Rugs and carpets are a must-have soft flooring essential for the home. Especially, you see rugs placed in common households as well as modern luxury apartments. Why’s that? Because of the number of amazing benefits offered by rugs.
If you’ve decided to buy an area rug for your home but don’t know about the variety of materials available, it’s not a big deal. Because we’ve got you the best informational guide relating to material options for area luxury rugs.
In this post by Outdoor Rugs Dubai, we’re going to give a comprehensive explanation of the different materials used to manufacture area rugs with characteristics, benefits, and usage versatility.
Area Rug Materials: Which One Fits Your Preferences The Best?
When it comes to choosing the best rugs for your home, the material is an important factor to consider. Because the material construction is what determines the rug’s durability, performance, texture, and maintenance requirements.
Different rug materials have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific uses and lifestyles. Here are some of the most common area rug materials and their characteristics.
1. Wool
Sheep’s fleece is the source of the natural fiber known as wool. It is a soft, strong, and resilient material that can be dyed in a number of colors and patterns. Plus, it is durable and can easily withstand heavy foot traffic besides resisting damage from stains and spills.
Being naturally flame-resistant, wool rugs can repel dirt and grime, making it easy to clean and maintain them. Wool handmade rugs have a soft and luxurious texture that feels comfortable underfoot.
The natural crimp of the wool fibers comes with a plush, dense pile for adding to the warmth and coziness. In winters, wool bedroom rugs keep the interior warm and cozy, while in the summer, they can help keep a room cool and comfortable.
Rugs made of wool are biodegradable and recyclable, therefore you’ll play your part in environmental conservation with the purchase of wool round rugs. Coming towards the maintenance factor, regular vacuuming keeps dirt and debris away from wool area rugs. However, professional deep cleaning is a must as per the requirements and rug condition.
2. Natural Fibers
Natural fibers include a variety of materials such as jute, sisal, seagrass, bamboo, wool, cotton, and silk. Even though some natural fibers are susceptible to wear and tear, natural fiber rugs are generally durable and strong.
Organic fibers have a unique texture that varies from material to material. For instance, jute and sisal have a rough, tactile texture while seagrass and bamboo have a smoother, more uniform texture.
Just like that, wool and silk rugs are soft and luxurious in texture. Natural fiber hallway runners are eco-friendly because all the materials are biodegradable and produced using sustainable farming and manufacturing practices.
Even though you can DIY treat natural fiber rugs, the safer option is to seek professional assistance, especially if it’s a silk or wool rug. Speaking of versatility, these rugs add a unique and organic element to the interior.
They come in a range of colors and patterns, from neutral earth tones to bold and vibrant designs. Overall, natural fiber rugs are a versatile and environmentally-friendly option for any home.
3. Hair On Hide
Rugs made from the skin of animals such as cows, goats, and sheep are named hair on hide rugs. The term “Hair-on” means that animal skin hairs are left intact, creating a unique and textured appearance. The natural thickness and strength of the hides make these rugs resist wear and tear damage.
The rug texture is dependent on the type of animal hide used. For instance, cowhide area rugs have a more rugged and natural texture, while goat and sheep hides have a softer and smoother texture.
These rugs can be vacuumed or swept to remove dirt and debris. You should clean any spills and stains as soon as possible using a moist cloth or a mild cleaning agent.. Not to mention that you’ll have a versatile collection of amazing choices for your interior decor.
Plus, you can place an order for custom hair-on-hide rugs to fulfill your personal design preferences as well as size and shape requirements. Speaking of the cost, these rugs are somewhat more expensive than traditional rug options. That’s because of the manufacturing and appearance distinction for hair-on-hide rugs.
4. Synthetic Fibers
There is an extensive range of synthetic fibers available, however, the suitable types for rug manufacturing include nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. Rugs manufactured using synthetic fibers are the most durable and heavy-duty.
These rugs are preferably used for outdoor placements. Outdoor Rugs Dubai is one such top-quality product that promises to uplift the aesthetics, comfort, and style of your home outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, lawns, etc.
The only difference is that synthetic fiber rugs don’t share the exact level of luxury as wool or silk rugs, however, they are affordable and easy to clean. The best quality synthetic rugs for outdoors and indoors don’t emit unpleasant odors and become an ideal choice for low-maintenance.
Specifically designed for the outdoors, these rugs resist stains, water & harsh weather conditions. For high-traffic synthetic area , living room rugs are also preferred.
5. Plush Fibers
Under the umbrella of natural and synthetic fabric varieties, there are some plush fabric options for manufacturing luxury area rugs. The most common type of natural plush fiber for rugs is silk. Silk rugs are recommended for placement in low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
The amazing thing about silk fabric is that even though luxurious in appearance, it is one of the most durable rug fabrics. Some other common plush fabrics used for area rugs include shag, frieze, and velvet.
Shag round rugs are made from long, loose strands of yarn or fabric that create a deep, soft pile. Similarly, frieze rugs share almost the same texture but with shorter, twisted fibers that give the rug a more casual and soothing appearance.
One can’t forget velvet area rugs that feature a smooth texture and come with a slight sheen, making them a popular choice for formal spaces like offices and modern apartments. While plush fabrics can be a cozy and comfortable rug option, they require more frequent cleaning and maintenance than other types of area rugs.
When choosing luxury outdoor area rugs, you should also consider the durability, maintenance, and intended rug use for an ideal purchase.
Takeaway
Area rugs come in a wide variety of materials broadly classified as natural and synthetic fibers with hair-on-hide and plush fabric varieties. Each fabric material has its own merits and demerits, so it’s important to consider factors like durability, maintenance, style, and affordability before making a purchase. Ultimately, the best area rug material for your home depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
