The best material for area rugs according to their types : Depending on their material, there are many types of rugs to choose from. If you are concerned about the quality, traceability, or warmth of the products you buy when decorating your home, you must know what material they are made with before making a decision.
What are the best material for area rugs?

Here is a small guide to all the types of rugs according to their material so that you can make the right choice.
Natural rugs or synthetic rugs?
This is the first difference you should know. Carpets have traditionally been made with natural raw materials such as wool, silk, or cotton, and in recent times, also with natural fibers such as jute, sisal, coconut, and hemp. However, modern technologies have also made it possible to artificially create synthetic fibers based on the transformation of chemical substances, mainly petroleum, which makes it possible to manufacture inexpensive textiles. These are called synthetic carpets.
You can choose between one or the other based on your taste, expectations, and budget. Next, we will list all the materials, classifying them according to their origin, natural or not.
Types of natural rugs
The best materials for rugs are, without a doubt, natural ones, both of animal origin (wool and silk) and plant origin (cotton, jute…). All of these materials have undoubted advantages, including a series of intrinsic qualities that have allowed them to survive modern innovations in carpet manufacturing.
Let’s get to know them closely and see what properties are attributed to each of the materials from which the rugs are made.
1. Wool rugs
Wool rugs are the undisputed queens of the house for their touch and warmth. In addition, these rugs have insulating, acoustic, and thermal properties and regulate environmental humidity, so their use can be extended practically throughout the year, contrary to what some people think.
100% pure wool rugs are also a type of rug that contributes to the hygiene of the spaces in which they are located since they are antibacterial and anti-allergic. They can help improve indoor air quality by regulating humidity (they have a high hygroscopic capacity) and preventing the proliferation of dust mites, one of the main sources of allergies, both in humans and pets.
Other characteristics include preventing the accumulation of electrostatic charges, being fire retardant, and being self-extinguishing, which is attributed to the high amount of water and nitrogen in their composition.
Another advantage of wool rugs is that they recover their original appearance, no matter how much you walk over them or whether you place tables or sofa legs on them.
2. Silk rugs
Natural silk is the most exclusive material for creating rugs. Silk rugs are highly appreciated for their high quality, softness, and resistance. Hand-knotted Persian rugs are the most recognized for the resistance of their warp, made with a Persian knot, and the delicate compositions and drawings that give them personality and beauty.
Wool and silk are also often mixed to create natural rugs of great warmth.
3. Cotton rugs
Cotton rugs have become important in our homes due to their functionality and affordable price. Cotton is a very resistant natural fiber and, at the same time, delicate on the skin. This type of rug can be wet cleaned (it can even be washed), which has made it one of the most valued alternatives for the general public to decorate their homes.
Cotton rugs are available in all colors and designs since it is a raw material that supports dyeing very well.
4. Natural fiber rugs
Jute, sisal, coconut, hemp, and others are easily available plant fibers that are widely used for carpets. It is a safe resource for decorating informal and carefree environments that do not want to be overloaded. One of their virtues, from a decorative point of view, is that they combine well with everything.
All our jute rugs are made by hand with totally natural raw materials, so they are biodegradable once we get rid of them, which is not usually the case since they are extremely resistant and durable.
Types of synthetic carpets
Synthetic rugs have become an economical and resistant option when you must dress on a certain floor but have a low budget. They are made of propylene, polyester, polyamide, and vinyl, based on petroleum derivatives processed to create textile fibers.
Synthetic carpets are characterized by their long life and easy care, but they are also neither sustainable nor biodegradable and—very important and little known—barely “hygroscopic.” This means that, by not regulating humidity, as wool rugs do, they are too cold in winter and hot in summer, just the opposite of what is expected of them. They are a suitable option for those cases in which temporary decoration is sought.
What are the best rugs?
The best rugs are made with the natural raw materials we have discussed. Wool rugs, silk rugs, and plant fiber rugs, including cotton, are, without a doubt, the winning alternatives in terms of price-quality ratio, even though their price range is very wide. You’ll be surprised at how affordable some options are!
The most exclusive rugs are considered investments, as their value increases over the years. The simplest natural rugs are a worthy, durable, and decorative option to enhance your home.
At WhatsMyRugSize, we have the best oriental rugs and the most varied assortment of natural rugs reviewed, all of which are made in the countries where the world production of handmade rugs is concentrated: Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, India…
If you need the best rugs to dress the floors of your home, do not hesitate to visit our review category. At WhatsMyRugSize, we have the largest collection of reviews of classic and modern rugs of all-natural materials, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Your home and help you make it unique. Talk later?

I am Zuhe Honorata Ejsmont, I have over 8 years of experience working with rugs and carpets, and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned through my blog. I’m passionate about helping people find the perfect rug to fit their style and needs. I focus on clear, easy-to-understand advice about different materials, designs, and care tips.
Currently, I serve as a co-founder of WhatsMyRugsize.com. When I’m not writing, I love exploring local markets to discover unique rugs and adding new touches to my own home.