Rug Materials, What Should You Choose?

Rugs have been around for centuries and are an important item in your home, especially if you have large expanses of hard flooring such as tiles or timber.  These days, many homes are opting for hard flooring rather than carpet throughout so rugs are a simple way to add comfort, give warmth and brighten up a room with a splash of colour.

They can be fun, make a bold statement in a room and can be changed easily when you want to update your decor. From a practical perspective, they can protect your floor and reduce noise. There are many types of rugs, coming in a vast array of colours, styles, textures, sizes and shapes and can be constructed from different materials.

What to consider when choosing a rug

Where will you put the rug?

The location of your rug will determine how much foot traffic it will need to endure. In a high traffic area such as a hallway perhaps you’ll want a flat weave in a darker colour to withstand lots of wear and reduce noise. In a playroom you may want to choose a hard wearing synthetic fibre that will stand up to the kids!

What look and feel do you want?

How do you want the rug to make the room to feel? If it’s for a bedroom you may want a cosy, thicker fibre and weave, or in a formal sitting room perhaps a silk rug for an opulent feel. In a living room you may want your rug to be a statement, in bold colours or a strong texture.

What size is best?

The larger a rug, the more it creates a sense of space. A small rug in a small room will make the space feel cramped. Make sure you measure your space, taking into account vents and furniture.

In a living area, choose a rug as large as will fit – it’s a great way to define a space. In a dining area, make sure the rug is large enough to cover the floor with the chairs pushed out so there is no tripping on the edges.

Ease of cleaning

Again, consider the amount and type of traffic your rug will endure each day. Some fibres are easy to clean, while others require a professional rug dry cleaning service – more details are below. Consider whether your rug will be subjected to any moisture, in which a mildew resistant acrylic will work well.

If you have pets, you’ll be happier with a fibre which doesn’t attract pet hair, so maybe something in a low weave.

Before undertaking any DIY cleaning process, check with the manufacturer’s guidelines and test on a small area beforehand. When you purchase a rug, keep the tags and cleaning method handy and know that you can contact the best Melbourne rug cleaning service to keep it looking it’s best for the life of your rug.

What is your budget?

Having a budget in mind will determine what material you can afford. If you want a rug to last a long time, an investment in wool is worth it, but if you just need something functional or to add a bit of colour to a space, a synthetic fibre rug will suffice.

Natural or synthetic fibres?

The material a rug is constructed from affects its feel, durability and function. Basically, rugs are made from either natural or synthetic fibres. We have considered various materials commonly used today and have provided some information on each to assist you with choosing a rug for your home.

Natural fibres are higher quality than synthetic fibres and are the best choice for durability. They last longer and don’t release any harmful gasses.

Synthetic fibres are man-made materials, often mass produced and are therefore a cheaper option. Synthetic fibres have been improved over the years to mimic the characteristics of natural fibres, however they can feel a bit cheap, and less luxurious than natural fibres.

Natural fibre rugs

Wool

Wool is a classic fibre for rugs as it provides durability, is easy to clean and is quite economical. Wool is a versatile fibre which can be dyed any colour, withstands a lot of wear and is super comfy.

The oils in wool means it naturally repels liquids, enabling an easy clean-up of spills. Wool rugs tend to be a bit thicker than others and may pill or shed slightly although this will lessen over time. It is recommended that wool rug cleaning is carried out by a professional cleaning service.

Cotton

Another fibre which dyes easily is cotton, allowing for many colours. Cotton rugs are soft underfoot, however are usually not as plush as wool. 

They are still quite durable and are often machine washable. Less expensive than wool, cotton rugs look a bit more casual. They are hypoallergenic and breathable.

Jute, Sisal and Hemp

These are very tough, very durable rugs and often have a texture and weave other fibres cannot achieve. These rugs are coarser than wool or cotton, almost rope-like, and are therefore not as comfy on your feet.

They are also more difficult to clean as they absorb liquids quickly, so it’s best to use a rug dry cleaning specialist. Often not dyed, they provide a lovely, natural colour and feel to a room. Jute and Sisal are sustainable and biodegradable and are good choices for allergy or asthma sufferers.

Silk and Viscose

Silk and viscose are really soft materials which are versatile but not very durable when used on their own. However they can be used together with wool to create gorgeous rugs as their fibres create a beautiful sheen and will provide a rich look to your room. Due to the fine fibres, delicate patterns can be achieved. Great to stylishly dress up your home.

Leather

Cowhide and leather have been used as floor coverings for centuries as leather is very durable and readily available. It is easily dyed, so leather rugs are available in many colours and patterns. They are generally easy to clean, however the material can absorb spills if not cleaned up straight away.

Synthetic Fibre Rugs

Acrylic

Acrylic rugs are tufted to look like wool rugs, at a cheaper price and are suitable as a hypoallergenic alternative to wool. They are stain resistant and easy to clean, however will wear over time and the fibres are not crush resistant. Low quality acrylic rugs can generate static.

Nylon

Nylon rugs have fibres which are elastic and resilient so can take a lot of wear without crushing. They are water and stain resistant so are extremely easy to keep clean. Nylon rugs may not be as soft as natural fibre rugs.

Polypropylene

Heat-set polypropylene rugs are dense like wool but with a lower price tag. They are known for being water resistant, so are great for areas near moisture or where there may be lots of spills. They are versatile and can be used outdoors. However, they attract dirt so need to be cleaned regularly and those that are not heat-set are poor quality and wear easily.

Polyester

Polyester rugs have a shine to them, but are softer than nylon. They are easy to keep clean as they are water resistant, and are also fade resistant and economical to purchase. However they do wear and crush easily, so you’ll need to vacuum and clean regularly to get them to last.

Once you have chosen your rug and enhanced your home, take pleasure in its beauty and functionality. Contact the expert carpet cleaners at Drytron on 13 12 50 when you need rug cleaning in your home.