Choosing your Rug: Exploring Rug Materials.
There is so much to love about rugs. We can think of few other homeware items that have the transformative power of rugs. Rugs have the unique ability to anchor a room, add depth through layering and texture, feel soft and cosy underfoot, and ultimately give a feeling of completion to your room.
When shopping for a rug, most of us start our rug search by prioritising a certain colour or pattern we like. We don't often give too much thought to the material the rug is made of. Here at Heliconia & Co., we believe that the material and suitability for the intended space are equally important considerations in your rug decision-making process. Below we look at rug materials and consider the pros and cons of each type of material.
Wool Rugs:
Pros: One material we particularly adore is wool. Many skillfully woven wool rugs are held in the same regard as a beautiful piece of art. The visual appeal is matched only by the luxurious feel of a wool rug underfoot! Beyond the obvious tactile appeal, wool is exceptionally durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas within your home. A good-quality wool rug can last from 25 to 100 years! An inherently natural fibre, wool rugs offer excellent insulation and temperature control for both Summer and Winter seasons. Wool rugs also offer practical benefits such as stain resistance, as well as natural properties that repel dust mites, which is a big plus for individuals who suffer from allergies. Lastly, wool is a sustainable material, which means that it gets a green tick from the environmentally conscious as well!
Cons: Expensive, can shed when first used (but this does reduce with time), can be hard to spot clean. Wool rugs can often be heavier, making them difficult to move for cleaning. They can also be prone to fading, so should be rotated regularly.
Wool Blends:
Pros: Wool blend rugs are often regarded as the ideal choice for today's modern homes. By combining wool with synthetic fibres, these rugs offer enhanced durability, especially in high-traffic areas. Synthetic fibres, known for their resilience, complement the natural strength of wool. We love the way wool blend rugs maintain the luxurious softness of wool, creating a comfortable and inviting surface underfoot. The addition of synthetic fibres further enhances this softness and plushness. The synthetic fibres in the blend improve the rug's resistance to stains and spills, making cleaning and maintenance easier compared to pure wool rugs. Lastly, wool blend rugs offer a more affordable option than 100% wool which is always a definite pro!
Cons: Require more careful maintenance compared to purely synthetic rugs and more expensive than synthetic rugs. The synthetic fibres may not absorb moisture as effectively as wool alone, which could lead to longer drying times if the rug becomes wet or damp.
We love the viscose blend in an art deco style by shop the Colorscope from $1452.
Synthetic Rugs:
Pros: So, what names denote a synthetic material? You probably want to be looking out for nylon, polyester, or polypropylene fibres on the label. As expected, synthetic rugs come with a much more affordable price tag, reducing the pressure of the buying decision considerably! Due to their man-made nature, they also tend to come in a wider range of colors, which can be very appealing. They are easy to clean and maintain and a lot safer to use cleaning agents without the worry of bleaching spots, although you will always want to check cleaning instructions.
Cons: Not sustainably made, need to be replaced more often, will wear down more quickly, can hold odours, can be more prone to static.
PET Made:
Pros: Generally an outdoor rug material, we love that these rugs are made from recycled plastic bottles! Yes, in fact, one rug saves over 400 bottles from ending up in a landfill. Due to their plastic nature, they are almost effortless to maintain, being naturally water-resistant, stain-resistant, and durable to boot.
Cons: May require more frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas, may not be as UV resistant to prolonged direct sun as some other outdoor materials.
We love the PET made outdoor range, shop the Burleigh Teak Outdoor Rug from $1140
Understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you make informed decisions about the rug that will best suit your needs, beyond the aesthetic appeal! Rugs can be an investment piece, or purely a bit of decorative fun! Shop our curated collection of rugs and find your perfect piece today.