While a rug can be the perfect way to accent a living room, bedroom, or outdoor space, it can be difficult to decide which materials will withstand the test of time. Many contemporary rugs are made of synthetic fibers like nylon, acrylic, and polyester while traditional rugs tend to be made of more natural materials like sheep wool, goat wool, silk, cotton, and even animal skins. Rugs can be expensive, and they’re often left at the mercy of children, pets, food and drink spills, and the outdoor elements. It’s understandable that you want to make sure the rug you choose is suitable for its new home.
I want a rug with an authentic, traditional feel. Which material should I choose?
If you’re looking for a traditionally-made rug with a vintage feel, handwoven is best. One common style of handwoven rugs includes a flatweave, in which strands of horizontal yarn, known amongst yarn experts as “weft yarn,” is woven onto the vertical strands, or “warp yarn.” Knotted rugs with a pile are even more carefully made as the strands are woven into the foundation of the rug and knotted into fringe at the end. Truly authentic handwoven rugs use wool. No two wool rugs are perfectly alike, making each one unique, as there is often some variation in color when wool is dyed. Wool rugs look best in living rooms, dining rooms, and anywhere that they can be admired.
My style is more boho and chic. What rug should I choose?
While cotton and wool are both very versatile and durable, and either material can add an excellent pop of color or pattern to a living space, the perfect all-natural rug for any fan of boho chic styles might just be a jute or hemp rug. Jute rugs are soft, often come in earthy colors such as brown or beige, and resemble your favorite beach hat. Hemp rugs have a similar appearance, although they tend to be coarser, and are also durable and all-natural.
Should I buy a new or used rug?
It can be daunting to buy a used rug from an antique shop when you don’t know its history. Even if a vintage rug is intricately and expertly woven, it can be difficult to restore it to its former beauty. If you love the look of a vintage rug, it may help to rely on experts who regularly work with vintage rugs and know how to properly clean and maintain them. There are plenty of rug-cleaning services and artists who restore and sell vintage rugs. This way, you can feel safe knowing that your rug is well-cleaned while still appreciating its beauty and history.
What if I have children or pets?
Wool is a great choice if your rug will be exposed to children or pets. Many wool rugs are dyed with natural vegetable dyes, are extremely durable, and even insulate against noise. Handspun wool is especially sturdy as the process is specifically designed to prevent the fibers from breaking. Wool rugs also contain natural oils called lanolin which prevent spills and stains from setting in too quickly. Most spills can be removed from wool rugs using water and a paper towel to blot.
Cotton is another great choice, especially if you’re looking for a rug to decorate a child’s bedroom or a place with more moisture, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Cotton is affordable, sturdy, and many are machine washable.
Can I put my rug outside?
If you plan to display your rug outside or in a particularly sunny spot, a synthetic fiber might be best. There’s no need to sacrifice style for function, either. While all-natural rugs are certainly elegant, synthetic rugs can be quite impressive, too. Nylon rugs, for example, have been improved to mimic the appearance of more luxurious wool rugs. There are even some polyester rugs that are made of recycled materials such as plastic bottles, making them both sustainable and durable.
I want a rug that is truly unique. Which material should I choose?
Because wool rugs vary so widely in design and color gradation, they are certainly unique. A recycled polyester rug could also make for a great conversation piece. But if you’re a lover of books or fairytales, you might consider a gabbeh-style rug. Originally from Iran, Gabbeh rugs are hand-knotted and made of naturally-dyed wool. They make use of unique colors and geometric designs to tell a story. Some even feature depictions of animals or people.
Which rugs are machine washable?
If a rug is composed entirely of cotton, polyester, olefin, and/or polypropylene, chances are, it’s machine washable. Most rugs have a cotton backing, which is washable, although some have jute, which is not. All rugs should be air dried.
Whether boho, traditional, modern, or something completely unique, there is a rug material to suit every style preference and location in your home. Before you know it, you might be choosing a different style of rug as the centerpiece for every room in your house—there are certainly enough options—but hopefully this list will help you find your favorite!
