How to Choose the Right Rug Material

With so many different options available, shopping for a rug is hard work. The carpet industry is so voluminous that it will reach nearly $108 billion in the next 5 years.

Many shoppers are uncertain as to what material they should purchase. Read on for a comprehensive guide to shopping for rug material. Explore the various textures and learn how to make the best selection depending on its usage.

Types of Rug Material

The fibers that comprise a rug come in many different materials. The most common types of material are polyester, nylon, wool, cotton, and acrylic.

There are other less common types of material such as leather or silk. However, these are more decorative and not designed for heavy traffic.

Natural materials are generally the best for durability and quality. However, every rug shopper has a budget and not everyone can purchase the best material. In this case, synthetic materials offer some advantages at a lower price point.

Determine the Rug’s Purpose

There are a number of factors that you need to consider before selecting the rug material. Perhaps most important is the general purpose of the rug.

Is the rug primarily to retain heat or to create a comfortable surface? Or is the rug for a children’s room?

Another factor to consider is how much traffic the rug gets. If the carpet is installed in a heavily trafficked area, a more durable material like wool or polyester is necessary.

Some rug shoppers are looking for a certain look or feel. For instance, you may want a shaggy carpet that is only offered in certain material. Cotton and seagrass are amongst the softer materials on the shelf.

Lastly, some consideration should be given to how much sun the carpet receives. Some materials like wool are prone to fading and should not be used in a sunroom, for example.

Other Factors to Consider

Now that you have a brief understanding of the different materials, let’s discuss a few other factors. One deciding factor for consumers is how easy it is to clean the rug. Cotton and nylon rugs are popular because they are washable.

Some other materials are not easy to wash. Others are difficult to vacuum and require a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Amazingly for some consumers is that some rugs are stain-resistant.

Lastly, some shoppers make a decision with the environment in mind. For them, sustainability is important as well as how it interacts with allergens.

Silk and jute materials are a few examples of sustainable rugs. As far as allergen friendly, cotton and sisal score positively in this area.

A Recap of Shopping for the Best Materials

There are a lot of great materials to choose from. The key to a successful purchase is to know exactly what you are shopping for.

Before making a selection, make sure to consider how much foot traffic the rug sees. Other important factors are cost, texture, and how easy it is to clean. If you want to learn more about rug materials, please contact us for additional information.