Types of rugs according to their materials

Types of rugs according to their materials

PRACTICAL GUIDE

Be aware of the different materials used in the composition of the rugs to choose the most appropriate one.

Carpets consist of a visible part, called a plush or tuft and commonly known as a pile, and a base, which may be made of a different material.

CARPETS MADE OF NATURAL MATERIALS

The types of natural rugs are those made from fibres that come from nature, whether animal, vegetable or mineral.
Wool rugs

Wool rugs

Wool rugs have the property of controlling humidity in their surroundings and are acoustic and thermal insulators, so they can be used at any time of year to help conserve temperature and save energy..

They are anti-static, anti-bacterial and anti-allergic: they improve air quality due to their absorption capacity and prevent the growth of mites. Natural wool rugs can be used in any moderate or high traffic indoor environment, as their fibres have the ability to quickly regain their original shape.

Cotton rugs

Cotton rugs

Cotton rugs are known for their resistance to high temperatures and good insulation. Their ability to absorb moisture makes them the preferred choice for use in bathrooms.

Another of its properties is that it does not accumulate static electricity and, depending on the size, may be washed in the washing machine. In addition to 100% cotton rugs, it is very common to find rugs that combine this material with other synthetic materials such as polypropylene or polyester.

Jute rugs

Jute rugs

Jute is a material that provides rigidity and stability, however 100% jute rugs are not recommended for areas of high traffic because they are natural fibres that may deteriorate more easily.

It is recommended for dry or indoor places as it does not withstand excessive humidity. In addition to the rugs made entirely of jute, it is a material widely used in the production of traditional interior rugs.
Carpets made of natural materials
Sisal rugs

Sisal rugs

Like other plant fibres, sisal rugs are highly wear-resistant, anti-static and insulate against sound and temperature. Sisal is a material similar to jute, due to its appearance, however, differs from it by being rougher and a somewhat lighter colour.

As they are very absorbent, they are not recommended for outdoors or for very humid areas. Given their endurance and durability, and unlike jute, sisal rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas such as entrance hall or hallways.

Bamboo rugs

Bamboo rugs

Bamboo is a warm and sustainable material that, once dry, is very resistant to twisting. As they do not have a pile, they collect little dust and are anti-allergic. Bamboo rugs are very resistant, so they can be placed in busy areas, bedrooms and living rooms.

Their characteristics make them easy to maintain and clean, however you have to be careful with stains because they can be difficult to treat and avoid very humid areas such as the bathroom or where they can fall victim to spills such as the kitchen.

SYNTHETIC CARPETS

Synthetic rugs are those made with materials of industrial origin and manufacture such as polyester, polypropylene or polyamide. These synthetic fibres are generated from various chemical elements that, after going through several transformations, become the yarns to weave both the plush and the base of the rugs.
Polypropylene rugs

Polypropylene rugs

Carpets made of polypropylene are known to be resistant to wear and flattening. Also, as they do not absorb water, they can be used outdoors as long as jute is not used in the composition of their base.

Nowadays, polypropylene fibres are one of the most used in the manufacturing of rugs, thanks to their lower cost compared to natural fibres, their ease of cleaning, their high level of durability and their possibilities to create all different types of designs.

Polyester rugs

Polyester rugs

They combine the characteristics of various types of fibres as they are very resistant and pleasant to the touch. Most shaggy or high pile rugs are made from this type of fibre.

Due to their strength and flexibility, some of the rugs made of 100% polyester can be put in the washing machine. We can also find them combined with cotton or polypropylene in different models of both modern and classic designs.

Polyamide or nylon rugs

Polyamide or nylon rugs

Polyamide, also known as nylon, is known for being the most resistant and durable synthetic material, which is why it is widely used in the production of rugs that occupy large surfaces and have high traffic.

You will find this type of material in made-to-measure rugs and rugs, which are usually created with plain designs to avoid visually overloading the different rooms or hallways where they are located.

Acrylic rugs

Of all synthetic fibres, acrylic is the most similar to wool, both in feel and appearance. Like polyester and polyamide, it is a high-strength material, so it is used in areas with a lot of traffic.

It is a type of anti-static fibres that, in addition, withstand light and wear very well so it does not fade easily.

Vinyl rugs

Vinyl rugs have become very popular in recent times because of their versatility and strength. As they are not soft like rugs made of natural or synthetic fibres, they are the most used for kitchen or outdoor areas as well as for pets.

The so-called vinyl rugs are made of materials such as PVC, so they are very easy to clean, even with the detergents used for the floor. They also stand out because they do not absorb humidity, do not accumulate static electricity or dust and are therefore anti-allergic and anti-bacterial.

ARTIFICIAL CARPETS

Artificial rugs are those made from substances found in nature, such as cellulose or casein, and are transformed by chemical-mechanical means into fibres such as viscose or rayon and artificial fibre.
Viscose rugs

Viscose rugs

Viscose, also called rayon, is an artificial fibre produced from wood or cotton cellulose. It is often compared to silk because of its similarity to this fabric, as it is a glossy material that provides brightness and creates a velvety effect.

You can find 100% viscose rugs or those in which this material is mixed with other natural fibres such as wool, creating elegant designs and touches of brilliance with great softness.