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How to Pick the Best Rug Material

Rugs are pieces of woven fabrics that are used in different areas of the house. They come in a wide range of materials and types. The fact that the market is packed with a wide range of rugs made from different materials makes it hard to choose the best one. In this post, we will be discussing the factors to consider when choosing the best rug material. However, before we get to choose the materials, we first need to discuss the types of rug materials in the market.

There are two main categories of rug materials. They are:

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Types of rug materials

Natural fibers

Natural fibers are those that are sourced from either animals or trees and other natural sources. Their primary raw materials are sourced from natural sources. Examples of natural fibers that are used to make rugs include;

Wool - wool is sourced from sheep. Rugs that are made from wool are usually resistant to stain, dust, and flames. However, the downside to wool rugs is that they are not resistant to humidity, and they are also very costly. There are two types of woolen rugs. They are woven and standard rugs. The woven type is less durable than their counterparts. They are also harder to clean.
Cotton - cotton rugs are less costly as compared to wool. They are relatively durable and very soft. They are also easy to clean and washing machine friendly
Silk - this is one of the most expensive and luxurious types of rug materials. However, silk rugs are hard to maintain as they require professional cleaning, and they tend to wear down easily.
Sisal and jute - these types of rugs are very affordable and firm. They are also durable and easy to wash. However, they are often coarse.

Other types of natural fibers that can be used to make rugs include hemp, bamboo slat, and seagrass. Rugs can also be manufactured from animal hides like leather, sheepskin, and cowhide. Such rugs are usually the most expensive and stylish. Rugs made from leather can withstand a lot of foot traffic, and they are easy to maintain hence the high cost.

Synthetic fibers

They are those that are manufactured from synthetic materials. Examples of synthetic materials used to make rugs include;

Polyester - they are soft, affordable, and vibrant. However, they are less durable and highly absorbent.
Polypropylene - rugs made from this material are soft, affordable, and very aesthetically pleasing. They are also very easy to clean, resistant to indoor and outdoor weathering, and stain-resistant. The downside is that they are flammable.
Nylon - Nylon rugs are the most popular type of synthetic rugs. They are usually very affordable and versatile. The downside to nylon is that it is not as durable, and it is hard to clean.

Other types of synthetic materials used to make rugs are viscose and faux fur.

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Factors to consider when choosing
the best rug material

Below are some of the main factors that you need to consider when choosing the best rug material for your house;

The area you want to place the rug.

One of the first things you need to consider when choosing between the wide range of rug materials in the market is where you want to place it. Some of the areas in your house that you can place a rug include the entry of different rooms, including the main door, corners of the living room, on a wall, and in different rooms like the bedroom floor or bathroom. The place where you want to place the rug will determine the foot traffic that the rug is going to get.
If the rug is bound to be subject to a lot of foot traffic, you want to get a long-lasting material.

Also, consider the least expensive material for rugs that are subject to a lot of foot traffic. This means that you do not want to place a costly rug made of wool or delicate silk in areas like the house's entry. The best choice of rug materials for such areas of the house would be bamboo. While the material does not offer a soft feel like its expensive counterparts, it is one of the most durable options which can withstand constant foot traffic. However, for rugs that you want to place in protected areas of the house like the corners of the living room, on walls or the bedroom, you can invest in luxurious materials like delicate silk.

How you intend on using the rug

There are three ways in which you can use a rug in your house;

  • Display
  • Heavy traffic areas
  • For pets and children

How you intend to use the rug will affect the type of material that would be suitable. For instance, a rug that is to be placed on a display means that it will not get much use. For this reason, delicate material like satin would be the best choice. The aesthetic value of the material would also be a wise idea. On the other hand, for a rug intended to be used in an area with moisture like the bathroom, a synthetic material that is resistant to moisture-related issues like mildew. The best choice of material for such an application would be acrylic. On the other hand, wool would not be a good option because it absorbs water.

For a rug that is meant to be applied in kids or pet areas, the best choice would be a smooth material like wool. You also want to avoid a material that cannot withstand rough applications because pets are bound to scratch on the rug, causing damage.

Your taste

It is also essential that you consider the type of look and feel that you are looking to get from the rug. Different materials feature a variety of looks and feel. The materials also come in a wide range of colors and textures from which you have to choose. If you are looking for a variety of colors, the best choice would be to make a rug made from synthetic materials. On the other hand, rugs from natural fibers come with a wide range of looks, depending on the type of materials.

Quality of the material

When choosing the best rug material, you also need to consider the quality of the fabric. If you are looking for a rug that will maintain its quality for a long time, the best choice would be wool or silk. On the other hand, if you are looking for a rug that is of less quality and more affordable, the best choice would be cotton or synthetic fibers.

Price

Price is an essential factor to consider when choosing between different kinds of products, whether rugs or electronics and other types. The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you are willing to spend on a rug. Rugs that are made from natural fibers tend to be more expensive because of their impeccable quality. On the other hand, rugs that are made from synthetic materials are less costly but also feature less variety.

Conclusion

When choosing the best rug, it would be wise to shop at different venues and shops and consider the different types. Compare the pros and cons of the variety of rug materials when choosing the best one.