Rug Materials
Cotton
Cotton fibers are soft, strong and hold dyes very effectively. These characteristics make cotton a fantastic material for rugs, especially rug designs with intricate patterns and detail. When it comes to cotton rugs, you'll find that it's uncommon for the rug to be made entirely from cotton.
Viscose
Noted for its genuine silk-like qualities (it is sometimes called art silk or bamboo silk), viscose is a versatile fiber that purportedly has the same comfort properties as natural fibers. It can imitate the look and texture of wool, cotton, linen, and silk though most often in rugs it is the latter.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene or olefin is one of the most commonly used materials for rugs today. This synthetic fibre is a popular choice for rugs because its look and feel closely resembles that of wool, while costing much less. It is available in a wide range of colours and is resistant to fading even after many years of use.
Polyester
This may come as a surprise since polyester is a mix of plastic and other materials. It's relatively lightweight and when mixed with cotton it feels even cozier. Like any homeowner, a soft and cozy fabric is key to making your house feel like home.
Acrylic
The fiber, also known as "art wool," was seen as a wool substitute. Of all synthetics, acrylic is closest to wool in appearance and feel. It's cheaper than wool and has some desirable characteristics.