What type of Floor Rug Should I Buy

What Type of Rugs Should I Buy?

Choosing the right rug can transform a space, adding style, comfort, and personality to your home. From natural fibres to synthetic options, there are many types of rugs to suit your lifestyle, décor, and budget. This guide will help you understand the main rug types, their benefits, and how to care for them.

Cowhide Rugs

For distinctive flooring that’s natural, durable, and easy to maintain, cowhide rugs are hard to beat. Their unique patterns and textures make a bold décor statement, while their soft, satiny touch adds warmth and comfort. Traditionally found in rural homes, cowhide rugs are now a modern favourite for contemporary and rustic spaces alike. Available in classic browns, blacks, whites, and creatively dyed colours, they pair beautifully with wooden or stone floors.

Benefits of Cowhide Rugs:

  • Low maintenance and easy to clean

  • Hypoallergenic, ideal for families with children

  • Stain-resistant and highly durable

  • Becomes softer over time

  • Fade-resistant natural material

Care Tips:
Wipe down with a damp cloth occasionally and remove spills immediately. Keep dyed or stencilled rugs out of direct sunlight. A deep clean once in a while ensures longevity.

Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are an eco-friendly and affordable natural fibre option. Also known as hessian or burlap, jute is durable, attractive, and versatile, suitable for casual or formal settings. Its warm, earthy tones complement hardwood or timber floors, making it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.

Benefits of Jute Rugs:

  • Organic, biodegradable, and sustainable

  • Strong, durable fibre

  • Fade-resistant when dyed

  • Anti-static and dust-repellent

  • Adds natural texture and charm

Care Tips:
Regular vacuuming keeps jute rugs looking fresh. Avoid excessive moisture as jute is absorbent — steam cleaning is not recommended.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs have been cherished for centuries for their durability, softness, and natural beauty. They are excellent insulators of heat and sound, making rooms cosy and inviting. Wool is resilient, spill-resistant, and flame-retardant, with a luxurious feel underfoot.

Benefits of Wool Rugs:

  • Long-lasting and highly durable

  • Naturally soft and comfortable

  • Spill-resistant and flame-retardant

  • Non-allergenic and static-repellent

  • Retains warmth and sound insulation

Care Tips:
Vacuum regularly and clean spills immediately. Occasional professional cleaning will keep your rug in top condition. Wool rugs are an investment — quality pieces can last decades.

Persian and Turkish Rugs

Persian rugs are handwoven masterpieces with intricate designs, often made from fine Iranian wool or silk. They’re prized for durability, elegance, and cultural heritage. Turkish rugs offer bold colours, soft textures, and a variety of styles, including knotted carpets and flatwoven kilims.

Benefits:

  • Handmade and unique, often increasing in value

  • Dense weaving ensures longevity

  • Adds timeless elegance and luxury to any room

  • Suitable for low to medium traffic areas

Care Tips:
Vacuum regularly and deal with spills immediately. Rotate rugs periodically and avoid prolonged direct sunlight.

Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs originate from traditional weaving countries like India, Pakistan, China, and Uzbekistan. Typically made with wool or silk, these rugs are known for hand-knotted or flatwoven techniques, vibrant colours, and unique patterns. Kilim rugs, a type of flatweave, are popular for decorative purposes and are less durable than knotted rugs.

Benefits:

  • Handmade with dense knots for durability

  • Unique patterns add elegance and character

  • Adds visual focal points to rooms

  • Easy to maintain with regular care

Care Tips:
Regular vacuuming, immediate spill cleanup, and occasional rotation preserve appearance and longevity.

Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand weather, UV exposure, and moisture. Made from durable synthetic fibres like polypropylene, nylon, or polyester, they bring comfort and colour to patios, decks, and verandas.

Benefits:

  • Weather, mould, and stain resistant

  • UV fade-resistant

  • Adds comfort and style to outdoor spaces

  • Covers uneven surfaces or imperfections

Care Tips:
Vacuum and brush off debris regularly. Rinse with a hose when needed and allow to dry in shade if possible.

Cowhide, Wool, Jute, or Synthetic — Which Should You Choose?

When selecting a rug, consider:

  • Traffic: Wool and synthetic fibres handle high traffic well.

  • Maintenance: Jute and cowhide require simpler upkeep, while Persian or silk rugs need careful handling.

  • Comfort: Wool and cowhide are soft underfoot.

  • Style: Choose colours and patterns that complement or contrast your room.

How Rugs Are Made

  • Hand-Knotted Rugs: Individual knots are tied by hand; highly durable and collectible.

  • Hand-Tufted Rugs: Yarn is inserted into a base and glued; thick and plush.

  • Machine-Made Rugs: Produced on looms; widely available, cost-effective.

  • Flatweave Rugs: Horizontal fibre weaving, hard-wearing with no pile.