Choosing a material
There are so many options with various benefits and properties to pick from. When choosing a rug think about how much foot traffic the room gets and how you want to use the rug, will it go under a dining table that requires easy cleaning, or added to wooden floors to add warmth and comfort?
Common spaces with high traffic need durable materials, while bedroom rugs are less affected by heavy wear. Read through various materials and their benefits:
Jute is a strong natural fibre able withstand high foot traffic. As jute is a natural fibre it is susceptible to stains and can be difficult to clean. Jute rugs usually come in natural and earthy palettes with a rich texture, making them easy to incorporate to any space.
Wool is a very durable natural fibre which is easy to clean and soft underfoot. It has some outstanding properties, such as insulating and good stain resistance. It is also heat resistant making it the most preferred material for rooms with fire places.
Polypropylene is a hardwearing man-made fibre. Polypropylene is easy to clean and is great for sunny and high-traffic areas. It’s soft touch ease to maintain makes it ideal for living areas and homes with pets and children.
Cotton fibre is strong, soft and easy to dye, making it perfect for more intricate designs. They can attract dust; however, it is very easy to clean.
Viscose is a less durable fibre and is often used to add sheen to a rug. The fibres have been improved over the years however sometimes these rugs do not feel very luxurious.
Cow hides animal skins are durable and unique rugs – you’ll never find two the same. They have a soft texture, are easy to clean and are best suited for medium or low traffic areas.