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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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A grey VANLIGEN vase in the bedroom
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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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An off-white/dot pattern black ODDNY cushion cover
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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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A natural/off-white PEDERSBORG rug, flatwoven in the living room
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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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A black/pine light brown stained ÄNGESBYN storage table in the living room
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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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A brown KOLDBY cow hide in the living room
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Weaving a better future, one ethically made rug at a time

Hand-woven rugs are beautiful, but rug weaving has often been linked to poor working conditions and exploitation. We wanted to find a way to work with producers to maintain the quality and feel of a handmade rug, while radically improving working conditions. And we did.

Learn more about our hand-woven rugs

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