Carpeting Concepts: A Look at Rug Material Pros and Cons

For many of us, most of our time is spent in our homes. Especially in this technologically advanced age, more and more are choosing to work from home, rather than travel to an office. As such, it is increasingly imperative for our homes to reflect our needs. 

From the walls to the furniture, how we choose to decorate our abode not only says a lot about us as individuals, there is also the added benefit of enhancing the aesthetics of the house, which, in itself, releases a bevy of advantages. Of the most important decisions, one will make regarding their homes' interior decor style(s) is choosing the look of the floors. Though not an interactive design piece in as much as certain devices and furniture, the subtly of your flooring choices will resonate throughout the home. Choosing the right rug for your room will set the perfect tone to achieve the desired effect. Listed below are some considerations to take into account before moving forward with any purchase.

Things to Think About:

Room size - Take accurate measurements and keep the information close by for future reference. Measure the room's diameter and circumference, as well as its length and width.

Flooring - Most people will purchase a rug to add some cushion and softness to hardwood floors. Regardless, others have made ingenious use of rugs on all manner of flooring types.

Traffic - Take into account the amount of foot traffic expected over any period of time and whether or not this traffic will consistently soil the rug.

Color Coordination - If possible, gather color swatches to match potential rug choices to your current furniture and/or wallpaper or paint scheme. Keeping a consistent them, either from room to room or throughout the whole house, will help to tie the design together and present a visually and sensationally pleasant finished product.

RUG MATERIALS LIST- Pros and Cons

Wool Rugs Pros:

As it is one of the most commonly used materials for rugs, choosing wool as your fabric of choice will guarantee you will find a rug to fit your needs given the wide variety of option available on the market today. When it comes to wool vs synthetic rugs, wool is clearly the more popular choice. 

Wool Rugs Cons:

Wool absorbs humidity; as such, it is not preferable for damp areas. Another drawback to this material is the potential for color fading and even some shedding of the wool itself, though that particular aspect may lessen over time.

Many employ decorative wool rugs in living rooms, dining rooms, and other high traffic areas.

Silk Rugs Pros:

Professing a sleeker look and smooth feel, silk rug designs have become increasingly popular over the years. Their luxury and elegance have been a major proponents of their rise to fame. The subtle charms of this material lie in its inherent softness and vibrant color and design options.

Silk Rugs Cons:

While beautiful, this material is not as durable as wool rugs, and therefore must be delicately maintained. It also lacks the definitive functionality of other, tougher materials and may need to be discarded more often than not, after any accidental damages have been incurred.

This material is best suited for rugs in the bedroom and other low traffic areas.

Cotton Rugs Pros:

Cotton is the 'everyman's material'. That is, it has seen widespread use across a large variety of industries and, thus, its applications are virtually endless. Many products are created using this versatile material and rugs are no different. While traditionally flat-weave, reversible rugs, such as dhurries and kilims, were made from wool, these days they are more often than not created using cotton or some blend thereof. 

Cotton Rugs Cons:

Cotton rugs are substantially not as durable as wool rugs, which is reflected in their higher rate of affordability. They may wear out much faster than other rugs, though, the replacement costs are also less than a more reliable material.

Typically, cotton rugs are favored in children's rooms, play areas, kitchens, and other casual, low traffic areas.

Sisal, Jute, Sea Grass Rugs Pros:

Mother Nature provides in all aspects of life, including home decor! Many eco-conscious people will rejoice in utilizing the eco-centric options such as rugs made from grasses and other organic, fibrous materials. This option provides durability and a renewable foundation, thus reducing replacement costs or potentially eliminating them altogether.

Sisal, Jute, Sea Grass Rugs Cons:

Some of these types of rugs may be rough and coarse, resulting in a lower level of comfort. They are also more difficult to maintain.

Most popularly used in living rooms, high-traffic and sunny areas.

Animal Skins And/Or Faux Animal Skins Rugs Pros and Cons

Animal Skins And/Or Faux Animal Skins Rugs Pros:

This unique option will be a hallmark of your rooms' design. When choosing a rug for fashion over function, animal and/or faux animal skins and furs are always a popular choice to highlight the rustic and primitive nature so many enjoy.

Animal Skins And/Or Faux Animal Skins Rugs Cons:

These rugs may be more difficult to clean and maintain. Their durability depends on the quality of craftsmanship and can be hit or miss. Also, like wool rugs, they do not function well in damp or humid climates.

Many find this type of rugs fits well in their bedrooms, offices, dens, and other low-traffic areas.

Synthetics (I.E. Viscose, Nylon, And Polypropylene) Rugs Pros:

Many synthetic materials are judged harshly, especially depending on where their use falls. In the rug industry, synthetic fibers are vastly more popular than in other market areas. This is due to their ability to mimic other materials in style while retaining the durability of man-made fibers. Their man-made quality also affords the ability to provide more diverse color and style choices to consumers.

Synthetics (I.E. Viscose, Nylon, And Polypropylene) Rugs Cons:

While they may be able to take on the style and general look of other materials, synthetic fibers are universally more uncomfortable than other popular rug material options and can require more maintenance. When deliberating between wool vs synthetic rugs, wool is more comfortable and durable, while synthetic rugs are generally less luxurious and must be replaced and/or maintained more often.

Synthetic rugs are popularly used in outdoor environments, hallways, and as welcome mats, among other uses.