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Rugs and Synthetic Fibres: Which is Best for Your Home?

ACRYLIC RUGS

 

You might recognise acrylic as a hypoallergenic alternative to wool – often used in clothing and knits. Acrylic, as seen in Carpet Call’s Valencia range, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for the qualities of wool at a lower price point, and can be incorporated anywhere in the home.

THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF ACRYLIC RUGS

  • Feels just like wool – soft, warm and lightweight – but more affordable.
  • Highly resistant to many wear factors, including moths, oil, chemicals and sunlight degradation.
  • The fibres breathe well and are easily dyed to be sold in a range of stunning, vibrant colours.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT ACRYLIC RUGS

  • Acrylic is not as crush-resistant as wool and may develop lasting furniture marks or pooling.
  • Low-quality acrylic rugs may generate static – so it pays to buy from the best.

NYLON RUGS

 

Nylon is a very popular fibre, commonly used in top-performing carpets. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and well-liked for its resilience and easy maintenance.

THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF NYLON RUGS

  • Heat-set nylon fibres have amazing elasticity and resilience, meaning they can bear a great deal of traffic without crushing.
  • Being stain- and water-resistant, keeping these rugs clean is effortless.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT ACRYLIC RUGS

  • Acid-dyed nylon may have poor reactions to alkaline chemicals such as bleach.
  • Nylon may not be as soft as many natural fibres, but feels great nonetheless.

POLYPROPYLENE RUGS

This synthetic fibre (also known as olefin) is extremely hardy and versatile, often mimicking wool textures for use in any environment. Look for heat-set polypropylene (HSPP) like our Sierra range to ensure the best quality rug.

THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF POLYPROPYLENE RUGS

  • Water resistance and high strength mean polypropylene is often suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
  • Polypropylene is soft and available in many desirable pile types, including shag and frieze.
  • Being highly colourfast, these rugs don’t bleach or stain easily so they’re easy to keep clean.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT POLYPROPYLENE RUGS

  • These fibres do not have high elasticity so are prone to crushing.

POLYESTER RUGS

Another wool alternative, polyester is an affordable choice for low-traffic areas of the home.

THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF POLYESTER RUGS

  • Highly affordable, cheaper and softer than nylon.
  • Fairly stain-resistant, polyester does not absorb water easily so spills are a cinch to clean up.
  • Some polyester rugs are made from recycled materials, making them a great option for the eco-conscious.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT POLYESTER RUGS

  • Polyester crushes easily and is not suited to high-traffic spaces.
  • Some shedding of synthetic fibres may occur, though this is harmless to humans.

VISCOSE RUGS

 

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fibre made from regenerated wood cellulose. It’s structurally similar to cotton, but performs more like silk, so is best for bedrooms and other low-traffic spaces. It’s also commonly used with other fibres as an accent.

THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF VISCOSE RUGS

  • Viscose is among the best looking fibres, mimicking the style and texture of silk.
  • Being more easy to produce, viscose is much cheaper than its natural counterpart.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT VISCOSE RUGS

  • These rugs are only suited to low-traffic areas to reduce crushing.
  • They are also highly susceptible to water damage and colours may bleed together in the case of a spill.

Here at Carpet Call, we stock a huge range of high-quality rugs, both synthetic and natural. Whatever your specific needs, we’ll have something that suits you.

Using our Home Approval Service, you can take up to three rugs home for a 24-hour trial period to see and feel them in the context of your own space. Shop online now, click on Live Chat or drop by your nearest Carpet Call store to speak with the experts in the trade.

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