Rug Buying Guide

Natural fibers, like jute and sisal, are environmentally friendly and have an attractive textured look to them. They add a relaxed and earthy beauty to any space, and can be easily layered on top of another rug or carpet. With their casual weave and neutral colors, natural fiber rugs have a versatile beauty that complements a wide range of decorating styles. Due to their woven construction, these rugs do not do well with liquids or stains, and can be difficult to clean. So, even though they are highly durable, natural fiber rugs do best when placed indoors, in low traffic areas. As natural rugs start to wear, fibers can unravel and become loose. These loose fibers, or sprouts, can be easily fixed by simply trimming it with scissors. When it comes to cleaning, natural fibers are very absorbent, so it’s important to clean up spills quickly using as little water as possible. They also have a tendency to mold if not dried thoroughly. Shaking them out and vacuuming is recommended. It’s best to avoid shampooing, steaming, or soaking natural fiber rugs.

Cotton is a soft, natural fiber with many great qualities, like being lightweight, absorbent, and fast drying. This popular fiber is used to make very affordable rugs that usually cost much less than wool or synthetic blends. Cotton absorbs and holds dye well, making it a great material for rugs with detailed patterns. Cotton fibers attract dust and dirt easily, so they need to be vacuumed on a regular basis. Although cotton is not stain resistant, a cotton rug can be easily cleaned by hand, or if small enough, can be placed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Cotton rugs are not as durable as other types of rugs, so it’s best to place them in low-traffic areas of your home, like a bathroom or bedroom.

Due to its beauty, thickness, and soft hand, wool is considered one of the best materials for indoor rugs. But, this natural fiber has many other exceptional attributes as well. It’s luxuriously soft and warm, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. Wool rugs are also energy-efficient and have the ability to maintain heat, which helps regulate a room’s temperature. As for durability, wool rugs are incredibly strong and long-lasting, which makes them a smart choice for high-traffic areas in your home, like entryways, hallways, and living rooms. Wool naturally repels dirt and handles cleaning well. It is important to note that wool rugs can be sensitive to chemicals and staining, are prone to shedding when new, and can be prone to pilling as they wear down.

Viscose is a manufactured fiber created from a blend of regenerative cellulose, cotton by-products, and wood pulp, which means it has both natural and synthetic elements. It was created as an inexpensive substitute for other pricier materials used in rug manufacturing. Often referred to as faux silk, viscose has a beautiful high sheen and a satiny soft feel. Unlike natural fibers, viscose has an impressive consistency when it comes to color and texture. Viscose is harder to clean than other types of rugs, so they are not a great choice for households with pets and children. They also have low durability, so it’s best to place a viscose rug in less traveled areas of your home. Viscose can be stained by water and other liquids, so spills should be cleaned up quickly, using minimal water. Do not soak or steam a viscose rug.

Natural sheepskin rugs are not only gorgeous, but extravagantly lush and silky soft. They offer a level of comfort like no other type of rug, which is why they are often placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, and places where people like to lounge or sit. Sheepskin also offers year-round comfort, keeping you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. Incredibly versatile and stylish, sheepskin rugs aren’t just for floors, they can be easily draped over couches, chairs or beds—anywhere you want to add a touch of luxurious softness. Sheepskin is strong and dense, and does not shed. It is resistant to soil, bacteria and moisture. And because it contains lanolin, sheepskin is gentle and non-irritating to your skin. As for maintenance, sheepskin is easy to clean and requires minimal care. Over time, wool strands can become flattened and curl on the edges, but a light brushing with a metal-bristle brush will restore it to its original fluffy state.

Synthetic rugs are made from man-made materials like polyester, olefin, polypropylene, and nylon. These synthetic materials have a soft feel, do not shed, and have an exceptional ability to absorb and maintain color, which can result in vibrantly colored rugs. Specially manufactured to be low-maintenance, synthetic rugs are resistant to water and stains and are incredibly easy to clean. Because of their durability, these rugs can be placed just about anywhere in your home. They’re also a great choice for families with children and pets. In general, synthetic rugs are a very affordable alternative to rugs made from more expensive materials.