Rug-Material

How to Choose the Best Rug Material for Your Home

If you’ve been shopping for your first rug, you may have noticed that your options are seemingly endless. Rugs can be made from just about any fabric, and in any color or pattern imaginable, so it’s understandable to feel a little overwhelmed at first.

To give you a head start, we’ve put together a list of materials commonly used when making rugs, so you can decide for yourself which one will suit your home the best.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene rugs are easy to find in most department stores and home decor outlets. They’re usually mass-produced in factories, which results in a much smaller price tag when compared to a handmade rug, but that doesn’t mean they won’t look great in your living room or reading den. 

The benefits of polypropylene rugs are numerous. Because of the synthetic materials used, they’re extremely resistant to stains, making them also very easy to clean. If you have kids or are looking for something to amp up the vibe in your kitchen or bathroom, you might consider purchasing a polypropylene rug simply because of its durability and resistance to spills and messes.

As long as you consider the risks associated with keeping questionable synthetic materials, potentially toxic dyes, and glues in your home, you’ll be getting great value and functionality for the money!

Polyester

Polyester is another type of synthetic rug that usually costs less for the same reasons polypropylene is so cost-effective -they’re factory-made! 

Because polyester dyes well, there’s a much broader color palette to choose from compared to that of its naturally sourced counterparts. That might make shopping for one more challenging because of the wider selection, but potentially easier if you already have a specific color in mind.

Polyester rugs are also durable, making them a wonderful option for outdoor spaces. While wool and cotton will degrade outside in the elements, polyester simply won’t.

The best part about polyester rugs is how soft they can feel under your feet. If you’ve ever felt a microfiber cloth, you know just how soft polyester can be. Now imagine that on your floor!

Jute

Jute is one of the least expensive materials used to make rugs, as it’s highly eco-friendly. Don’t let that fool you though -some of the finest rugs in the world are made from jute. You can learn more about how materials like jute and others are used to make high-end rugs here. Jute is a renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral product that’s typically woven similarly to other naturally sourced rugs like wool and cotton. You’ll often find jute rugs in earth-toned or neutral colors such as beige and golden-brown, making them adaptable to just about any interior design.

Bamboo

While a bamboo rug may not provide the same warmth and coziness that a wool or cotton rug will bring, they’re no less attractive and useful. Like jute, bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly products available in the world of rugs. They’re fire-resistant, insect-resistant, hypoallergenic, and introduce a zen vibe into any room.

Bamboo rugs aren’t a good option for outdoor use, as they bleach easily in direct sunlight, but there’s no doubt you’ll be happy using a bamboo rug in your foyer, under your coffee table, or in your home’s entryway. You can even find traditionally woven bamboo/jute rugs for a cozier addition to your living room!

Cotton

Cotton rugs are another inexpensive and naturally-sourced option on this list. Because you can usually find them under $100, you don’t have to worry as much about changing styles and trends. One rug this year may be out of style next year, but it’s easy to replace, so it’s no problem!

The greatest part about cotton rugs is how easy they are to clean. Typically, you can simply flip your cotton rug over when one side gets dirty, and then wait until the flip side gets dirty before you wash it -just make sure to wash using cold water, because cotton will shrink!

While they’re an inexpensive option, you may want to reconsider using it in high-traffic areas of your home, or areas where spills and messes can occur, because cotton will stain very easily. But if you’re looking for a cheap and lightweight runner for your hallway, cotton is a great option!

Silk

Not every home needs a silk rug, but when there’s a silk rug present, it’s incredibly hard to miss. Silk rugs are usually handmade and expensive, but they’re truly works of art. They’re extremely soft and highly detailed. A silk rug artist is often able to tie up to 1500 knots per square inch, making detail and color outstanding!

Wool

Of all the materials on this list, wool is easily the most luxurious. Wool has been used to make textiles for thousands of years, and for good reason. It’s warm, durable, easy to clean, naturally sourced, and holds color exceptionally well.

While most wool rugs are expensive, they’re certainly worth the investment, like a finely hand-made wool rug is like a work of art and tends to appreciate in value.

Conclusion

Shopping for the perfect rug to go in your home can be overwhelming at first, but we think if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be unrolling your new rug in no time at all! 

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