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!!
