One of the most noticeable things about rugs is the fibers and textures they’re made out of. Yet, how much do you know about seagrass, jute, bamboo, or acrylic? Take a look!
Bamboo
Bamboo is a rather exotic material, being found in China. Bamboo itself is a plant that is probably best known as the favorite food of pandas. But its fibers can also be made into textiles and floor coverings as well. Bamboo rugs are surprisingly durable, so you can use them in high-traffic areas in your home. Bamboo is a neutral beige brown color, so it can mix and match well with styles ranging from traditional to modern. Sometimes bamboo may have a bordered edge that comes in different colors like brown or green. They are also easy to keep clean and care for.
Wool
Wool is one of the most popular materials, for its natural durability, its beauty, its color variety, and its strong fibers. Wool, of course, comes from sheep. Many modern wool rugs are actually wool blends, being combined with silk or cotton. This is done since they tend to be quite expensive. The extra blends also can make them softer, since natural wool tends to be a scratchy fiber. Wool is one of the most versatile choices for texture, and changing your décor look is as simple as purchasing a new rug. One of their most incredible qualities is its long-lasting durability. They survive in excellent condition from over 100 years ago, so purchasing one can often be an investment, like an heirloom piece of furniture.
Acrylic
Acrylic feels similar to wool rugs. But as opposed to wool, which are made from natural fibers, acrylic is made from a synthetic, man-made plastic fiber. However, this does give them a distinct advantage over wool, in that they are easier to clean and also dry quickly. They are also mold and mildew resistant, ideal for busy homes in humid climates. Acrylic is a fiber that is very easy to dye and holds color extremely well. For all of these reasons, acrylic has become one of the most popular materials used. You can find one made from acrylic in just about every size and color combination imaginable.
Jute
Jute is a strong, durable, and eco friendly fiber that has become a popular material due to its green living properties. It is actually a plant fiber, similar to bamboo fibers or cotton bolls. The plant that produces jute fibers also produces the fibers in burlap. Jute is susceptible to mold and mildew, so the worst thing for them is to get wet. Keep them away from all moisture, and also do not steam clean or wet clean jute rugs. However, jute rugs are quite easy to maintain otherwise, since their fibers naturally repel dirt and dust. So, a regular vacuuming is an excellent way to keep jute rugs maintained and clean. Jute fibers can be twisted to create braided rugs as well. Jute is relatively inexpensive to harvest, so jute rugs are economical for all price ranges. Jute rugs are usually left in their natural light brown color, but the fibers can be dyed as well. Most jute rugs are made in India, since that’s where the plants naturally grow.
Seagrass
As you can probably guess from its name, seagrass is another plant fiber like jute and bamboo. Seagrass is mostly found in marine environments. Due to the harsh environments around the seaside, seagrass is tough to withstand the harsh winds and heavy amounts of salt in the air. This makes seagrass unusually suited as a material, since they need to be durable enough to stand up to heavy traffic areas. Like jute, seagrass is also found in large quantities in China and India, making it very affordable. As opposed to polypropylene, seagrass are usually not chemically treated, making them an earth friendly choice for green homes. Seagrass floor coverings come in many colors and can also be braided rugs.
These are just some of the different rug materials you can choose from. Depending on your home’s needs, you can find a perfect one to complement your décor.