Material Matters When Choosing a Rug
Let’s face it, most people are not heavily versed on the inner workings of rug fabric. Most of us just consider the beauty of a rug before making any purchase decisions. Because...who cares, right? But material matters. Depending on your climate, your personal idiosyncrasies (allergies, etc.), and other factors, it’s good to know what you’re getting into when you make such an important purchase. Because as with all decisions in life, there are pros and cons to everything.
When to buy wool…
Wool is a pretty common choice. It’s soft. It feels cozy on your feet. It’s easy to care for, and it’s particularly great for insulation purposes. Just keep it away from damp places since the material will tend to absorb humidity, causing fading.
When to buy silk…
We get it, you’re fancy. Not a thing wrong with that. Silk rugs look and feel amazing, and there is a gorgeous subtle shimmer associated with this delicate material. However, these require professional cleaning and often show footprints. Silk rugs are best kept in low traffic areas so that they can be admired, rather than trampled upon.
When to buy cotton…
These rugs are usually flat-weave. They are fairly inexpensive and work great for casual spaces such as kids rooms or a kitchen. However, over time, these can really take a beating. They won’t wear as well as a wool rug. But hey, life is a tradeoff.
When to buy jute or other natural fibers…
Jute rugs or other rugs with natural fibers are great for the environmentally conscious. They are typically free of chemical processing and they tend to be neutral in color, or made of colors that occur in nature, which make them easy to incorporate into any room. Some of these are more coarse, and texturally tough to clean, so it’s best to get a sample before making purchase decision.
When to buy polyester…
The cost is probably the most convincing factor for someone to choose polyester, but also it’s unusual resistance to stains. Polyester rugs are more resistant to changes in color over time, however they often require a unique dying process which can be limiting as far as the variety of color. Crimp loss is also a factor which can change the texture and feel of the rug over time. It’s just a characteristic of the material.
When to buy viscose…
Viscose is rayon. Another inexpensive, synthetic fiber, which adds the benefit of vibrant lasting colors and a soft feel that is pleasing to the senses. However, these rugs are soft and easy to tear under constant distress. They are best used in low traffic areas, and away from moisture, as color bleeding can be an issue.