Rug Material Guide
Choosing a rug material shouldn’t feel like such a hassle but with wool, jute, PET, viscose and everything in between, it sometimes does.
This guide breaks down what actually matters,
so you can choose a rug that fits your home, your lifestyle, and real life.
If you’re unsure how material fits into size, placement and overall layout,
read my Complete Rug Guide here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NATURAL FIBERS
Wool
Silk
Jute
Sisal
Cotton
Hemp
Linen
Sea Grass
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Plastic
PET
Polyester
Polypropylene
Acrylic
Nylon
Viscose
Photo from Layered
BEFORE WE BEGIN
When choosing a rug material the first step should always be
to determine if it's a low, medium or high traffic area.
This answer will indicate what type of rug material
is most suited for you and your needs.
LOW
Living Rooms, Bed Rooms, Guest rooms
MEDIUM
Medium: Dining Rooms, Office
HIGH
High: Hallways, Entryways, Kitchens,
Kids/Family Rooms
WOOL
Wool is often considered the best overall natural fiber
for rugs because it balances comfort, durability, and aesthetics. But if you expect high moisture or heavy spills,
another material might be a better option.
A wool rug goes perfectly under the dining table
Photo from Layered
PROS
Durable and Long Lasting
Ages Gracefully
Soft and Comfortable
Insulating
Naturally Stain and Water Repellent
Easy to Maintain
Fibers Bounce Back
Dirt Resistant
CONS
Can Be Costly
Not Good for Damp Areas
Possible Shedding (Lessens with Time)
Not Stain Proof
Some People with Wool Sensitivity may find Wool Fibers Irritating
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Lounges,
Offices, Homes with Kids or Pets
AVOID
Outdoors, Hallways, Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms
SILK
Silk rugs are known for their softness, luxury and intricate patterns. They are truly like a piece of art, and the price reflects it. Silk is very delicate, and should only be bought with the proper knowledge on how to care for it.
Silk rugs give the most luxurious sheen
Photo from The Rug Company
PROS
Soft
Intricate Patterns
Durable (In Low Traffic Areas)
Can Increase In Value
Hypoallergenic
CONS
Requires Professional Cleaning
Can Show Marks Such as Footprints
Very Costly
Delicate
Moisture Sensitive
Color Fading
IDEAL FOR
Low Traffic Areas, Bedrooms, Formal Living Rooms, Wall Hanging
AVOID
High-traffic Areas, If you Have Kids or Pets, Outdoors,
Hallways, Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms, Moisture Prone Areas
JUTE
Jute is an economic rug choice if you want to go for a natural material. Even though they mostly come in its natural brown color way, they can also be dyed in many fun colors or be cut into interesting shapes.
Handwoven jute rug with natural texture and earthy tones.
Photo from Layered
PROS
Economic
Sustainable
Aesthetic
CONS
Less durable
Water-Sensitive
Shedding
Hard to Maintain
Fade in Direct Sunlight
IDEAL FOR
Low/Medium Traffic Areas, Dining Rooms, Hallways (Not Entryways),
Living Rooms, Bedrooms
AVOID
Hallways, Bathrooms, Outdoors, Kitchens, Moisture-Prone Areas
SISAL
Along with wool, sisal is one of the most durable natural materials and they are great for high-traffic areas of the home. Sisal does on the other hand tend to feel quite rough underfoot, and is extremely moisture sensitive.
Sisal is one of the most durable rug materials
Photo from Cizgim
PROS
Very durable
Natural Aesthetic
Easy Maintenance
Allergy Friendly
Hides Dirt
CONS
Less Comfortable
Can Become Slippery over Time
Stains Easily
Little Color Variations
Fibers can Weaken from Water
IDEAL FOR
Living Rooms, Bed Rooms, Dining Rooms, Hallways
AVOID
Stairs, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Outdoors, Moisture Prone Areas
COTTON
Cotton rugs are soft, natural, and a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable rug that’s easy to care for.
The benefit is their versatility and wash-ability, though they may be less durable than some natural fiber options.
Cotton rug with an interesting visual pattern
Photo from Finarte
PROS
Affordable
Easy to Clean(Often Machine Washable)
Accessible
Soft
CONS
Not as Durable as Wool or Synthetic Fibers
Stains Easily
Fades in Direct Sunlight
IDEAL FOR
Low to Medium Traffic Areas, Kids Rooms, Laundry Rooms,
Decorative runner, Bathrooms, Kitchens
AVOID
High-Traffic Areas, Hallways, Outdoors
HEMP
Hemp rugs are highly durable, and a great choice if you're looking for a rug that requires low maintenance. The set back is that they are not as soft as other materials.
Jute offers a rustic texture ideal for relaxed interiors.
Photo from Alabaster Studio
PROS
Durable
Mildew Resistant
Sustainable
Hypoallergenic
Low Maintenance
CONS
Sheds
Coarse (Softens Over Time)
Holds Moisture
Fades or Darkens in Direct Sunlight
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, If you Have Kids or Pets, Dining Rooms,
Kitchens, Laundry Rooms
AVOID
Hallways, Bathrooms, Outdoors, Moisture Prone Areas
LINEN
Linen rugs are naturally strong, breathable,
and a great choice if you’re looking for a rug with a relaxed look. The trade-off is that while they’re durable,
they’re not as plush or cushioned as many other fibers.
Linen rugs are light, airy and fresh
Photo from Linie Design
PROS
Thermo-Regulating
Sustainable
Comes in Different Textures
Durable
Hypoallergenic
Softens with Time
CONS
Moisture Sensitive
Stain Vulnerable
Requires Gentle Care
Sheds
Costly
IDEAL FOR
Medium-Traffic Areas, Bed Rooms, Living Rooms, Desk Area
AVOID
Hallways, Bathrooms, Dining Rooms, Kitchens, Areas Prone to Spilling/Moisture
SEA GRASS
Sea grass is a very durable rug material, suitable for many areas of the home. Although it has good properties it's quite limited in design choices, since the fibers are hard to dye.
Sea grass adds a beautiful, natural texture
Photo from Ochre And Silk
PROS
Stain and Water Resistant
Durable
Medium soft
Eco Friendly
Low Maintenance
Allergy Friendly
Anti Static
Affordable
CONS
Limited Color Choices
Moisture Sensitivity (Can Develop Mold and Mildew)
Slippery Texture
Cool Temperature
Difficult to Deep Clean
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, Dry-Areas, Living Room,
Dining Room, Bed Room
AVOID
Outdoors, Bathroom, Hallways, Moisture-Prone Areas
SYNTHETIC
MATERIALS
Synthetic rugs are highly practical
Photo from Rugvista
Even though I personally prefer natural materials,
it does not mean that synthetic materials are not just as useful.
It really just depends on the area they are being used.
They are great if you don't have as much money to spend,
if you're in dire need of a rug that's easy to maintain
or need a rug for moisture prone areas.
Synthetic rugs are often chosen for convenience and price,
but understanding how each fiber performs will help you
place them where they actually make sense.
PLASTIC
Plastic rugs can be a great addition to your home.
These are best used in areas that's prone to moisture.
They are slip resistant, making them perfect for slippery bathroom tiles.
Plastic rugs works perfectly under the dining table
Photo from Pappelina
PROS
Water Proof
Durable
Machine Washable
Hypoallergenic
Pet and Kid Friendly
Low Maintenance
Anti Slip
CONS
Not Soft
Does Not Soak Up Moisture
Not Insulating
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, Outdoors, Kitchens, Hallways,
Laundry Rooms, Bathrooms
AVOID
Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Kids Rooms,
Rooms that Need Comfort
PET
When I`m selling rugs, most people are surprised these rugs can be used outside. Aside from feeling a bit stiff, PET rugs come in many great weaves and colors. Making them aesthetic and practical.
PET rugs are perfect for outdoors
Photo from Linie Design
PROS
Water and Stain Resistant (Including Mold, Mildew and Most Stains)
Fade Resistant from Sunlight
Affordable
Great if you Have Kids or Pets
CONS
Can Shed Microplastics Over Time
Heat Sensitive
Traps Heat - Not as Breathable
Feels Slightly Synthetic
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, Dining Rooms, Outdoors, Basements,
If you Have Pets or Kids
AVOID
Close to the Fireplace or Other Areas with Very High Heat, Bedrooms,
Living Rooms, Rooms Where Comfort Matters
POLYESTER
Polyester rugs are soft, stain-resistant, and budget friendly,
making them ideal for low to medium traffic areas.
They hold color well but can flatten over time compared to other fibers.
A cozy polyester rug softens the room
Photo from Rugvista
PROS
Soft and Comfortable Underfoot
Budget Friendly
Naturally Stain-Resistant from Water Based Stains
Colorfast
Vibrant Colors
CONS
Fibres Prone to Flatten and Mat Over Time
Attracts Oils and Dirt
Looks Worn Faster
Not as Resilient as Wool or Nylon
Shorter Lifespan compared to Natural Fibers
Can Feel Static
IDEAL FOR
Low to Medium Traffic Areas, Bed Rooms,
Guest Rooms, Living Rooms
AVOID
High-Traffic Areas, Busy Hallways, Dining Areas, Kitchens
POLYPROPYLENE
Polypropylene comes in many different varieties, fluffy or flat. These rugs vary a bit from rug to rug, some are machine washable, some are not. Make sure to check the specifications of the rug before buying.
A soft and plush polypropylene rug
Photo from IKEA
PROS
Moisture Resistant
Resistant to Stains and Mildew
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Very Affordable
Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor
Anti Static, Does not Attract Dust
High Durability
Light Weight
Soft Texture
CONS
Low resilience, Fibers Flatten Quickly
Attracts Oil Based Stains
Shorter Lifespan than Natural Fibers
Heat Sensitive
IDEAL FOR
High-traffic Areas, Outdoor Spaces, Kitchens, Hallways,
Laundry Rooms, Mudrooms, If you Have Kids or Pets, Kids Rooms
AVOID
Rooms with Heavy and Frequently Moved Furniture, In Front of Fireplaces
ACRYLIC
Acrylic rugs mimic wool, and are a more budget friendly alternative. They are good for many areas of the house, but have less durable fibers than natural materials
This soft, durable acrylic rug brings comfort to any room. Photo from Jaipurrugs
PROS
Soft, Wool Like Appearance
Lightweight and Colorfast
Resistant to Moisture and Mildew
More Affordable Alternative to Wool
Vibrant Colors
Easy Maintenance
Suitable for Damp Areas
UV Resistant
CONS
Fibers Pill and Shed Easily
Low Durability in High-Traffic Areas
Can Feel Synthetic Over Time
Heat Sensitive
Oil Stain Sensitive
Prone to Static
IDEAL FOR
Living Rooms, Bed Rooms, Hallways, If You Have Kids or Pets, Kids Rooms
AVOID
Busy Households, Under Heavy Furniture
NYLON
Nylon rugs are one of the most durable synthetic fibers,
and work great if you have kids or pets. But in my opinion nylon rugs can tend to feel a bit synthetic and artificial.
Nylon rugs are both highly durable and resilient
Photo from The Rug Collection
PROS
Very Durable, the Most Durable Synthetic Fiber
Fibers Spring Back
Stain Resistant
Good Colour Fastness
Comes in Many Styles and Colors
CONS
Less Natural Look and Feel
Can Build Static Electricity
Often More Expensive than Other Synthetic Options
Can Fade with Sun Exposure
Less plush
Sensitive to Excessive Moisture
IDEAL FOR
High-Traffic Areas, Hallways, Family Rooms, Stairs,
If You Have Kids or Pets
AVOID
Bedrooms, Bath Rooms, Laundry Rooms, Hallways,
Moisture Prone Areas
VISCOSE
Viscose is a semi-synthetic and mimics the look of silk,
which gives it a comfortable softness and sheen, for a cheaper price. Even though Viscose is soft and beautiful,
it is a material that is very difficult to maintain and the fibers break easily.
A bright viscose rug with a beautiful green sheen //
Photo from Lulu And Georgia
PROS
Soft and Luxurious Feeling
More Affordable than Silk
High Color Retention
CONS
Hard to Maintain and Clean
Weak Fibers and Poor Durability
Shows Stains and Wear Easily
Moisture Sensitive
Chemically Processed
IDEAL FOR
Low-traffic Areas, Living Rooms, Guest Rooms, Bed Rooms
AVOID
High-Traffic Areas, Kitchens, Hallways, Bathrooms,
Homes With Pets or Kids, Areas Prone to Moisture or Spills, Dining Rooms
Løve from,
Kristine
Want the full breakdown on size, placement, layout mistakes and care?
Read the Complete Rug Buying Guide here.
