Figuring out which rug material is best for your home and lifestyle is essential. It’s important to consider how a space will be used, what kind of traffic it will receive, and how much coziness you desire. Check out our quick guide to the most commonly used materials for rugs and the pros and cons of each below.
Wool Rugs
The most common material used for rugs, wool is prized for its durability and softness. New Zealand wool is the ne plus ultra of wool: The sheep have been specially bred for exceptional strength and plushness.
Why we love them: Strong; good stain and water repellency; excellent insulating properties; cozy underfoot
Things to consider: Not good for damp places as it absorbs humidity; subject to fading; some shedding may occur but will lessen with time
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic areas
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Hand-tufted of wool, the Woodland Antelope Rug works well with traditional and contemporary, rustic and glamorous alike.
Many Chinese Art Deco rugs are crafted of silk or a silk/wool blend.
Silk Rugs
Luxurious and lustrous, silk rugs are adored for their softness and subtle sheen.
Why we love them: Very soft and sumptuous feel; finer details than wool
Things to consider: Requires professional cleaning; can show footprints
Best for: Bedrooms, low-traffic areas
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Cotton Rugs
Cotton is most frequently used to make flat-weave rugs such as dhurries and kilims.
Why we love them: Generally more affordable than wool or silk; easy to clean
Things to consider: Doesn’t always wear well over long periods of time, though because many flat-weaves are reversible, you can flip them over should one side become worn or stained
Best for: Kitchens, children’s rooms, casual spaces
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The handwoven Denim Rag Wide-Stripe Rug effortlessly brings artisanal verve to a room.
Shown above: the Kali Jute Rug (top), the Peyser Jute Rug (right), and the Mintaka Round Jute Rug (bottom).
Natural-Fiber Rugs
Technically wool and silk are also natural fibers, but what’s meant by natural-fiber rugs are those made of natural plant fibers such as sisal, jute, and seagrass. These rugs combine neutral, earthy palettes and rich textures, making them the ultimate design chameleons.
Why we love them: Very strong; renewable; typically free from chemical processing
Things to consider: Some varieties can be coarse and difficult to clean; some shedding is expected
Best for: Living rooms, high-traffic and sunny areas
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From left: the Foster Hide Rug in Gray, the Winfield Hide Rug in Gray, and the Edith Hide Rug in Ivory/Tan.
Hide Rugs
These are available as complete hides that retain a distinctive shape, stitched panels, and woven strips of tanned leather or hair-on hide.
Why we love them: Both soft and durable; unique pieces (especially hides); generally easy to clean
Things to consider: Not great for damp or humid areas
Best for: Bedrooms, offices, dens, low-traffic areas
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Synthetic Rugs
The synthetics in question include silky viscose (typically made from natural materials such as wood fiber) and polypropylene (which is usually fade resistant and often stain resistant). These manmade fibers have been improved over the years to mimic the characteristics of natural fibers. Viscose is often added to wool rugs to provide a soft sheen.
Why we love them: Easy to clean; family-friendly; can be used in damp environments; many types can be used outdoors
Things to consider: Doesn’t always feel luxurious
Best for: Hallways, outdoors (note: not all synthetic rugs are suitable for outdoor use), high-traffic and sunny areas
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Because the polypropylene Rugby Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug can withstand fading as well as moisture, it works well in a sunroom or a foyer as well as on a porch or patio.
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