The Best Types of Rugs for Style and Durability
When shopping for a new rug, you’ll want one that is durable yet still feels soft underfoot. The material a rug is made from determines how well it will hold up over time and how comfortable it will be. After researching several common rug materials, I’ve found that wool, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, and other natural fibers tend to make the best rugs for most homes. The best types of rugs are ones that can essentially withstand wear and tear but still feel soft and comfortable, and look stylish at the same time.
Wool rugs are renowned for their durability. The natural fibers in wool are resilient, springing back into shape even with frequent use. Wool naturally repels dirt and stains too, helping rugs maintain their appearance after years of wear. According to Rugs Direct, though durable, wool still feels wonderfully plush and soft. That’s why it’s my top choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Wool rugs come in endless colors and patterns to match any décor.
For even more resilience, nylon rugs are another top option. The synthetic fibers of nylon make it extremely strong and resistant to staining. Nylon rugs are easy to clean as well. Though not as cushy as wool, nylon does have a smooth, soft texture that feels nice underfoot. Nylon’s colorfastness and affordability make it ideal for basements, playrooms, and other spaces prone to spills or heavy use.
Rugs made from polypropylene are very similar to nylon with impressive durability and stain resistance. Polypropylene has excellent versatility too – it can be twisted into plush textures or flat-woven for patterns. Easy to clean and budget-friendly, polypropylene makes a practical choice for high-traffic areas. Just know that polypropylene doesn’t have the luxurious feel of wool.
The versatility of polypropylene yarns makes them a smart choice for both indoor and outdoor rugs, according to flooring retailer Ruglove. Polypropylene’s resistance to UV rays, fading, mold and mildew allows it to withstand the elements.
For softness, cotton is the way to go. Pure cotton rugs have outstanding comfort that feels great in bedrooms and living spaces. Cotton is also a renewable, biodegradable material for an eco-friendly choice.
The experts over at the Rug Gallery say these materials are hypoallergenic and best for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. However, they caution that they can be flattened over time by high traffic. The main downside is that cotton lacks resilience, showing wear sooner than synthetic or wool rugs. But the natural softness of cotton is hard to beat.
Other natural fiber materials, such as jute, sisal, or seagrass offer textures unmatched by synthetics. The durable fibers of these materials resist crushing even with daily use. Natural fiber rugs work beautifully in casual spaces and bring an earthy vibe. Their neutral tones help highlight decor too. Just note that spills can permanently stain these materials.
What Is The Most Durable Rug?
Wool. It’s basically the perfect combination of comfort and durability. Thus, it’s no surprise that it continues to be very popular even to this day.
It has strong fibers that can withstand intense foot traffic, coupled with its softness that makes it feel very luxurious. It’s also moisture- and dirt-resistant so it’s certainly a worthy investment, especially if you’re living with kids or pets.
What Is The Best Rug For A Living Room?
The living room is one of the most frequented areas in the home. So, if you want the best type of rug for this space, you would need ones that could really take a beating.
On that note, you might want to consider an all-wool or a cotton flatweave fabric because they fit the qualifications above perfectly.
What Type of Rug Is Best For a Bedroom?
It may seem like we’re a little too biased toward wool rugs, but they really do cater to bedrooms excellently. They have a soft, inviting feel, while the thick ones can also enhance the luxury factor.
What Rug To Use Under a Dining Table?
Cotton flatweave or short pile rugs are your best choice, particularly for the area under the dining table. Although both shag and other wool-types may also be great alternatives, they aren’t exactly suitable for the dining table area because there’s always the issue of food particles falling off the table, making cleaning an especially difficult task. Also, this area is prone to high traffic, so plush fabrics might wear down right away.
Choose one that is large enough to contain the table and chairs, ensuring chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out away from the table. Its also an excellent idea to create a regular cleaning schedule to vacuum around to keep food particles and spills from becoming permanent stains.
What Rug For High Traffic Areas?
We would recommend thinner rugs such as flatweaves or synthetics. This is because they can withstand high traffic and they don’t get damaged, faded, and frayed easily despite being scrubbed and cleaned too hard.
Softest Rug Material
Two of the softest rug materials available are definitely wool and cotton. Because they come from naturally occurring fibers, they feel luxurious and soft. They also tend to be extra soft to the touch when stepped on.
Rug Fabrics To Avoid
Stay away from art silk as much as possible. This type is usually a blend of two or more materials that aim but fail to mimic the look and feel of a genuine silk.
Moreover, art silk has lower quality and durability compared to real silk but because it has a bit of sheen, it can cost quite unreasonably high depending on the store that offers them.
No matter which material you choose, always check the rug’s intended use and select one suited for high-traffic or low-traffic areas accordingly. Proper care is also essential for any rug to help it last. With the right rug material and proper maintenance, you’ll enjoy soft, durable rugs for years to come.
