What Area Rug Qualities Are Best?
A rug’s material, make, and pile height (thickness) determine its durability, washability, and vibrance. To find the rug that’s right for you, think about the qualities you value most.For an in-depth rundown of all the different types of area rug, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Rug Material.
Holds up to High Traffic
Rugs are made to be walked on, but some are better for it than others.Material
- Wool
- Sisal
- Bamboo Slat and Seagrass
- Hemp
- Polypropylene/Olefin
Make
- Hand-Knotted
- Tufted
- Looped/Hooked
- Flatweave
Pile Height
- Flat
- Medium (on the flatter side)
The most durable rug options are handmade, especially hand-knotted or flat weave wool, sisal, bamboo slat, seagrass, hemp, and polypropylene/olefin rugs that are either flat pile or medium-flat pile. Hand-knotted wool rugs can last long enough to be passed down through generations.
Avoid: Over time, shag or high-pile rugs will flatten underfoot, especially synthetics. Silk and viscose rugs are too delicate to stand up to wear.
Feels Luxurious Underfoot
Soft rugs can add comfort as well as style to your floors.Material
- Wool
- Cotton/Chenille
- Silk
- Microfiber
- Viscose
- Faux fur
Make
- Tufted
- Looped/Hooked
Pile Height
- Medium (on the thicker side)
- Thick
- Shag
- High-Low
The softest natural rug materials are silk, wool, and cotton or cotton chenille. Viscose feels similar to silk. Faux fur feels as soft as real animal fur. Tufted and looped/hooked rugs are plushest. Thicker piles will feel comfier underfoot, but soft flat piles include silk, viscose, and microfiber rugs (usually made of polyester).
Avoid: Braided rugs or rugs made of natural fibers like jute, sisal, bamboo, seagrass, hemp, and some synthetic fibers can feel more rough and firm than soft and cozy.
Stands up to Stains
Messes and spills happen. For these rugs, they’re no big deal.Material
- Wool
- Cotton
- Bamboo Slat and Seagrass
- Polypropylene/Olefin
- Polyester
Make
- Flatweave
Pile Height
- Flat Pile
Cotton and synthetic materials can often be machine washed. Wool, polypropylene/olefin, and polyester are mostly stain resistant. Bamboo slat and seagrass rugs resist stains and are easy to wipe down. Low-pile and flat woven rugs are the easiest to spot treat and clean because they retain less water than thicker piles.
Avoid: Jute and sisal can irreversibly stain. Silk, viscose, and faux furs stain easily and are difficult to clean. Animal hide rugs require careful maintenance to remain in good, clean condition.
Can Handle Humidity
Excessive moisture in the air can be a killer to some rugs, but not these.Material
- Polypropylene/Olefin
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Bamboo Slat and Seagrass
Make
- Flatweave
Pile Height
- Flat pile
- Medium pile (on the flatter side)
Many synthetics are designated as indoor/outdoor rugs for their ability to handle moisture and repel mildew. Tight, flat weaves and lower piles are less absorbent than thicker makes.
Avoid: Wool, Silk, jute, and sisal can all be mildew-prone in moist conditions. Higher piles and thicker constructions will absorb humidity.
Makes a Statement
A bright rug can bring a minimally designed room to life.Material
- Wool
- Cotton
- Silk
- Polypropylene/Olefin
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Viscose
- Sheepskin
- Cowhide
Make
- Power Loom
- Hand-Knotted
- Flatweave
Pile Height
- High-low
Wool, cotton, silk, polypropylene/olefin, polyester, nylon and viscose can all be brightly dyed. Synthetic fibers are fade-resistant in sunlight. Sheepskin and cowhide rugs’ natural patterns are gorgeous and eclectic. Power loom and hand-knotted styles including Oriental and Persian rugs as well as flat woven rugs including kilim and dhurrie styles are vivid and intricate. High-low pile rugs are uniquely textured.
Avoid: Natural fibers like jute, sisal, bamboo slat, seagrass, and hemp don’t dye well and thus can typically only be found in limited designs and solid earth tones.
