Choosing the Right Rug
Cotton? Wool? Jute? One of the most important things you want to look out for when shopping online is the material that the rug is made of and the quality.
To choose the right material, you will need to consider how much traffic your rug will receive and what type of texture you want the rug and the room to have — and of course, what your budget is. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option, check out our how to choose an ethical and sustainable rug blog post on Homely.
Valencia in Toffee - 100% New Zealand wool pile
You will find that most rugs use a combination of materials such as those found in the Weave Home range. We have put together an in-depth guide to the three most commonly used materials so that you can shop with confidence.
Silvio in Ecru – made from 100% wool
Wool Rug
Best for: High-traffic spaces that may expect a spill, such as the living room and dining room.
Wool is a natural fibre that has been used to produce excellence quality rugs for centuries. There is a wide range of different wool types used in the rug weaving industry. When shopping online, be mindful that synthetic wool does not have the same properties as true wool.
Why we love it:
- A beautifully soft resilient fibre that is easy to clean — with good stain and water repellent properties.
- Wool is naturally anti-static, repelling lint, dirt, and dust from its surface, keeping it much cleaner for longer.
- When it does need cleaning, wool rugs are easier to maintain because the outside surface of the wool fibre consists of a series of overlapping scales (similar to the feathers on a bird), which means that dirt sits on the surface of the fibre, making it easy to remove with a simple vacuuming.
- Dyes easily and holds its appearance for a long time.
- Longer lifespan than other fibres.
- No smell.
Considerations:
- It is usually more expensive than other fibres, but it is worth it for its high quality.
- Absorbs humidity — not good for damp places.
- It will shed for a little while when new, so it will require regular vacuuming.
- Best for high-traffic spaces that may expect a spill, such as the living room and dining room.
Browse our Wool and Wool-Blend Rug Range
Suffolk in Pearl – made from 100% Jute
Jute Rug
Best for: High-traffic and sunny areas, such as your living room.
Jute is a natural fibre made from a plant native to India. The long, soft and shiny fibres — found at the central parts of the stalk — are spun into strong threads. The most common type of jute produced today is brown jute which is golden in colour — it is stronger, softer and silkier than its counterpart: white jute. Being a natural material, it can add a coastal or earthy vibe to any space.
Why we love it:
- Creates tough and durable rugs and has the ability to construct unique weaves and textures that other types of fibre normally cannot achieve.
- Eco-friendly and renewable – typically free from chemical processing.
- Great for adding visual interest anywhere in your home.
Considerations:
- More coarse and rough on your feet compared to other natural fibre rugs.
- Absorbs water easily — making it difficult to clean and can show watermarks overtime.
- Best for high-traffic and sunny areas, such as your living room.
Browse our Jute and Jute-Blend Rug Range
Glebe Rug in Oat – super soft underfoot and available in 3 colourways
Viscose and Bamboo Silk Rug
Bamboo silk and viscose are both cellulosic fibres made from wood pulp. The difference is that bamboo silk fibres are made specifically from bamboo. Both fibres have a lustrous, silk-like look and a soft touch.
Why we love it:
- Provides a soft silk-like look at an affordable price.
- Absorbs dye well, resulting in both vibrant and subtle colours.
- Very soft and comfortable underfoot.
Considerations:
- More shedding does occur in viscose and bamboo silk rugs than other fibres, but this does settle down after time.
- Not suitable for high-traffic areas.
- We recommend that all viscose or bamboo silk rugs are treated by Rug Protection Systems before use.
- Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Staining will occur if rug is not stain treated and a liquid spill takes place.
Browse our Viscose-Blend Rugs
Andes Rug in Sandstorm – ribbed design with a braided edge
Cotton Rug
Best for: Casual spaces, such as kids’ bedrooms.
Cotton, like wool, has been used for centuries. The humble plant is very popular all around the world and has a wide range of uses including clothing bedding cushions and rugs!
Why we love it:
- It’s affordable
- It is really easy to clean
- Good insulation.
Considerations:
- Not as durable as wool or jute
- Doesn’t repel stains
- Tends to fade quickly.