There are different types of carpet materials, so let us simplify them. First, there are only two to pick from: natural or synthetic-made rugs.

 

Natural Carpets

 

They come from the natural environment– whether through plants or animals– and are harvested, processed into fibers, and woven into rugs. Then, they are solution-dyed and hand-knotted, giving off the appeal of a premium, hard-to-make piece.

 

Natural area rugs are most known for their unique and luxurious appeal. They come in various textures and colors that can match any interior style. In addition, since these types of rugs are made from purely natural fibers, there are no two alike, making your space feel more exclusive.

 

Cotton

Cotton rugs are generally inexpensive. They’re soft, breathable, light, and can be machine washed; however, they aren’t as durable as jute, sisal, or wool. Adding a rug pad underneath is best to prevent it from sliding around.

 

If maintenance is a significant concern, you may want to stir away as cotton is prone to staining and trapping dust, requiring frequent cleaning.

Silk

Silk is one of the most luxurious fibers and comes at a very high price. Aside from its ultra-soft feel, it is known for its tensile strength. If silk were not strong, weavers would be unable to make such intricate designs. They also have a unique reflective sheen and luster.

 

Its incredible strength and qualities, though, come with a significant drawback, cleaning. Silk is strong enough to be washed, but because of the dyes, there’s a potential for them to bleed, so we suggest you have a professional clean this rug in case it gets dirty.

Wool

Known for its durability and flame resistance, wool, the classic luxury go-to carpet, has a protective barrier called lanolin. Trouble comes when a substance penetrates the barrier and gets into the fiber’s core, as it is almost impossible to remove the stain. Over time, accumulated stains will also emit a foul odor. Therefore we advise you to hire a professional cleaner should you wish to clean a rug made of wool.

Sisal

Sisal, made from the long leaves of an agave plant, is known to be solid but stiff and coarse on feet. Rugs made of sisal have a distinct tan, beige, and creamy white color. They are durable and super absorbent. But because it is so porous, it is also prone to staining. As a result, they cannot be wet, shampooed or steam cleaned.

Synthetic Carpets

 

Synthetic rugs may sound like a turn-off, but they have found a place in many indoor and outdoor areas. They have been manufactured explicitly with durability and maintenance concerns in mind, making them able to withstand harsher conditions. Learning how to clean them is a breeze and can quickly be done.

 

Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are the most common fibers that make up synthetic area rugs.

 

Rugs made from these materials are often manufactured by power looms and are solution-dyed. European Manufacturers have developed newer technologies and processes to vastly improve the fabric, like the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, which is one of the world’s first-rate labels for textiles tested for harmful substances, creating extraordinarily durable and high-quality area rugs.

 

Polypropylene

Compared to wool and sisal, polypropylene offers a lot to the table. They can mimic the natural look and feel of 100% wool or sisal rugs while being stain resistant and durable. In addition, polypropylene rugs are soft and are designed to bring comfort, beauty, and functionality to any interior.

Made to withstand extreme weather, dirt, and scratches, polypropylene rugs are extraordinarily resilient and can withstand general wear and tear, which makes them great for indoor and outdoor spaces.

They are also effortlessly to clean and maintain because mildew does not grow or fade under the sun. So if your polypropylene rug gets dirty, you can easily wash them off with a hose.

 

Polyester

The lush nature of polyester microfiber is exceptionally soft to walk on. These soft and supple rugs are best in bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

In addition to its superior comfort, polyester is also well-known for its durability. Depending on the use case this material can easily last you 5-10 years, depending on the use case.

Given the nature of the yarn, polyester rugs are machine-washable, and because they dry quicker, they prevent bacteria from growing.

Keep these rugs away from oil-based liquids, as spills might need professional cleaning. However, a premium-grade polyester rug can resist stains and be cleaned easier.

 

Nylon

Nylon carpets have superior durability and quality– being crush-resistant due to their sturdy fibers.

These rugs are also easy to maintain. Vacuum the top of your nylon rug once in a while to keep it lasting longer. Steam cleaning can bring your nylon rug back into shape. Like polypropylene, they are less likely to grow mold or mildew.

Just keep in mind that they may give off a temporary chemical smell when brand new, may be prone to shedding and has less stain resistance.

Verdict

There are two types of carpet based material composition: natural and synthetic. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Therefore, before picking a design, you must first decide which material you want. It’s also a great idea to have a variety of different types of carpet around your house. We suggest investing in a rug that brings flexibility of choice and practicality without compromising the aesthetic. After all, the carpet you choose will be the masterpiece that ultimately defines your home experience.