5 Best Types of Area Rugs to Elevate Your Space

An area rug does a lot to bring a room together. It accentuates the space’s theme while providing a relaxing environment. However, with all the different types of area rugs to choose from, picking the perfect one can be an intimidating experience.

From nylon to polyester, each area rug material has its pros and cons. By considering the unique features of these types, you’ll be able to determine which area rug is suitable for the room.  You can use this article as a guide before you visit a rug showroom so that you can have a smooth and seamless experience. 

What Area Rug Type Should You Choose? 3 Factors to Consider

Before you head to a showroom and buy a rug, you must know what you’re looking for. With such a wide variety of available materials, choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your area rug. 

1. Color, pattern, and style

An area rug’s visual features make up half of its appeal. Are you looking for a bright splash of color to contrast a subdued room or an understated piece that quietly serves its purpose? Do you want traditional patterns or modern designs?

No matter what, make sure you choose a design you love because you’re the person who’ll be seeing and using your rug the most.

2. Texture and softness

The texture and softness level is the other half of an area rug’s appeal. A soft and fluffy rug is the perfect surface to relax on, while coarser materials and weaving styles can serve as entryway pieces.

Specific materials have different coarseness and softness levels when woven into a rug. Carefully consider how you’ll be using the room your rug is going in. Will you be walking around with shoes or without more often? Will you be sitting down on the rug or not? These questions point you to what material and weaving style is most suitable for the space.

3. Durability and price

Before you buy, it’s best to figure out if you’re purchasing a forever rug or one you’ll switch out. Area rug types vary significantly in durability and price, so you need to choose a material that’ll last for how long you intend to use it. Look for rugs on sale to counteract the higher costs of more durable rugs.

5 Best Types of Area Rugs by Material

Now that you’ve settled on your ideal rug’s style, feel, price, and longevity, you should know the most common rug materials available. A rug’s material can impart significant differences to the features of an area rug. They come in two types depending on the fibers they’re made from: synthetic or natural. Learn more about these materials below.

    

• Nylon

Manufacturers make nylon from plastics, so nylon rugs are long-lasting and easy to clean while still being as soft and smooth as silk. This rug is more vulnerable to stains, but you can treat a nylon rug as it’s just as resistant as any other material.

These qualities make nylon area rugs perfect for spaces expecting heavy traffic and dirt, like entrance hallways. However, in return for its durability and quality, nylon costs more than other synthetic materials.

• Polyester

Using petroleum or plants, manufacturers synthesize polyester to mimic the feel of traditional fabrics. Polyester area rugs are just as soft as natural rugs, with the added cleaning ease of synthetic materials. 

Polyester rugs are less springy and durable than other synthetic rugs, so they’re better for low-traffic areas like the bedroom. They also require chemical treatments to improve stain resistance.

• Polypropylene

Olefin is another commonly used synthetic fiber and is one of the most environmentally friendly. Regarding its durability, price, and texture, olefin is between nylon and polyester, making it a great middle-ground option.

Rugs made from this material are also much more fading and water-resistant than other synthetic materials, making it perfect for high-moisture areas. However, olefin rugs absorb oil-based dirt, requiring chemical treatment to be entirely stain-resistant.

• Triexta

Triexta fibers are almost as durable as nylon but use more eco-friendly materials and are generally less expensive. Unlike the previous examples, triexta is entirely stain resistant. This quality means triexta area rugs don’t require treatments that affect rug softness. 

This rug is one of the newest synthetic fibers available, so it doesn’t have the pedigree that the other materials have. Still, as triexta is partially made from plants, it’s a promising, more eco-friendly nylon alternative.

• Plant-based fibers

Cotton and jute are two of the most popular plant-based fibers used in rugmaking, but there are many more kinds. Depending on the plant, plant-based rugs are natural-made area rugs with unique textures and colors, adding an organic look to a room.

While generally less expensive than wool area rugs, plant-based rugs are tricky to clean and vary with how well they take dyes. Some types are also coarse, so they’re best used in low-traffic or outdoor areas.

Creating Your Perfect Space

An area rug is a centerpiece that pulls the theme of an entire room together, so choosing the right type is vital. The design, texture, durability, and price should help you decide which area rug material is most suitable for creating your perfect space.

If you’re looking for rugs and carpets in the Philippines, Eurobel Rugs + Carpets has you covered. They also have professional rug restoration and cleaning services, ensuring your rugs maintain their beauty and longevity. Contact us today to check out our varied selection of stylish rugs and carpets!