When picking the right fiber, you have to consider things like cleanability, durability, softness, shedding, color retention, and more. In fact, sometimes synthetic fibers like polypropylene or polyester are better choices than natural fibers because they’re stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and soft.
Understanding the fibers below will help you determine what you should choose based on your needs.
NATURAL FIBERS
Cotton
- Texture: soft and smooth
- Durability: moderate
- Minimal shedding
- Sustainable/biodegradable
- Easy to clean and maintain
Sisal
- Natural fiber from the agave plant
- Texture: coarse
- Durability: high
- Minimal shedding
- Sustainable/biodegradable
- Does not attract dust and is static free
Seagrass
- Natural fiber from the agave plant
- Texture: soft, reed-like
- Durability: high
- Minimal shedding
- Sustainable/biodegradable
- Does not attract dust and is static free
Jute
- Shiny, vegetable fiber
- Texture: rough, with natural variations in color
- Durability: moderate
- Sustainable/biodegradable
Wool
- Most commonly used natural fiber in rugs (usually sheep’s wool)
- Texture: mildly coarse, very resilient
- Durability: high
- Sustainable/biodegradable
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Acrylic
- Texture: smooth, shiny
- Durability: high
- Minimal shedding
- Most commonly blended with other fibers like polyester (this is called a poly-acrylic blend)
Polypropylene
- Texture: slightly less smooth than most synthetic fibers
- Durability: high
- Minimal shedding
- Bold, fade-resistant color
- Commonly used in indoor/outdoor rugs for its UV, mildew, and water resistant qualities
Viscose
- Synthetic, shiny fiber (also known as “art silk”) commonly used as a more affordable substitute for silk
- Texture: soft, smooth, silky sheen
- Durability: low
- Some rugs are made of 100% viscose, but most rugs use viscose to accent a pattern
Polyester
- Texture: smooth, shiny
- Durability: high
- Wears well and feels very soft, especially when used for rugs with a thick pile
- Moisture, stain, and abrasion resistant
- Retains color over time, easy to clean
Information courtesy Loloi and Surya Rugs.
To view our entire collection of area rugs, click here.
Like this post? Sign up for our email list to get news and special offers!