of the rug. Furthermore, the material might sometimes feel rough due to the coarse material.

Polypropylene (Olefin)

Polypropylene is one of those materials that we love gushing over. Olefin rugs are one of a kind from synthetic materials. The polypropylene rug material is exceptionally soft. Like many other materials, its color doesn't fade when exposed to sunlight. Their dying process is so high-end that it doesn't even allow bleach to take off its color. Also, it does not get dewy when placed in humid places. It makes them the best rug material for outdoor/indoor rug construction.

Even though they are stains resistant, they cannot really withstand cleaning some specific spills such as that of oil. So, placing a polypropylene rug in your kitchen is a BIG no! As a safety caution, keep them from highly flammable areas due to their chemical composition. One more reason not to place these in kitchens, and you don't want to set up fire, right? Otherwise, you're safe!

Nylon

Nylon is the rug material that lets you live your life how you want. It's the most stain-resistant material, be it nail polish, oil, or tea spill; you can clean it all. That's because manufacturers have put an extra protective layer to avoid wear and tear. It's super durable, and its durability is listed as the best material for rugs.

These specifications allow you to place it in high-traffic areas without any worrying. Although they might not make you feel like you're the queen/ king because they don't look that extravagant, they still look presentable. The best part is that they are affordable, too.

Therefore, nylon rugs are the type of rug that offers durability and increases aesthetics without breaking the bank.

Polyester

Have you ever seen a morning fitness show and wondered what is that magical rug that doesn't slip? Even though people are moving on it like a roller-coaster. Well, that's a polyester rug. Polyester rugs are one of the softest rugs made around town. Some polyester rugs are even softer than wool rugs. However, due to its texture, they can never slip or move from its place.

Again, these are the most stain-resistant but are slightly less durable than other synthetic area rugs, such as polypropylene. These are more likely to be placed in the living rooms. It also works best where there are pets and absorbs the liquids as well. If you want to prolong its durability and living, consider placing these in mid-traffic areas. Otherwise, it works the best!

Viscose

Viscose resembles the silk material. The only difference that lies is that they are hand-made. That means it requires more hard work for its making. Viscose rug is, ultimately, super soft and pulpy. So, area rugs made up of viscose material look astonishing. So, you can place it in very intimate spaces as well. They require very close management and maintenance because of their texture. Not only are they beautiful, but they are budget-friendly, too!

Seagrass

Want to give your house the kind of aura a beach has? These sea-grass rugs are simply the best for you. They give you a sandy effect and ambiance. They are highly durable and stain-resistant. Also, they are water resistant as well as eco-friendly, which is a plus point.

Moreover, its color won't fade when exposed to sunlight, so it is best for outdoor activities. But, again, their texture is not something that you would want to feel under your feet on a regular daily basis. So, do not consider it for spreading in the bedroom or most frequently used area. Rugs made up of seagrass can fulfil your fantasies of "beach at home"!

Hemp

Yet, Hemp is another rug material that is pet-friendly. Not only that, it is stain resistant, more specifically to dirt, water, and allergens. It is durable and is most suitable for high-traffic areas. Plus, their maintenance cost is low, which makes them even more affordable. But its texture is not as soft as others. You can consider this rug material type for its features other than durability.

Animal Skins

Area rugs made of animal skin materials often include Sheepskin, Cowhide, and Leather. Such material area rugs are expensive but can be amazing to see as they are vibrant and aesthetic like no other material. Not only are they stylish, but they are resistant to spills of water and are washable. But it can affect the softness and overall texture of the rug. These area rugs are best for office spaces.