Rug FAQ: What’s the Best Rug Material?

When it comes to rug materials, you have a lot of options. Choosing the right one comes down to where and how you’re planning to use it. Is it going in a high-traffic or low-traffic area? How worried are you about spills and other potentially stain-causing messes? (In other words, do you have children and/or pets?) Are you trying to set a vibe that’s more casual, or more luxe? And, are you planning to sit or walk barefoot on your rug? Depending on your answers, here are the best rug materials for you.

P.S. Once you’ve landed on a couple of promising rug materials, be sure to order samples “so you can feel them, see the color in person, and test them with a few spills,” suggests Grey Joyner, the founder of Grey Joyner Interiors.

If you want something durable and stain-resistant: Wool

Wool is “durable, stylish, and naturally stain-resistant,” making it ideal for high traffic zones, says Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. Linette Dai, a Luxe 2024 Gold List honoree and founder of Linette Dai Design, agrees, adding that “wool rugs are not only comfortable and plush under the feet, but are also insulating and eco-friendly.” One thing to keep in mind, though? Professionally cleaning costs a pretty penny, so you may want to consider a washable wool rug.

If you want something casual and easy to clean: Cotton

Hayslett says cotton rugs are “cute, casual, and easy to clean, but not made for the long haul.”  “Think throw rugs, not forever rugs.” That said, they can last quite a while if they’re regularly vacuumed and kept out of the sun. 

If you want something textured and traditional: Jute or Sisal

Jute and Sisal are “textural and eco-chic,” says Hayslett—but they also stain easily. Dai adds that due to the rougher texture of these rugs, they’re sometimes better for a dining space or even a laundry room than living or family rooms. 

If you want a luxe vibe: Silk

Perfect for formal living rooms and other occasional spaces, as well as home offices and primary bedrooms, silk rugs are ”soft, shiny, and stunning but delicate,” according to Hayslett. A silk rug in a playroom? “Absolutely not, unless you’ve got money to burn,” she says.  

If you have pets, kids, or friends who spill red wine: Synthetic

Synthetic rugs are those made from materials such as nylon and polyester. On the plus side, they’re affordable, durable, and easy to clean. “They won’t age as gracefully as natural fibers, but they’ll get the job done without you thinking about it getting ruined,” Hayslett says. Put differently? “They’re great for kids, pets, or for those friends who spill red wine.”