Fibres & Materials
The fiber used to weave a rug affects its look and feel. It also has an impact on the durability of a rug, and the uses it’s suited for.
Wool
Durable, sustainable, and texture that finds itself in every corner of the globe.
Wool is the most common rug material and its durability extends generations. It is an incredibly resilient natural fiber that comes from the shearing of sheep (and sometimes other animals like alpacas, goats or llamas). The fibers are cleaned, segregated, carded and spun into yarn.
It is graded by the length of individual hairs and where that hair comes from on the animal’s body. The best wool often comes from the neck, belly and sections under the legs of the sheep, where it tends to be finer, softer and longer. Climate and habitat also contribute to the quality of wool, and most of Jaipur Rugs’ stock is sourced from India, New Zealand and 18 other countries.
The carding and spinning can be done by hand or machine. Machine carded and machine spun makes even and thinner fibers that are less durable, while hand-carded and hand-spun make uneven but durable yarn and gives better character to the finished rug.
Why Choose Wool?
Most high-quality wool is strong and durable, while still being soft to the touch.
Resistant to water, dirt and stains, so it is easier to maintain than other materials.
Absorbs moisture and dries out without developing mold or mildew – ideal in humid climates.
Easy to dye and holds color well.
It is an elastic fiber, so the marks from foot traffic can be easily brushed out.
An excellent insulator.
As a natural fiber, harvesting wool is more eco-friendly than synthetic fibers.
Great at hiding dirt and looks cleaner and better for longer than other fibers.
Other Considerations
Wool is comparatively more expensive than many other fibers.
Some people are allergic to wool.
New wool rugs shed loose fibers for the first few months of use.
Care must be taken when storing wool rugs to prevent them from being eaten by moths.
Silk
The pride of those who own it, the desire of those who don’t.
Silk is considered one of the finest material for a rug, famously associated with royalty. It is a natural protein fiber harvested from the cocoons of cultivated or wild silkworms.
It is used for intricate detailing since the fibers are even and thin, requiring great skill to weave and is most desirable for its aesthetic and legendary softness.
Silk rugs are maintained as collectibles for their high value, and are recommended to be used more as décor, perhaps even as wall art, as it withers easily if kept in high traffic areas.
Why Choose Silk?
Silk rugs are often the softest you will find and have an elegant finish.
Relatively durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Natural luster and shine in the finished rug.
Silk takes dye very well, which allows for beautiful color variation.
Other Considerations
Silk is a relatively expensive fiber.
Because it is less elastic than wool, footprints and furniture marks show easily.
Silk is not as stain resistant as other fibers, so care needs to be taken around the rug.
Bamboo Silk
AKA Viscose
Looks like silk. Feels like silk. But not as pricey
Bamboo Silk is a blend of wood pulp and natural fibers extracted from the bamboo plant. It mimics the look and feel of silk and is considered its cost-effective substitute.
Viscose creates a visual effect on carpets as the tips of the fibers have a shine compared to its length. It also possesses anti-microbial properties, making the home a healthier place with a cost-effective rug.
Why Choose Bamboo Silk?
Adds lustre and shimmer to designs.
Soft to the touch.
Easy to dye.
Other Considerations
Fibers may be easily flattened by heavy furniture.
Harder to clean than wool or cotton.
Jute / Hemp
Rugged, but still fit for your floor
These rough and coarse plant fibers are becoming more and more popular as a banner for the eco-friendly.
Its colours are earthy, texture is rich and is a perfect choice for high traffic areas. The best place to use it is at the indoor-outdoor transition.
Why choose Jute/Hemp?
Eco-friendly fiber.
Natural earthy textures & colors.
Best used outdoor or in transition areas.
Durable to last in high traffic areas.
Easy to clean.
Other Considerations
Coarse and rough texture.
Doesn’t hold color well compared to other fibers.
Not suited to damp environments because they absorb moisture.
Not very stain resistant and fade or darken in regular direct sunlight.
Cotton
Cotton is the most trusted and commonly used fabric. It comes from a fluffy, plant-based fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant.
It is used in flatweaves like dhurries and kilims, making it a flexible choice of décor that can be used and stored easily. Cotton breathes, is washable and can be used either indoor or outdoor.
Why Choose Cotton?
Cotton is easy to wash – either in washing machines or by hand.
Rugs woven from cotton are cost-effective.
Cotton takes color very well so rugs can be bolder and brighter.
Other Considerations
Cotton is a lighter fiber than other natural alternatives so doesn’t produce very plush rugs.
Rugs woven from cotton are also not as durable as those woven from other natural fibers.
Cotton is not as stain resistant as wool.
Cotton is a less effective insulator than other fibers..
Plant-Based
Plant-based fibers are highly versatile and can easily work with any number of styles and décor schemes.
The term refers to a variety of materials, each derived from a different source: Linen - Flax, Sisal - Agave, Sea grass - Marsh plants, Coir - Coconut husks, Abaca - Banana plants.
Why Choose Plant-Based Fibers?
They provide a neutral background to both contemporary and traditional décor schemes.
Strong and durable materials, especially sisal and abaca.
Eco-friendly production methods mean the production of natural rugs is more sustainable.
Naturally textured and lend themselves to woven patterns.
They can be cleaned by simply shaking the dirt out.
Other Considerations
Naturals are coarser than other fibers and can feel rough underfoot.
Natural fibers are not as stain resistant as wool and synthetics.
Natural fibers are not suited to damp environments as they absorb moisture.
With daily exposure to direct sunlight, natural fibers may fade or darken.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fiber that is exceptionally stain and fade resistant, but still soft and affordable. While not quite as durable as other synthetics like nylon, polyester rugs will still wear well if properly constructed.
Their relatively lower cost and stain resistance means that they are a good choice for children’s bedrooms and areas where owners may not want to invest in a more expensive option.
Why Choose Polyester?
Soft finish with exceptional resistance.
Good performance with long-term wear.
Some polyester can be made with recycled content for sustainability.
Great value.
Other Considerations
With use, polyester rugs are prone to matting, so proper care is needed.
These fibers are less resilient than wool, so they will crush more easily under furniture and foot traffic.