There’s a reason why the United States rug and carpet industry is worth an estimated $11.32 billion. The right type of rug can make or break any room. Not only that, certain types of materials don’t work well with certain environments and rooms.
As such, it’s important to be familiar with the many different types of rugs before committing to a specific type. Luckily, we’ve organized this guide to teach you everything you need to know about the various types of rug materials.
That way, you know for sure which type is best for your specific home. Let’s get started!
1. Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are by far the most popular style of rugs available on the market. That’s thanks to their infamous durability and softness. However, it’s important to note that there are two types of wool: traditional and synthetic.
Traditional-style wool rugs are usually handwoven which can make them significantly more expensive. For example, authentic Morrocan rugs are all made of hand-loomed wool. Check out this article if you want to learn more about interior design and the role Morrocan rugs play in it.
Synthetic wool rugs on the other hand are machine-made and use synthetic fibers that aren’t technically true wool. As we mentioned, the durability of wool rugs makes them ideal for placement in high-traffic areas that get walked on a lot.
And, as long as you take good care of it, it can last long enough to pass on to subsequent generations. Just keep in mind that this type of rug absorbs humidity very easily. As such, if you can, you should avoid placing it in damp areas.
2. Silk Rugs
If luxury is what you want out of a rug, then look no further than silk as a material. Silk is a fine, thin material that provides a gorgeous sheen when displayed. They are also loved by many for their subtle softness.
The only problem is that this softness doesn’t make them very durable. They also require professional cleaning and display footprints when you walk on them too much. As such, they’re best saved for areas of the house that don’t have much foot traffic going through them.
3. Jute or Bamboo Rugs
If you’re looking for a coastal vibe in your home, then you should consider adding a jute or bamboo rug. Not only do these natural grass rugs add a lot of needed texture to certain rooms, but they’re also incredibly affordable.
On top of all that, they’re also strong and durable. The only downside is that they can be difficult to clean and slightly coarse depending on the type that you get.
Alternatively, you can also try layering these types of rugs underneath smaller, more decorative rugs. This is ideal if you want your decorative ruin a room but it’s not big enough.
4. Cotton Rugs
If you’re on a budget when it comes to rugs, then consider the popular material cotton. This type of rug is great because it’s soft and easy to clean. As such, it’s a great addition to rooms that are prone to stains like children’s playrooms and kitchens. However, keep in mind that cotton as a material fades quite quickly.
And the material does little to nothing in terms of repelling stains. As such, you shouldn’t expect your cotton rugs to last very long. However, they’re a great option to have as temporary season rugs, or for phases of life like childhood.
5. Animal Skin Rugs
Animal skin rugs include things like leather hides made from animals like sheep and cows. Often these types of rugs are made using woven stripes as opposed to full hides. These types of rugs tend to be slightly misshapen which makes them an ideal addition to small, awkward rooms.
They’re also soft and easy to clean. The only problem is that they don’t take moisture well at all. If they do get damp, then you can expect them to curl up around the edges and shed.
6. Faux Fur Rugs
If you like the idea of an animal skin rug, but can’t afford it or don’t want to hurt an animal, then consider a faux fur rug. These provide all the luxury and softness that comes with animal skin, but at a fraction of the price.
On top of that, it’s much more ethically sourced. The only problem is that they’re not as easy to clean as animal skin. They’re also much more prone to shedding, especially when you first purchase them.
7. Synthetic Rugs
The last type of rug available on the market is synthetic rugs. This category encompasses a wide range of synthetic materials. However the most popular types of things like polyester, polypropylene, and nylon.
If you want a luxurious type of rug, then synthetic rugs might not be the best option for you. However, there’s still a lot to love about them. For one thing, they’re easy to clean, which makes them ideal for large families or areas of the house that get a lot of dirty traffic, like the garage.
They can also get damp and still be fine. So, if you have a covered porch area, then synthetic rugs are great for this purpose.
Enjoy Learning About the Different Types of Rugs? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about the different types of rugs for your home. Ultimately, the right rug for you will likely come down to personal preference.
However, there are types of materials you should avoid if you have things like children and pets. Just make sure you keep this in mind before you commit to your dream rug. Otherwise, you might see it destroyed in front of your very eyes.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
