Choosing the material for your rugs

Rugs are available in many different materials. What you choose depends partly on where it will be used – whether the rug is to be placed in the bedroom or in a more frequently used part of the home. Of course, your style preferences also matter if you choose something like a handwoven rug in wool or a rug with a long pile made of recycled polyester.

A handmade grey KOLLUND rug, flatwoven in the living room

Cotton

Cotton is a soft and natural material that is commonly used to weave rugs in many parts of the world. The classic rag rug is often woven from cotton scraps left over from other textile production. A big advantage with cotton is that it’s durable and easy-care – and if your cotton rug isn’t too big or thick, you can machine wash it. Keep in mind that cotton can shrink, so you might need to pull and stretch the rug out a little after you’ve washed it.

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Synthetic fibres

The advantage with a rug in synthetic fibre is that it’s hardwearing and doesn’t shed lint. It’s also quite stain resistant and easy to clean. This is why durable and easycare synthetic fibres are optimal for rugs placed in areas with a lot of traffic, like the kitchen, children’s room and hallway – and for outdoor rugs. Common synthetic materials are polypropylene, polyester and nylon.

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Shop synthetic fibre rugs

Wool

Rugs in wool are durable and beautiful – and they feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The wool fibre naturally repels dust and stains, and if you happen to spill, the stain can be wiped off immediately before it penetrates too deep into the rug. When a wool rug is new, it often sheds excess fibres from production. They disappear over time or if you vacuum the rug regularly.

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Natural fibres

Jute, sisal, seagrass and other natural fibres are hardwearing and recyclable materials that add a beautiful texture and warm feel to rugs. These rugs often have natural colour variations that make each rug unique. Natural fibres are not very good at repelling water, but stains can be removed with a little water and soap on a cloth.

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Skins and hides

Materials like sheepskins and cowhides are unique and timeless interior details that add character to a room. But they are not suitable for damp areas and are not very stain resistant. If you spill anything on the skin or hide, try to wipe it off as soon as possible.

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More tips for choosing the right rugs

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Rug care and maintenance

The lifespan of a rug depends a lot on how well you take care of it. From vacuuming, stain removal and machine-washable rugs.

How to choose the right size rug

All sizes are needed in one way or another. However, when buying a rug, it can be difficult to imagine how much space it will take up in the intended room. That’s why it’s important to first take some accurate measurements at home.

Choosing a rug for the dining table

A dining table rug is great for absorbing sound, creating a softer atmosphere and adding comfort. Which one to choose is very much a question of personal taste, as it’s a big part of styling the room, adding colour and character.