A nice rug can pull a space together. It can ground and define a living room and add a bit of texture and comfort. Though it may not be the first item you think about in a room; the right rug does a lot of design work.
With so many types of rugs, it can be hard to choose the one that’s going to be the best for your space. One consideration you must take into account is the rug’s material. The most gorgeous rug may not hold up to the wear and tear of home life.
These are the most commonly used rug materials and how to pick the right one for your home.
Wool Rugs
Wool is one of the most common and most familiar materials for a rug. It’s soft and cozy and will make you want to walk around barefoot. Wool rugs are a top choice for most homeowners.
The durability of wool rugs is one of the reasons they’re preferred over other materials. The fibers are crush-resistant, meaning they’ll bounce back even after years of use. Wool naturally repels water, dust, and dirt, so you won’t spend all your time cleaning.
However, wool rugs can be expensive. Though prices range from product to product, wool, in general, is higher in price. But for many, the thick plush feel is worth it.
Wool rugs are great in living rooms and bedrooms. But high traffic areas like entryways and moist areas like kitchens aren’t recommended.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton is another easily recognizable material. For a natural and relaxed feel, cotton is the way to go. Cotton is an easygoing material, so it’s great for the busy or laidback homeowner.
Cotton has medium durability, which means it does hold up but not forever. These rugs are usually machine washable, which makes cleaning is a breeze. Some cotton rugs are reversible, so getting rid of stains is just a matter of flipping the rug over.
The laidback feel continues into the price. Rugs made of cotton are budget-friendly, so they’re great for young adults in their new apartment or first-time homeowners just furnishing a house.
Cotton is reliable, so it can go pretty much anywhere in the house. The kitchen, bathroom, entryway, and living room are all great options.
Jute Rugs
If you like the look of natural fiber rugs, jute is a great choice. The neutral colors and woven textures add a lot of personality to the room. They’re a great choice for relaxing interiors inspired by nature.
Jute is another medium durability rug. The woven piles attached to backing create a material that can withstand wear and tear. But the material isn’t the most comfortable or soft; this isn’t the right choice if you want a cozy feel.
The layered rug look is trending in home decor, and a jute rug is a great option for a base. With its low cost and neutral color scheme, you’ll have no problem buying a second rug to place on top of it.
Jute does well in humidity, so a bathroom is a great place for this rug.
Polypropylene Rugs
Love the look and feel of wool but at a lower cost? A polypropylene rug is the way to go. This synthetic material is part of a new generation of human-made rugs, and it has the modern features to match.
Polypropylene is extremely durable, which makes them a great universal choice. They’re made to be stain resistant, so they’re ideal for busy homeowners. They’re also incredibly soft, mimicking wool’s lush fibers.
Get the luxurious feel on a budget with polypropylene rugs. They’re incredibly affordable and come in a variety of bold colors and trendy patterns. These rugs are ideal for the stylish host and hostess.
Their durability and style allow these rugs to be the ideal candidate anywhere in the home. Living rooms and bedrooms will benefit from the lush feel while kitchens and bathrooms can use the durability. They even work on outdoor patio spaces.
Silk Rugs
Silk is the most glamorous material available for an area rug. Mixing sophistication and luxury, these highly decorative pieces will make your home look professionally designed.
It should come as no surprise that silk rugs are delicate. So this isn’t the best choice for every home. Silk rugs are best in low traffic areas and homes that won’t see a lot of wear and tear.
Silk rugs are also very high maintenance. They need to be cleaned by a professional only. This isn’t great for families or those on a budget. And while you get a lot of drama in the design, you’ll get drama in the price as well; silk rugs are expensive.
Silk would be best in less trafficked rooms like formal areas that get occasional use. If it’s a silk blend, it could better fit into a higher trafficked living room.
Viscose Rugs
This human-made fabric is another favorite of homeowners. It has a sheen that mimics silk’s smooth texture and low pile. So if you like a silk rug but prefer something more durable, viscose is a great option.
Viscose rugs offer a soft underfoot without being too plushy. It’s great for creating a comfortable environment, but without a rug your foot will sink into.
These rugs have medium durability, so they can hold their own in a busy household. They do, however, require careful and sometimes professional cleaning. You can find them at a medium cost, but they’re definitely luxury for less.
The bedroom is a great place for a viscose rug because of the luxurious and relaxing feel.
Polyester Rugs
Polyester rugs are the ideal home rug. They’re soft, cozy, versatile, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re a great area rug option for families and those who want a low maintenance interior.
Stains easily come out of these rugs, and the colors are fade-resistant. Spot cleaning and regular vacuuming will keep these rugs looking great for a long time.
At a medium cost, these rugs are often affordable for the masses. You definitely get the quality you pay for with polyester rugs. So they’re a lasting choice that won’t break the bank.
A polyester rug is great in high traffic areas like the living room, hallway, and mudroom.
The Best Types of Rugs for Your Home
Choosing the right rug material is an important factor to consider when shopping around. There are so many options and types of rugs that choosing can seem overwhelming.
It’s important to keep in mind how much traffic the room will get or who uses the room. To get the best use and most life out of your rug, you have to choose the right material. Once you know what to look for, you can narrow down the choices.
You can transform your home with the right rug. Did you find this article helpful? Check out more home design articles.
