THE KEY To Finding The Best Rug Material

COTTON

Cotton is a primary and most important natural fibre from an almost pure cellulose plant, used by modern humans, for clothing, food, industrial purposes and more. Numerous variable processes are available at the spinning and fabric-forming stages of cotton, along with the intricate finishing and dye techniques to the production of a wide range of products. As a rug material, it is not recommended for long-term use but rather for its affordability and effortless to keep clean with some that are machine washable.

Reasons to love it:

• Effortless maintenance; usually machine washable
• Affordable, Breathable and Durable

Great for:

• Any high foot traffic areas
• e.g. Family Room or Kid’s Room, Kitchen Area

Things to consider:

• High absorbency which means slow drying time when wet
• May stain easily
• Long-term use due to its durability
• Price from: £90+

JUTE & SISAL

Although both are natural fibres and do look alike, Jute and Sisal differ in texture and durability.

On the one hand, Jute fibres come from the jute plant that grows in India and Bangladesh. It can be dyed in many colours but has a natural brown hue like sisal. However, unlike sisal, it is one of the softest natural fibres and is less durable; making it ideal for low foot traffic areas of your home, where your feet can appreciate the gentle weave.

On the other hand, Sisal is an arduous fibre stripped from the leaves of the Mexican agave plant and then spun into a yarn-like material. It has a natural rich white hue and can be dyed any colour, which will make it easy to find a rug to match your interior design. It is one of the most highly durable natural fibres used to make marine ropes for large ships. Hence, it is the best rug type for any high foot-traffic areas in the home, like doorways and hallways.

Reasons to love it:

• Beautifully textured or woven
• Biodegradable
• Some styles are reversible
• Strong and durable fibres
• Typically, free from chemical processing

Great for:

• High-traffic, and or sunny areas
• e.g. Living Rooms, Garden Patios

Things to consider:

• Some are bulky and heavy
• Some can be coarse and hard to clean
• May stain easily
• Price from: £50+

BAMBOO SILK

Silk is a natural protein fibre that is highly sought-after rug material, not just for its smooth and luxurious feel, but for its ability to enable elaborate rug designs possible. Commonly produced by various insects, bamboo silk, on the other hand, is a distinct kind of silk in the rug market as it comes from bamboo grass, regarded as an easily renewable resource compared to the harder to cultivate traditional silk. The process for extracting both types are comparable, as well as their characteristics such as comfort and durability. Bamboo silk has become a popular choice as it is less expensive than traditional silk, and has antibacterial attributes great for those suffering from sensitive skin allergies or respiratory problems. If you want lavishness on a budget, and possibly has health concerns, and or is eco-conscious when it comes to shopping, the bamboo silk rug is the rug for you.

Reasons to love it:

• Affordable as to traditional silk
• Antibacterial benefits
• Its vibrant colours and unrivalled softness

Great for:

• Any low foot traffic areas e.g. bedrooms

Things to consider:

• Delicate which requires special care and professional maintenance (see Elegance After-sales Care)
• Cost more than other synthetic alternatives
• Price from: £150+

COWHIDE

Our patchwork cowhide rugs from our luxury line manufactured with 100% recycled leathers, ie hide comes from off-cuts of the luxury furniture and leather goods industry. Unlike other vendors, our leathers are ethically-sourced, and ethically-made by our master artisans, who have turned these into an elegant masterpiece for your home.

Reasons to love it:

• Great accent / Statement rugs; very stylish
• Generally easy to clean
• Smooth and soft

Great for:

• Low-traffic, dry areas such as the bedroom or home office

Things to consider:

• Sensitive to moisture
• Price from: £400+

WOOL

Wool is a protein fibre that comes from the fleece of a sheep or lamb and occasionally from goats and other animals. This material is considered the best option for a premium rug for its ability to withstand immense foot-traffic in areas like the living room. Also, it is considerably resistant to dust mites and bacterias, which are advantageous to those who are health conscious. More so it is a renewable resource which means a low environmental impact. It is important to note that the finer the wool, the more expensive it is. New Zealand (and Australia) consistently score the highest quality wool grade among its competitors. Hence, New Zealand wool is identified as the whitest and the strongest as it allows for a broader range of colour after the pigmentation process and it has the industry standard of excellence for Merino wool that is 16.9 microns and lighter.

Reasons to love it:

• Excellent insulating properties
• Fire retardant and water-resistant
• Made to last

Great for:

• Any high foot traffic areas such as living rooms or dining rooms

Things to consider:

• Colour may fade under the sun
• Fibre distortion i.e. shedding – but will lessen in time
• Premium wool rugs especially handmade designs can be expensive
• Price from: £70+

VISCOSE aka RAYON

( LUXCELLE / ART SILK )

Natural fibres produced by plants, animals or insects requires farmland. Scientists have developed artificial fibres such as viscose also known as rayon to surpass the commonly occurring animal and plant fibres and as a replacement for traditional silk. These fibres are produced by applying the same process but utilising different materials. The viscose method involves cotton linter or wood pulp, while rayon requires cellulose fibre from various plants. Rugs made from viscose or rayon can appear silk but feel like cotton. Economical than silk rugs, these are made to withstand moisture, with proper care, can last a very long time.

*Luxcelle is a trading name for rayon. A soft material popularly used as bath mats; it is inexpensive and static-resistant resembling the same qualities as cotton.

Reasons to love it:

• Highly durable and economical
• Extensive designs include faux animal skin
• Treated to repel stains or water, hence, great for damp areas or outdoors

Great for:

• Any high foot traffic areas such as door entrances, hallways or terraces

Things to consider:

• May have an artificial feel, compared to fabric such as Silk
• Some lose tensile strength when wet
• Not a biodegradable rug material
• Price from: £90+

POLYESTER & POLYPROPYLENE

Here is a little history, World War II created challenges in cotton cultivation, hence polyester was created as an alternative. Then in 1954, polypropylene was born, a colourless gas initially made into gasoline but instead yielded into a fabric. Both synthetic substances came from a polymer compound which everyone identifies as the plastic used mostly today for household items such as tumblers, curtains, sweat-resistant clothing, carpets and more. Both fibres are impervious to mould and resistant to shrinking and stretching. However, rugs made from polyester tend to absorb more water than polypropylene. In other words, the latter is better at repelling water, making it great for insulation even though it does not do well in high heat conditions. It is best not to expose it to direct sunlight as the heat will break down the fabric, and its colour will potentially fade. In which case, it is worth opting for a polyester material instead.

Reasons to love it:

• Highly durable and economical
• Extensive designs include faux animal skin
• Treated to repel stains or water, hence, great for damp areas or outdoor

Great for:

• Any high foot traffic areas such as door entrances, hallways or terraces

Things to consider:

• May have an artificial feel, compared to fabric such as Silk
• Some lose tensile strength when wet
• Not a biodegradable rug material
• Price from: £30+