10 Common Material for Area Rugs

When it comes to fabrics, there are usually three forms – natural, synthetic and a refined blend of both. All three versions have their benefits suited to different situations but there are some drawbacks even with naturally sourced fibres. It is not as simple as saying natural fibres are better than synthetics as it goes deeper than their appearance and longevity.

This article is to help explain the fibres and materials used in carpets to help you choose the right rug for you.

1. Natural

Natural fibres come in two forms – Animal and plant, which are made through geological processes. They are more environmentally friendly compared to synthetics because they are carbon neutral and biodegradable. These fibres do not require added chemicals or treatments for longevity and their appearance. It is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Natural fibres are absorbent and great insulators because their chemical structures are composed of either cellulose or proteins. It plays into part in natural fibres, mostly plant fibres, being hypoallergenic as they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

However, not all natural fibres are sustainable and require intensive labour to ensure quality and perfection. A high volume of water and resources are needed to grow low amounts of fibres which can be barely enough to produce a few clothing items. To guarantee good quality of the raw materials and a high yield; lots of insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers are needed, which can ultimately lead to health complications for the workers and climate change.

2. Wool

Cable Natural Wool Rug By Origins

Wool is sheared from sheep, goats and rabbits. The best quality wool comes from New Zealand due to being the whitest and cleanest wool to others – this makes it easier to dye it to more shades rather than going through a bleaching process which could reduce the quality of the wool. In addition, the purchase of wool can be expensive, even if it can be mass-produced. The quality of the wool and its durability means that it can last longer than some synthetics and other natural fibres. Having it installed as a carpet in your home won't be cheap but can be a worthwhile investment.

Wool is a very luxurious fibre and when used in rugs and carpets, it is very resistant to foot traffic and can maintain its form. It is very durable and would last a lot of years while maintaining its soft appearance. However, wool is very porous, because it is composed of proteins, it will absorb water and liquids quickly and easily. Wool fibres also shed a lot due to shorter lengths of wool spun in between longer lengths coming out through usage. But the fibres can be pulled out to maintain a smooth look.

3. Silk

Nourison SHA16 Silk Shadows Silver Grey Wool Rug

Silk is another animal fibre but it is derived from insects such as silkworms and spiders. The silkworms are feed mulberry leaves for months before they are prepared to spin their cocoons which contain the silk threads. The silk is obtained before unravelling to reveal the silk threads. It takes a lot of silkworms to produce one pound of silk hence why the fibre is expensive. In addition, the material is elegant and classical which provides a luxurious appearance.

Silk is known for its wear and tear as it is softer and more delicate than other materials. It means that silk is better off being for upholstery and decoration. However, you will find carpets and rugs with some areas of woven silk to provide a contrast and exotic feel. Silk can also lose its colour and fade with sunlight exposure. It doesn't have any UV protection so it will not last long under sunlight exposure. It is advised that silk décor is kept away from sunlight to lengthen and maintain its longevity.

4. Cotton

Cotton is obtained from flowering plants where it grows as a protective casing around cotton seeds. It is soft, fluffy and its natural colouring is white or slightly yellow. Cotton fibre is made from almost pure cellulose and so it is very porous and can absorb water and liquids with ease. Cotton is strong and durable which means that as a rug or carpet, it can be used in high traffic areas and will maintain its appearance and integrity.

Cotton is not the most sustainable as many cotton buds have to be harvested to have a kilogram of cotton. Pesticides and fertilisers are used as well, which can cause detrimental effects on the environment. Organic cotton can be expensive to buy as it's made with more effort compared to ordinary cotton. There is no use of pesticides or pre-treated seeds so organic cotton is exposed to limited chemicals and remains untouched.

5. Sisal

Sisal Linen/Aqua Natural Decorative Rug By Asiatic

Sisal is a long and rugged fibre; obtained from the leaves of the agave plant. It is smooth, straight and yellow which cannot be changed as it is resistant to dyes and stains. The fibre is strong, durable and doesn't deteriorate in water which means that the fibre can handle usage and traffic.

This fibre is perfect for rugs that are wanted in high-traffic areas or used outside on a patio as an outdoor garden rug. Due to being made from long, durable fibres, it can withstand heavy usage and maintain its integrity and form. The only drawback of the fibre is that it cannot be dyed due to it being resistant to stains and so the fibre is only available in a limited range of colours and shades. However, sisal rugs have an elegance unlike any other and have an authentic, original appearance to them which can add sophistication and elegance wherever you put them.

6. Jute

Zira Jute 001 Natural Circle Rug By Asiatic

Jute is made by soaking jute stems in water to loosen the fibres, before scrapping off the out non-fibrous parts and pulling the softened jute fibres out. After, they are processed into threads, without needing any chemicals or energy and without causing any harmful waste products. It creates environmentally friendly, luxurious jute threads with a golden, silky appearance with high tensile strength. The fibres are very soft and are ideal for rugs in living rooms and bedrooms.

Jute is used to produce burlap. It is used as a primary cloth when making tufted rugs which means it is the cloth that is used at the front to tuft the coloured threads into. Burlap is used commonly over monk's cloth as it is a cheaper alternative but still works efficiently. Jute is stain and water-resistant so it is hard for the threads to be stained and dyed. It means that there is a limited variety of colours that jute is available. However, it has a similar feel to sisal rugs and provides sophistication due to its simplistic and monotone appearance. Jute is not very durable so any rugs and carpets made, like jute stair runners, are more appropriate for light traffic and reduced usage.

7. Synthetic

Noble House NH-5858 Grey/Red Rug By Asiatic

Synthetic fibres are made through chemical processes as they are not natural. These include different mixtures and combinations of chemicals to create synthetics that mimic natural fibres. An example would be viscose to mimic silk. Because these fibres are synthetically made, they can be mass-produced and sold a lot cheaper than natural fibres – which is perfect for fast fashion.

Due to being made from crude oil, they are stain and water resistant, meaning they won't be tarnished easily. However, since they are produced from crude oil, they are classed as a form of plastic so they're not biodegradable. The plastics instead break down into smaller microplastics which can end up in the ocean and other various ecosystems, resulting in damage to the environment. Compared to natural fibres, synthetics are less eco-friendly and require more chemical energy.

8. Nylon

Nourison Majestic MST03 Light Blue Wool Rug

Nylon is a synthetic composed of polyamides of high molecular density to which allow it to become strong, stretchy fibres. Nylon maintains its appearance in heavy traffic and is extremely durable hence why it is used in various applications. It is fade and heat resistant meaning that it will last a long time under different circumstances and maintain its integrity.

Nylon is used in carpets as the fibres are tough and durable and also because it is a cheaper alternative to wool but gives similar properties. It will hold its colour against cleaning and sunlight exposure; which is ideal for high usage areas.

9. Polyester

Dazzle Midnight Blue Plain Shaggy Rug By Flair Rug

In comparison to nylon, polyesters are less durable but more stain-resistant. It is also a cheaper alternative to nylon as nylon can become pricey, depending on the chemicals used and the quality it is made at. Polyester is quickly becoming the fastest-growing fibre type for synthetic fibres as it can be used in a multitude of applications.

When polyester is used in rugs and carpets, it is very soft and there are fewer build-ups of static electricity so it is anti-static and won't give you any shocks. However, as mentioned, they are not as durable as you would like. They would wear down easier in high-traffic areas. The colour varieties are endless as polyesters hold and retain dyes very effectively. You would be able to find a polyester rug that matches your aesthetically quickly and comfortably.

10. Polypropylene

Cocktail Wonderlust Blue Grey Abstract Rug By Flair Rugs

Polypropylene is less expensive than nylon and polyester but has decreased durability as well. Like polyesters, rugs made from polypropylene won't maintain their integrity and form in high usage areas; it is better for areas that are more for decoration and less traffic.

It does, however, have a good fade and heat resistance so it will be able to retain its colour and not fade with cleaning and exposure to sunlight.

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