Have you ever bought a rug that seemed perfect, only to find a few weeks later that it wears out easily, accumulates dust, or is impossible to clean? These types of inconveniences are more common than they seem, and are often due to a wrong choice of material. Choosing the wrong material leads to great frustration and disappointment with the purchase. To prevent this from happening to you, we will tell you in this post the characteristics of all available materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and recommended uses. Keep reading to discover the perfect material for your rug!
What you should consider when choosing the material of a rug
Before deciding which is the best material for your rugs, it is important to consider a series of factors that are closely linked to the resistance of the rug, its ease of maintenance, or its ability to adapt to the environment in which it will be used.
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Frequency of use: Rugs that are going to be used in transit areas such as the main entrance of the house or the living room should be made with more resistant materials such as polypropylene or nylon, while for less transited rooms such as a bedroom, the resistance of the rug is not so decisive.
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Ease of cleaning: This factor is especially important if you live with small children and pets. In these cases, you need a material that is easy to wash and does not retain odors. Synthetic materials such as polyester are the recommended options in these cases.
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Climatology: In places where humidity is high, to avoid the formation of mold and mites, we recommend rugs made of synthetic materials, while in dry climates, you can safely choose natural materials.
Understanding this facilitates decision-making when determining which is the best material for the rug. In this way, you not only ensure that the rug matches your personal tastes, but also that it fits the particularities of your home and your lifestyle.
Types of materials for rugs
Knowing which is the best material for rugs requires knowing each of the characteristics of the different materials. Discover in which contexts to use each material and what advantages and disadvantages they have:
Vinyl rugs
Vinyl rugs are extremely resistant to moisture, making them the perfect candidates for use as kitchen rugs or on covered terraces. This material is completely waterproof and very easy to clean. With a simple damp cloth, you can get rid of most stains without damaging the material. There are models with realistic designs that perfectly mimic materials such as wood, stone, or even textiles. This variety of finishes, along with the fact that it is one of the most resistant materials, makes them very versatile rugs.
Jute rugs
Rugs made from this material provide a unique texture and a very characteristic natural color. Their high absorption capacity makes them delicate to moisture, and they can deteriorate in very humid environments. For this reason, it is advisable to use jute rugs in dry environments.
In addition, the rough texture of jute can feel coarse to the touch, especially if you are going to sit or lie directly on the rug. Jute provides medium wear resistance suitable for rooms with medium or low use. When cleaning them, avoid excess water and use vacuum cleaners without a brush to avoid damaging the fibers.
Rugs made from recycled materials
Rugs made from this material provide a unique texture and a very characteristic natural color. Their high absorption capacity makes them delicate to moisture, and they can deteriorate in very humid environments. For this reason, it is advisable to use jute rugs in dry environments.
In addition, the rough texture of jute can feel coarse to the touch, especially if you are going to sit or lie directly on the rug. Jute provides medium wear resistance suitable for rooms with medium or low use. When cleaning them, avoid excess water and use vacuum cleaners without a brush to avoid damaging the fibers.
Rugs made from recycled materials
These rugs are made from recovered materials and stand out for their excellent performance. Recycled materials offer extraordinary resistance to stains, discoloration, and moisture. In fact, many outdoor rugs are made with these materials. Contrary to what it may seem, these rugs achieve soft and pleasant finishes to the touch.
Viscose rugs
Viscose is a material that is halfway between natural and synthetic materials. Viscose rugs imitate the appearance of silk, stand out for their ability to reflect light, shine, and soft texture, making walking on them a very pleasant experience. Their wear resistance is medium, and care must be taken with small spills of liquids.
Cotton rugs
Cotton rugs have excellent breathability, allowing air to circulate easily, and a great capacity for thermal regulation. Unlike synthetic materials, cotton does not generate static electricity and provides a cool feeling in summer and a warm feeling in winter. They are hypoallergenic, and their maintenance is relatively simple. This material is especially recommended for children's bedrooms, due to its characteristic softness and absence of harmful substances for children. Its lightness and freshness make them suitable for ventilated places.
Wool rugs
Wool fibers possess an elasticity that allows them to regain their shape after being compressed, resisting the crushing that affects other materials. Their soft touch provides pleasant cushioning when walking, creating a user experience difficult to match with synthetic materials. They also stand out for their excellent acoustic and thermal insulation; they reduce sound reverberation and provide an insulating layer that improves thermal comfort.
Polypropylene rugs
Polypropylene is one of the most used synthetic materials in rug manufacturing, especially if you want a resistant, practical, and affordable textile. Its extraordinary resistance to stains and spills is one of its greatest virtues. In the specific case of polypropylene rugs with a jute backing, it is not advisable to wet them or expose them outdoors, as this preserves the backing material in better condition.
Resistance to fading and ease of cleaning are other virtues of this material. In the case of outdoor rugs, rugs made entirely of polypropylene are treated and resistant to the sun, but indoor rugs with a jute or cotton base should not be exposed to the sun to prevent the polypropylene from disintegrating.
You now know all the advantages and limitations of the different rug materials, now is the time to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. And you, what do you think is the best material for rugs? Whatever your choice, now is the time to renew your home with one of our rugs. Discover them in our online store!
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