Natural Fiber Rugs Versus Synthetic Fibre Rugs
Posted by VILLEDOMO INDIA
Introduction
I'm undecided on which rug to buy. Should I buy an area rug made of synthetic or natural fibres? These are the kinds of inquiries that most rug buyers have. Both varieties of rug material have advantages and disadvantages. Let's examine the fundamental distinction between the two.
Non-natural materials such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester are used to make synthetic carpets. Rugs composed of these materials are frequently woven on power looms at rug factories. These carpets may appeal to some customers because of their brilliant and colourful colour schemes and low pricing. Wool, cotton, and jute are examples of natural fibre rugs. Animal skins can also be classified as natural fibre rugs. These carpets are commonly utilized in the creation of intricate, hand-crafted rug designs. You could think of an older antique pattern when you think of a wool or cotton rug. Rugs like this harken back to a more rural era. Synthetic carpets, on the other hand, may appeal to the modern eye and design. Both types of rugs have a place in a house, depending on the personality and concept of the space. We'll go through the differences between natural and synthetic carpets, as well as the materials that go into each category and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
What Are Natural Fibres?
Wool, silk, and cotton are among the natural fibres used in area rugs, as are jute, sisal, and seagrass. All of these resources are gathered, processed into fibres, and woven into rugs from the natural world—whether through plants or animals.
Advantages Of Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural fibre carpets, on the whole, are more durable than synthetic versions. This is one of the main reasons why they are so popular; they last for more than the usual synthetic rug. They're also more eco-friendly owing to their lower carbon footprint and most are inherently non-toxic because they're constructed of natural materials. This is especially crucial if you have dogs or small children, as certain synthetic area rugs contain chemical dyes and can emit potentially hazardous VOCs.
Dis-advantages Of Natural Fiber Rugs
Have you ever thought about why rugs are so pricey? These fibres need more effort to prepare for weaving into rugs, and as a result of the time-consuming procedure, they are more expensive. Wool and silk, especially, will be on the higher end of the price spectrum. If you're on a limited budget, natural fibre carpets may be out of the question. Jute, seagrass, and sisal carpets, on the other hand, tend to sell for less than synthetic rugs.
Some Very Commonly Used Natural Fibres In Rug Making
Wool
One of our favourite rug materials is wool! Wool rugs have so many advantages: they're long-lasting, stain-resistant, naturally antibacterial, soft, and oh-so-versatile. And, as previously said, they are inherently non-toxic (as long as the wool is certified organic). Wool, on the other hand, is one of the most costly rug materials on the market. However, because wool area rugs are so sturdy and long-lasting, if you can extend your budget for one of these beauties, it will more than pay for itself over the years you have it.
Cotton
Rugs are made from the same material as your favourite t-shirt! Cotton is nice and soft, making it an ideal choice for your flooring. Cotton rugs, like clothing, are easy to launder, making them ideal for families with children and dogs. Cotton, on the other hand, isn't as sturdy as other natural fibres, so these rugs aren't suitable for high-traffic spaces, and you won't be able to pass them down to your grandchildren as an inheritance. Similar to wool, if you want a quasi rug, make sure the cotton is certified organic.
Jute
Jute rug designs are heavy on texture, and jute is one of the softest natural fibre rug choices. Jute rugs have a bulkier feel due to the way they are weaved, which adds a lot of aesthetic appeal to any room. Jute's natural hue is a light brown (similar to burlap), but it may be dyed in a variety of colours. But be warned: jute sheds, so avoid using a roller brush when cleaning these pups!
Sisal
Sisal rugs are extremely long-lasting. We're discussing a substance used to build ropes! It can withstand significant wear and tear. However, sisal rugs aren't the softest underfoot, and they soak more than most natural fibres. It is also difficult-to-remove stains on a Sisal rug. Bear that in mind while searching for sisal rugs.
Sea Grass
Seagrass carpets are also highly durable and smoother underfoot than sisal—and, as an additional advantage, they are water-resistant due to the non-porous strands of seagrass. As a result, these are ideal for dining areas or family rooms where spills are more frequent. However, because they are non-absorbent and do not accept colours effectively, they have a relatively limited colour spectrum of natural colours.
Synthetic Fibre Rugs
Synthetic fibre carpets are constructed of synthetic materials, as the name implies. These fibres are manufactured by machines using a variety of chemical compounds derived from petroleum. In other words, these are not naturally occurring fibres. However, this does not imply that they are intrinsically terrible! The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of synthetic fibre carpets.
Advantages Of Synthetic Rugs
One of the most appealing aspects of synthetic fibre area rugs is their low cost. You can buy a lot of carpets for a reasonable price. Many synthetic fibre carpets are also constructed in such a manner that they are resistant to mould and mildew, as well as stains. This makes them a little less high-maintenance, and who couldn't use a little more of that in their lives?
Dis-advantages Of Synthetic Rugs
Synthetic fibre carpets generally do not last as long as natural fibre rugs. So, while they are less expensive, you may wind up spending more money replacing your rug in the long term. Some synthetic fibre carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which emit potentially hazardous substances into the environment. If you choose a polyester rug, and it is the most likely to carry VOCs, let it rest out, unwrapped, for a day or two before taking it inside your house. This will allow it to "off-gas" some of the chemicals and the strong odour before you welcome it into your house.
Some Most Common Synthetic Fibres Used In Rug Making
PET or Polyethylene Terephthalate
PET, or polyethene Terephthalate, is the same as polyester—but you may find any of these terms stated on the rug material. PET is created from plastic bottles, rendering it somewhat more environmentally friendly than other synthetic fibre carpets since it helps keep plastic bottles out of waste. We prefer PET because it's the simplest synthetic fabric to clean (a little diluted bleach and elbow grease generally does the work), and it's the material used in many indoor-outdoor carpets. The way PET is weaved also gives it a wool-like look, and it's incredibly soft underfoot. Polyester carpets, in general, are the most prone to carry VOCs. They also fade quickly and are more difficult to wash than most other synthetic fibres. This is since they are constructed of petroleum-based compounds, which lead the fibres to reject water and retain dirt.
Polypropylene
Due to the obvious way the fibres are weaved, polypropylene carpets are one of the greatest synthetic imposters for wool. These rugs are both soft and durable, as well as inexpensive. Some polypropylene rugs, on the other hand, are treated with chemicals to make them stain-resistant, which might be a worry for individuals who wish to reduce the number of toxins in their houses.
Nylon
Nylon is durable, stain-resistant, and cost-effective—all great qualities for a rug! This material's durability makes it an ideal choice for high-density areas. After how nylon carpets are created, some of them have a chemical odour when they first arrive, so make sure your space is well-ventilated.
How To Choose Between A Natural Fibre Rug & Synthetic Fibre Rug
Rugs made of synthetic and natural fibres have distinct appearances and patterns. Bright colours, abstract motifs, and a contemporary vibe are common in synthetic carpets. Rustic designs with vivid hues are more common in natural fibre carpets. Seagrass and jute carpets, for example, are difficult to dye and keep their light brown hue and straw-like texture. These carpets are frequently used as welcome mats, as well as in living rooms and patios. Synthetic carpets may be used in almost every room of the house. Bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and hallways are just a few examples. Rugs made of wool, cotton, or silk look best in living rooms and other big rooms. This is because they are high-quality items with exquisite designs. Buying sample sizes of synthetic and natural fibre rugs are an easy way to figure out which sort of rug will look best in your house. Feel the samples and set one in the living room and the other in the bedroom to see which one you like.
The rug material you select is determined by your lifestyle and budgetary concerns. As a result, the decision you make is based on your unique requirements! Consider where you want the rug to go, the style, colour, and pattern you want, how much you want to spend, and whether you care about sustainable, eco-friendly materials. All of these criteria will play a role in determining which material to choose.
- Do you have a high-traffic space that requires a rug? Choose a low-pile wool rug or a rug made of sturdy sisal or seagrass.
- If you're looking for vibrant colours and detailed designs, you've come to the perfect place. PET, polypropylene, and silk are all good options.
- Do you have a limited budget? Any synthetic-fibre rug will suffice. You can also get some beautiful seagrass, sisal, and jute alternatives at a reasonable price.
- Are you looking for a rug that will last a lifetime? Wool is the material of choice.
- Are you looking for a rug that is suitable for children or pets? Wool, seagrass, or PET are all good options.
If you're still unsure, our professionals at Villedomo are always willing to assist you, and if you're looking to purchase rugs and carpets online, you've come to the correct spot.
