Rugs are more than just floor coverings; they bring comfort, style, and warmth to your space. But with so many different materials and manufacturing techniques available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for something durable for high-traffic areas or luxurious for a cosy bedroom, this guide will help you understand the pros and cons of various rug materials and how they are made, so you can make the best choice for your home.
Wool is a timeless natural fiber known for its durability and luxurious softness.
Pros: Soft, durable, naturally stain-resistant, and retains shape well.
Cons: Prone to absorbing moisture, can be expensive, requires professional cleaning.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and areas where comfort is key.
Cotton rugs are lightweight and versatile, perfect for casual spaces.
Pros: Washable, affordable, and soft underfoot.
Cons: Less durable, prone to staining.
Best For: Kids’ rooms, kitchens, and summer houses.
Silk rugs exude luxury with their soft texture and elegant sheen.
Pros: Adds a subtle sheen, ideal for low-traffic areas.
Cons: Expensive, delicate, and difficult to clean.
Best For: Bedrooms, formal living spaces, and decorative accents.
These fibers are known for their durability and sustainability.
Pros: Unique textures, highly durable, and eco-friendly.
Cons: Limited softness, prone to discoloration in direct sunlight.
Best For: High-traffic areas and outdoor spaces.
Polypropylene is a popular synthetic option for its durability and affordability.
Pros: Stain-resistant, water-resistant, and durable.
Cons: Less luxurious feel, sensitive to heat.
Best For: Hallways, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
Polyester rugs offer vibrant colors and a soft texture.
Pros: Fade-resistant, affordable, and available in various styles.
Cons: Prone to flattening in high-traffic areas.
Best For: Kids’ rooms, bedrooms, and colorful spaces.
Viscose mimics the luxurious look of silk but at a more affordable price. It is neither truly natural (like cotton, wool or silk) nor truly synthetic (like nylon or polyester) – it falls somewhere in between.
Pros: Adds a silky sheen, soft texture.
Cons: Delicate, prone to staining, and less durable.
Best For: Decorative accents and low-traffic areas.
Hand-knotting is a meticulous and time-intensive process, often used for high-quality rugs.
Description: Made by tying individual knots on a loom, creating intricate patterns.
Pros: Extremely durable, long-lasting, and highly detailed.
Cons: Expensive and time-consuming to produce (can take up to a year).
Best For: High-end spaces and heirloom pieces.
A popular option for creating detailed designs at a lower cost.
Description: Strands of yarn are punched into a canvas using a tufting gun.
Pros: Quicker to produce and versatile.
Cons: Less durable than hand-knotted rugs.
Best For: Living rooms, offices, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Hand-hooked rugs add texture and charm to your decor.
Description: Loops of yarn are pulled through a backing material to form the design.
Pros: Textured surface, affordable, and visually appealing.
Cons: Loops can pull loose over time.
Best For: Casual spaces and accent pieces.
Flat-woven rugs are lightweight and reversible, making them practical and stylish.
Description: Created by interweaving warp and weft threads.
Pros: Easy to clean, reversible, and durable.
Cons: Lacks cushioning underfoot.
Best For: Kitchens, hallways, and outdoor use.
Braided rugs bring a rustic and cozy feel to any room.
Description: Fibers are braided together and stitched into shape.
Pros: Durable, casual aesthetic, and versatile.
Cons: Limited pattern options.
Best For: Entryways, kitchens, and casual living areas.
Machine-made rugs offer affordability and consistency in design.
Description: Manufactured using automated looms for fast production.
Pros: Affordable, widely available, and consistent quality.
Cons: May lack the charm of handmade rugs.
Best For: High-traffic areas and budget-friendly decor.
Runners are essential for enhancing narrow spaces and providing functionality.
Runners are long, narrow rugs designed for hallways, stairs, kitchens, and other transitional spaces. They add style, reduce noise, and improve safety.
Wool: Soft and durable for high-traffic areas.
Cotton: Lightweight and washable for casual spaces.
Polypropylene: Stain-resistant and durable for busy households.
Style: Adds visual interest and defines narrow spaces.
Noise Reduction: Softens footsteps and reduces echoes.
Safety: Provides traction on slippery surfaces.
Protection: Shields flooring from wear and tear.
Q: What rug material is best for high-traffic areas? A: Polypropylene, sisal, and hemp rugs are excellent for high-traffic areas due to their durability.
Q: How are flat-woven rugs different from hand-knotted rugs? A: Flat-woven rugs are lightweight and reversible, while hand-knotted rugs are heavier, more intricate, and long-lasting.
Q: Are natural fibre rugs suitable for South African climates? A: Yes, but they should be kept away from damp areas to prevent mildew and discolouration.
Q: Can runners be used on stairs? A: Absolutely! Stair runners add style, reduce noise, and improve safety by increasing traction.
| Make a great first impression with the perfectly sized entryway rug. Whether your foyer is small, narrow, or large, we have the perfect entryway rug size for you. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 60 x 180cm Runner | 60 x 90cm | 90 x 150cm | 150 x 250cm |
| Rugs make your living room seating areas inviting and help create visual flow in the room. It’s notoriously difficult to choose the best size of living room rug, but we’ve got you covered. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 150 x 250cm | 250 x 300cm | 300 x 400cm |
| Kitchen rugs can save your floors and your joints while adding much-needed style. Picking the right rug(s) hinges on the layout of your kitchen. Be sure to look for a material that can handle cleaning and moisture. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 60 x 180cm Runner | 60 x 90cm | 90 x 150cm | 150 x 250cm |
| Give your feet a place to land every morning with a cozy bedroom rug. From twin beds in the kiddos room to a king in the master suite, we have rug sizing tips for any bedroom layout. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 150 x 250cm (Twin) | 250 x 300cm (Queen) | 270 x 360cm (King) |
| Get the job done in style with office rugs. Whether you have a small space for a desk or a whole room dedicated to your workspace, we have the office rug for your needs. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 150 x 250cm | 250 x 300cm |
| Create a spa-like space with a soft and luxurious bathroom rug. Depending on your room size and layout, the bathroom has a plethora of rugs to choose from. |
| Standard Sizes |
| 60 x 180cm | 60 x 90cm | 90 x 150cm | 150 x 250cm |
| Bring the indoors out with a colorful and soft outdoor rug. From keeping dirt and debris from going inside with a small mat to providing color and softness underfoot under a large dining room table, |
| Standard Sizes |
| 150 x 250cm | 250 x 300cm | 300 x 400cm |
