It has been approximately two hours since you stepped inside this lifestyle furniture store to buy an area rug. You have been going around in circles because you have zero idea which one is best for you, and the people who are supposed to answer your questions are too busy to give you a thorough guide. If anything, the only thing you’ve been successful in is going out of the store without anything in your hands.

Does it sound like something you have heard before? Or perhaps something you have experienced firsthand?

It’s normal to feel confused when there is literally a lot to choose from. So to help you make the most of your time and budget, we’ve listed down the most common types of rugs according to their fiber--natural and synthetic--and what you can expect from each one of them.

Natural Fiber Rugs

Natural fiber rugs are a popular choice among homeowners, and it is easy to see why. These rugs are made of durable and high-quality materials, which means that they are great if you are planning to keep them for long. Moreover, their overall aesthetic and texture can help you relax and have some peace of mind.

Now, these are the most common types of natural fiber rugs:

Wool Rugs

 

People have one ultimate goal when shopping: to buy things that are ultimately worth their money. So it makes sense that they easily go for wool rugs. After all, this type of rug is everything one should be looking for--soft and durable. Wool rugs are ideal for households who have an active lifestyle because they are comfortable on the feet and they do not deteriorate prematurely even when they are placed on high-traffic areas.

The only downside to wool rugs is that they can be hard to maintain. Because wool is both naturally water repellent and absorbent, after some time, you will need to clean it as soon as a spill happens to prevent further damage.

Cotton Rugs

 

When you are in a pinch for budget and you want a less expensive option than wool rugs, you might want to opt for cotton rugs instead. These rugs do not have the durability of wool rugs, but they can still withstand traffic to a fair degree. , that is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it does not suffer from continuous usage. Add that to the fact that cotton rugs are often machine-washed and you never have to worry about the hassle of cleaning it as soon as an accident occurs. And for what it's worth, this kind actually gives a more soothing vibe than wool rugs.

Jute and Sisal Rugs

 

Unlike wool and cotton rugs, jute and sisal rugs are tough on the feet. The nice thing about them though is that they can really endure foot traffic and are probably the most unique and versatile piece when it comes to texture and weave.

Viscose and Silk Rugs

 

Viscose and silk rugs are one of those things that you do not think you need until you actually touch them. Initially, you would think, “I should obviously just go for wool or cotton if I’m looking for something plushy.” And then your hands come across these products and suddenly, deciding area rugs becomes tenfold harder.

It’s worth noting that although these rugs are great alternatives for wool, they are much less durable. They’re also water absorbent, so you wouldn’t want to place them in areas where accidents occur a little more often.

Synthetic Fiber Rugs

Synthetic fiber rugs used to get called “fake” because they’re not made of natural materials. But nowadays, these rugs enter the fray and more people are starting to switch to these because of what they can offer in terms of maintenance, longevity, cost, and of course, practicality.

Polypropylene Rugs

 

If you can’t manage to get a hold of an affordable wool rug, you can opt to go for a polypropylene rug instead. Many people say that these two types of rugs are practically the same, except for, well, the material, which is fine rationally, because you get most of the benefits of wool at an affordable price when you choose polypropylene. Check this modern multi-colour polypropylene rug for instance, and you will see what we’re talking about. The only thing you need to worry about though is its lifespan, since it is considerably much shorter than wool.

Polyester Rugs

 

Among all synthetic rugs in the market, nothing comes closer to polypropylene than polyester. Much like polypropylene, polyester rugs are very soft and resilient to foot traffic. They both look chic, too, though people still prefer the lush texture of polypropylene. A polyester rug on the other hand though is much better at keeping its color alive and radiant over time.

Acrylic Rugs

 

Acrylic rugs are another type of wool-like rugs, but brighter and definitely softer. Still, they are much less durable than other types of rugs, so they may well be suitable and perfect alternatives for children who are allergic to wool.

Now that you know the different types of rugs available to you, you will not feel lost the next time you visit our store and you can make well-informed decisions. 

If you have any further questions regarding this or any other rug related topic, contact us!