Picking a rug has the potential of being one of the most important decisions you make in a room! How it looks can control the aesthetic, while the material and texture can impact how you feel and act in the space! So we bring to you – Rug week! Firstly diving into all the positives and negatives of a number of popular rug materials, sharing our experiences and knowledge so you can find the right rug for you! Each with their own set of good and not so good qualities – however don’t let that stray you as it’s all about the nature of your space and which will best suit!
Stay tuned for our guide to rug size and positioning later this week!
WOOL-
Prized for its durability, softness and plush feel.
Positives: Strong natural fibre, Stain and water repellent, Insulating character
Negatives: Not ideal for damp or humid places, often fades, shedding may occur within the beginning of life.
Recommend: High to medium traffic areas like living rooms or dining rooms.
COTTON –
Hard wearing material most frequently used to make flat-weave rugs.
Positives: Affordable and reliable fiber, Cleaning friendly, Thinner pile options
Negative: Longevity, Low water resistance
Recommend: High traffic spaces like kitchens, hallways or children’s rooms
ART SILK –
Luscious silk rugs with there incredibly smooth texture, shine and luminosity.
Positives: Silky plush feel, luxurious texture, fine detailed fiber
Negatives: Delicate material qualities, professional cleaning required
Recommend: Low traffic areas like bedrooms or sitting rooms
JUTE / SISAL –
Natural grasses and other organic plant fibers woven in varying techniques to achieve an earthy richly textured rug.
Positives: Extremely durable / hard wearing, organically manufactured, natural finish, water resistance
Negatives: Varying materials may result in coarse texture, some cleaning difficulties
Recommend: High traffic or weather exposed areas like living spaces or outdoor dining
ANIMAL HIDES –
Authentic or synthetic varieties offered in a range of colour and pattern varieties.
Positives: Smooth even texture, short pile height,unique pieces, easily cleaned
Negatives: Not well suited for wet / humid spaces, shedding on long haired hides to begin
Recommend: Mid to Low traffic areas like bedrooms, offices or sitting rooms
