If you ask design experts, many say that some of the most popular types of rugs are made of materials best avoided. However, these same experts explain that there are very specific reasons behind their lists of fibers to avoid in rugs and carpets. As a simple example, one expert noted that sisal rugs are all of the rage in many design magazines, websites and books. Yet that material does tend to stain easily and can even “shed” little pieces of its natural fiber, making it one of the fibers that particular designer suggest you avoid.
Purpose Is Important
Yet, that makes it plain that a list of the fibers to avoid in rugs and carpets is never a universal one, but is instead based on one major question:
What is the purpose of the rug?
After all, we see those sisal rugs everywhere because it is an attractive material, good for the environment, and flexible in terms of the style of the rooms in which it works. You would really only want to avoid it in spaces where it might be easily stained, such as a kitchen, but it would be fine for almost any other room in the house. There are even stain resistant, non-skid backed options in sisal created to work around arguments that it is one of the fibers to avoid in rugs and carpets.
Sensitivity Is Key
Of course, that does not mean that there is no list of fibers to avoid in rugs and carpets. After all, some materials are easily destroyed with the tiniest amounts of water. These are often rugs of great value, such as stunning silk rugs. Though they might work well in a luxurious space, they are really not at all suited to many “everyday life” scenarios. It is why viscose rugs are so popular since they have a similar feel and look but are remarkably durable.
Think Performance
So, we know that some materials are best avoided if they are going to be exposed to high risks of stain, water spills or wear and tear. Yet, we also discovered that there are alternatives, too. Sisal can be found in styles durable enough to be indoor/outdoor rugs. We learned that silk is not the most practical, but that viscose and even other synthetics are a good substitute. We might also read complaints from designers about cotton rugs because they, too, can be easily stained or damaged.
Yet, that is when you choose a low-cost option rather than a cotton rug designed to perform. Essentially, the type of fibers to avoid in rugs and carpets are those that are not meant for your specific purpose. The fibers you choose will typically determine just how long that carpet is going to last, look good, hold its color, and so on. With so many new materials, such as nylon, viscose and polyester, along with the timelessness of wool rugs, you don’t have to worry about a limited range of choices or styles.
