Area Rug Materials

Choosing a style of area rug for your home or office can be a daunting task!  And since you not only want your rug to look great, but perform well too, there's a few things you should know about what your rug is made out of.

The real deal

Natural fibers have soft colors and have long lasting performance.  Oriental fibers such as sisal, seagrass and jute make beautiful, high quality rugs. One type pf naturally occurring fiber that is commonly used in area rugs is wool.

Wool is versatile. Wool types vary from extra fine to broad fibers.  Blending wool types adds strength.
 

Wool wears longer than other fibers. It gives with friction, rather than resists, which helps in keeping the appearance of your area rug. 
 

Wool dyes well. Proteins in the core of the wool fiber are reactive, which means that wool holds color beautifully.

Wool resists dirt and static.  Wool fibers naturally absorb moisture from the air, preventing static electricity and repelling lint and dust.

Wool repels liquids and is fire resistant.  If you spill water on your rug, you won't have to worry about the wool absorbing it.

For high quality wool area rugs, look for Momeni or Karastan, two of the leading designer area rug producers.
 

Just like the real thing

Synthetic fibers provide bright colors, easy maintenance, and softness. All synthetic fibers are machine made, rather than handmade.  Popular fibers include nylon, polyester, acrylic, and olefin (polypropylene).

Synthetic area rugs are easy to clean and care for.  Synthetic fibers are non-porous, which means they resist liquids, making them stain proof. 

Synthetic rugs are often less expensive than those made out of natural fibers. They have the appearance and texture of a more expensive area rug without the high cost!

Synthetic fibers retain color well.  Unlike wool, which is soft in color, synthetic fibers can retain bright, brilliant colors well.  

Stylish trends

If you choose to purchase a handmade area rug, there are a number of styles to choose from.

Traditional oriental, Persian, or Turkish pile rugs.  These area rugs are made out of wool and are hand-knotted, featuring intricate designs and patterns.  While these rugs can be expensive, look for discounted or wholesale rugs online or at a local retailer.

Flat woven Indian rugs, which tend to be thinner than pile rugs. Dhurrie rugs, featuring stylized motifs and geometric patterns, are not only beautiful, but are often reversible!

Contemporary or Modern rugs.  Contemporary area rugs are often extremely bright in color and feature large, geometric shapes and patterns. These decorative rugs make a nice centerpiece for your room.

More information on area rugs