Choosing the Right Rug
Rugs, rugs, rugs!!! There are so many different styles and materials to decide on these days. Choosing the right rug can be a minefield so here’s what you need to know!
Wool rugs:
- feels luxurious to touch. Often feels cooler in summer and warmer in winter
- natural fibre so good for the environment
- very durable and hardwearing so recovers well if furniture moved-imprint doesn’t remain
- excellent insulator-helps absorb sound
- stain resistant
- easily dyed
- Disadvantages include; expensive, subject to fading from the sun, not good for use in damp places as it absorbs humidity
Cotton:
- cheaper alternative to wool
- soft to touch
- can be cleaned relatively easily
- subject to fading from the sun
- not as durable as wool
Nylon:
- excellent resistance to UV fading
- synthetic material
- durable and resilient
- stain resistant so family-friendly
- comes in a wide range of colours
- resists mildew so can be used in damp areas or outdoors
- does not shed-ideal for asthma/allergy sufferers
- Generally combined with another fibre in a rug-common blend is 80% wool/20% nylon
Polypropylene:
- less expensive synthetic fibre
- excellent resistance to fading
- stain resistant
- great for high-traffic areas in the home
- easy to clean
- family-friendly
- wide range of colours available
Jute:
- natural fibre so is non-allergenic and good for the environment
- soft and durable
- can be dyed different colours
- affordable
- pet-friendly and relatively easy to clean
- fades in direct sunlight
- absorbs moisture so cannot be used in damp environments like a bathroom
Sisal:
- stiff material, feels rougher than jute
- natural fibre
- not too expensive
- durable
- biodegradable so is very environmentally-friendly
- usually finished with a canvas border
- natural fibre
- fades in direct sunlight
- not too difficult to clean
- absorbs moisture so cannot be used in humid areas
Hemp:
- natural fibre
- resistant to dirt, dust and mildew
- durable-ideal for high-traffic areas
- stiff material like sisal
- fibre prone to shedding and also fades in direct sunlight
As you can see there are pros and cons to every rug material so it’s about taking all factors into consideration before you purchase. Think about where the rug will be placed in the home. Will it be in a high-traffic area? Is it going to be in direct sunlight? Is it going into a child’s bedroom or playroom?
Armed with a better understanding of the different elements that make up a rug, you will now be a more savvy shopper and avoid making costly mistakes! Credit cards at the ready!
For more budget-friendly Interior design tips check out my blog post here
