Rug material guide

A perennial favorite of interior designers, sisal is a 100% natural dried agave with minimal processing that always looks polished. Incredibly hardwearing, this style pairs well with a broad range of decor. One drawback of natural sisal is its sensitivity to moisture. Because it’s made from dried plant materials, it tends to absorb liquids quickly, making spills a bit more difficult to clean. However, sisal is an incredible option for soil hiding, which makes it a popular choice for entryways, hallways, stairs and other high-traffic areas that are less prone to humidity or spills. 

Not technically a natural fiber rug, faux sisal looks the part. Its tight flatweave, subtle sheen and beautiful woven texture closely mimic the appearance of real plant-based fibers. But faux sisal rugs are made from high-performance synthetic materials like UV-stabilized polypropylene, which makes them not only durable but incredibly versatile. It resists moisture, stains and fading, making it a perfect pick for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Another staple of interior design, jute rugs are made from 100% dried reed grass with minimal processing. Warm and textured, jute boasts the richest and most variable tones of brown, resulting in a product that is unmistakably natural. 

The softest of the plant fibers, jute is not as hardwearing as sisal. Though it typically resists dry soiling, lighter colors are a bit more susceptible.

Grown in wet, paddy-like fields, seagrass has a naturally slick, smooth handfeel that repels moisture more than other natural fibers. Young fibers freshly harvested start off more green in tone, but develop into a true golden brown over time. Available in select weave patterns, seagrass is also quite distinctive. 

Great for soil hiding, seagrass is a wonderful entryway option.

With natural fiber blends, the beauty is in the contrast. The mix of materials creates a sense of balance and visual interest that’s very easy to layer.

The gold standard of synthetic fibers, nylon is sublimely soft with no shedding. It’s also prized for its hardwearing nature, as it easily resists crushing and matting. Silky nylon styles are resistant to water stains, however, they are not stain-resistant overall, so care should be taken to avoid spills when possible.

PET is a durable, eco-friendly material made from recycled plastic bottles. These rugs offer a soft texture, sometimes mimicking wool, while being easier to clean. Initial shedding may occur because of how the fibers are spun; however, this is temporary and will cease over time.

This group comprises several types of materials that perform slightly differently, but have one defining characteristic — an exceptionally soft pile with sheen. Often used in more formal living rooms or as part of a glam interior, this style is very distinct. Depending on the direction the pile is brushed, the tone subtly shifts, creating a dappled effect that brings movement and softness to a room. 

Easy-to-clean and less likely to stain, performance is a group of synthetic rugs that are a wonderful choice for families and pet owners. Though wool wins in the durability department, performance rugs are incredibly soft, making them a great fit for bedrooms and living rooms. The more compact performance weaves can also be placed in high-traffic areas. Synthetics do tend to show wear more readily, however, so when placing in a busier area of the home, we suggest opting for darker colors and patterns.