5 Different Types Of Rugs And Where to Place Each in Your Home

These days there are so many wonderful rugs to choose from, which is the main reason why rug shopping can get so confusing. If you’re not quite sure what type of material you need to choose for specific rooms, here’s a short list to guide you through the process:

1.   Cotton Rugs

Cotton rugs are an affordable version for everyone who wants to own a fashionable, sustainable and durable piece. They come in so many sizes, shapes, prints, and designs that you’ll really have a hard time choosing just one.

The best thing about cotton rugs is that they won’t break the bank, are soft and durable enough for high-frequency rooms, especially if they feature 100% cotton fabric. The truth is that cotton can attract dirt, but it’s also simple to wash.

Our advice is to opt for 100% cotton rugs for rooms such as the living room, dining room, bedroom, even the kitchen, but avoid placing them on direct sunlight, since this material can easily, fade. If you choose a cotton blend, then that one is great for medium-frequency areas.

2.   Wool Rugs

Wool is one of the best and most luxurious materials when it comes to choosing rugs. The best thing about this type of rugs is that they can last for decades, and even become a special gift for following generations.

Wool is a material that is resistant to dust, dirt, water, it is very soft, durable and great for high-traffic rooms. If you have kids, pets and a very busy home in general, wool rugs will be money well spent for your entire family. When picking a carpet/rug for the living room, family room, bedroom, dining room, or any other high-frequency room, this looks like a great idea.

If you’re looking to make an investment, Persian rugs are one of the best choices. They are traditionally handwoven, high-quality, eye-catching and timeless pieces. Mostly made of wool and silk, these rugs will bring a breath of fresh air in your home. Persian rug cleaning can be a tricky business, so to protect your favorite new home piece, make sure to always turn to professionals.

3.   Silk Rugs

Silk is a delicate, high-end fabric that will deliver a lux feeling in your rooms. If you’re ready to do the splurge, silk rugs will be a fabulous addition to your home décor. The downside of this material is that it’s not durable and tends to be expensive.

You do not want to put a silk rug in danger, not only because it’s expensive but also because it’s very delicate. Therefore, silk rugs are best for low-traffic areas. Think of your bedroom, guest bedrooms, a second lounge room.

4.   Synthetic Rugs

Synthetic fibres are very good for rugs, particularly because of the low price point. Polyester and microfiber rugs are low-cost, soft, comfortable, come in numerous colors, designs and sizes. Some of the cons you might want to consider are that they are not environmentally friendly and don’t wear well in the long term.

This is a safe option for high-movement and spill-prone areas, especially if you have kids and pets. In other words, feel free to use polyester rugs all over the house, including the kitchen, living room, children’s room, stairs, and hallway. You can place these rugs outside the house as well, such as the patio, deck, and the entrance.

If you’re looking for a more durable choice, nylon is the way to go. Nylon is considered to be made of the most durable synthetic fibres, that features a silky appearance. These rugs will be amazing for both outdoors and indoors as well.

Another common synthetic rug material is polypropylene. Just like nylon, it’s very durable, affordable, and comfortable. Let’s not forget that is amazing for high-frequency home areas and outdoor spaces. Polypropylene is a wool look-alike, which makes it very attractive for many customers.

5.   Jute And Sisal Rugs

Jute and sisal are both natural fibres that can also be used in rug production. These two materials deliver pretty and affordable rugs, with a gorgeously imperfect and unique texture. However, one of their biggest advantages is that you won’t have to pay a fortune, plus they are allergen friendly. Jute is very soft and pleasant to the feet, while sisal is less comfortable and firmer, which makes it very durable as well. 

Thanks to these characteristics, sisal rugs are perfect for high-frequency areas including hallways, stairs, living room, family room, and more. It’s an absorbent material, so avoid rooms where spillages can happen. Jute, on the other hand, is a good option for medium and low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, guest rooms, home offices, and dining room.

Conclusion

There are both natural and synthetic rug alternatives for any room in your house, all you have to do is set a budget and know your priorities. The five types of rugs we listed above are some of the most common ones and will make any space more beautiful, while also fulfilling their main purpose.

About The Author: Tony Kantzavelos is the CEO of Love Your Rug – Canada’s largest rug cleaning & restoration facility. Apart from successfully leading his team, Tony loves to share professional advice on how to give a fresh look to carpets, rugs and peoples homes. He is an industry leader and authority in area rug restoration. 

Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels