Rug Materials
The fiber decides how a rug feels underfoot, how it wears and how it should be cleaned. We work mainly with four: wool, jute, wool & jute and viscose.
Wool
Our most used fiber. Wool is warm, soft and springy: the fibers bounce back after being walked on, so the rug keeps its look. Natural lanolin in the fiber helps it resist dirt and slows down spills, giving you time to clean up.
Many of our hand-tufted and handloom rugs are made with New Zealand wool, known for its softness and even color.
Jute
A plant fiber spun from the stalk of the jute plant. Strong, coarse and earthy, with a natural golden-brown color. Jute feels firm underfoot and brings texture to a room.
It does not like water: moisture can stain and weaken it. Keep jute rugs in dry rooms.
Wool & Jute
The texture of jute with the softness of wool. The wool adds color and comfort; the jute adds structure and a natural look. Most of our wool & jute rugs are flatweaves, so they are thin, light and easy to move.
Viscose
A fiber made from wood pulp, sometimes sold as art silk or bamboo silk. It has a silk-like sheen and feels very soft.
It is also delicate. Viscose crushes under heavy use, marks easily with water and is harder to clean. Choose it for quiet rooms where it will be admired more than walked on.
Compare materials
| Material | Feel | Durability | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Soft, springy | High | Most rooms, including busy ones | Vacuum weekly; blot spills |
| Jute | Coarse, firm | Medium | Dry, low-spill rooms | Keep dry; blot spills at once |
| Wool & Jute | Textured, softer than jute | Medium to high | Living and dining rooms | Keep dry; vacuum weekly |
| Viscose | Silky, very soft | Low | Bedrooms, quiet rooms | No water; professional cleaning only |
Common questions
Is a wool rug good for homes with kids and pets?
Yes. Wool is one of the most forgiving fibers: it is resilient, hides everyday dirt well and cleans up easily if you act quickly on spills. A dense, lower pile is easiest to keep clean.
Is a jute rug soft?
Jute is firm and textured rather than soft. If you want the natural look with a softer feel, choose a wool & jute rug.
Why does my new wool rug shed?
Loose fibers left from trimming the pile work their way out in the first weeks. It is normal and slows with regular vacuuming. How to handle shedding.
Can a viscose rug get wet?
Avoid it. Water can leave marks and flatten the pile. Blot spills right away with a dry cloth and use a professional rug cleaner for deep cleaning.
Keep reading
- Weaving Techniques — Hand-knotted, hand-tufted, handloom and flatweave. What each one means for you.
- How a Rug Is Made — From yarn to finished rug, step by step.
- Rug Care — Everyday care, spills, shedding and deep cleaning.