When buying an area rug, the material is the most important decision you have to make. Are you looking for durability? Softness? A more casual look? Or a more formal look? What are the pros and cons? So many factors to consider when choosing an area rug. Here are some helpful tips!
Wool
Pros: Great for high traffic area, repels water, pleasant to walk on, excellent insulator. Formal
Cons: Tend to absorb moisture, shed fuzz, and can be costly, depending on the quality.
Chenille
Pros: Luxurious soft pile, incredible soft. Looks amazing. Has a sheen to it. Formal look.
Cons: Not suitable for high traffic areas. Can be expensive. Can't use a rotating brush vacuum as it will tangle the fibers. May not be color fast.
Bamboo
Pros: Organic, durable, great for allergy sufferers. Great for high traffic areas, easy to clean. Casual.
Cons: They don't offer any cushion or softness. Not recommended for humid areas.
Cotton
Pros: Natural product, inexpensive, easily washed, strong and durable. Casual.
Cons: Because they're cotton, they can easily soil and stain. They are found in flat weave, so they tend not to be plush.
Leather
Pros: Soft, stain resistance, easy to clean, incredible unique pieces. Formal.
Cons: Leather does not do well in damp or humid rooms. They tend to be somewhat masculine in natural due to their consistence. Very expensive!
Polypropylene
Pros: Very durable, easy to clean, can be used outdoor, great for kitchen and dining areas. Casual
Cons: Can be crushed or retain a fold, sensitive to heat over 300 degrees.
Sisal, Jute, and Seagrass
Pros: Natural fibers, very strong. Casual, great for beach cottages.
Cons: Impossible to remove stains, coarse, not comfortable.
Sheepskin
Pros: Incredible soft, luxurious, great accent piece. Very warm. Formal.
Cons: Difficult to clean. Need sheepskin specialty cleaner. Stay away from sunlight. High maintenance.
Silk
Pros: Luxurious, incredible soft, has a sheen. Formal.
Cons: Expensive, not as strong as wool, sensitive to moisture.
Synthetics
Pros: Easy to clean, durable, stain resistant, very inexpensive, mildew resistant. Casual or formal.
Cons: Not as pleasing as natural fibers.
As you can see, different material for different uses. At one time or another, I have had just about every type of area rug mentioned in this blog. With the exception of sheepskin and leather!! But who knows, that may change soon enough!!
What would you recommend for a staircase runner? Cotton? I was thinking Dash & Albert.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming stairs, cotton would stain easily, unless you go with a very dark color. I would recommend low pile synthetic. It's good for high traffic areas.
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