Rugs are made with different kinds of materials. However, wool and cotton are two of the most commonly used materials in rugs. So, if you want ace your game of buying modern or traditional rugs, you should know more about these two materials. Here is a face off between wool and cotton rugs.
Wool Rugs Vs Cotton Rugs
Material Composition
Before getting into the nitty gritty of both materials and finding out which rug is the best, the basics are really important to go over. The composition of a rug material makes or breaks it. There is a lot of consideration that goes into choosing the perfect material based on the composition because usually, the strength, durability, sustainability, and everything in between lies in how the material is made.
Wool Rugs
Wool is essentially obtained from sheep fiber. The fluffy, poofy, and light wool that covers the majority of the sheep’s body is what this very luxurious material is made out of. Wool is thick and dense, so it doesn’t absorb water as quickly.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton is obtained from the cotton plant. It also consists of fibers, but it’s way more lightweight and easier to deal with. Cotton is less dense than wool and rugs made out of it are also very easy to maintain.
Unlike wool, cotton can absorb water quickly, which can lead to stain production. However, cleaning cotton rugs is a breeze and you won’t have to slave over them, which makes cotton rugs an amazing choice. Cotton is also not as thick, so it can’t absorb vibrations and sounds like wool does.
Strength
Strength equals durability and longevity. A rug has to be durable to last long and materials are the key component that imparts strength.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs have impeccable durability thanks to the fiber structure and the thick feel. This is what makes wool rugs great for areas with a lot of foot traffic and even the outdoors. The resistance of wool rugs and the ability to withstand certain harsh environments like hot and rainy seasons makes them an overall great choice for most parts of the house or office. If you’re looking for a rug that will last long, then wool is the best rug material.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs are also quite durable given their reasonable price and manageable weight. They’re not as durable as wool rugs in a side-by-side comparison because the fibers are thinner and these rugs are prone to breakage and fraying, especially if they’re at the mercy of pets.
Cotton rugs are great to put in bedrooms, guest rooms, and places where there is low foot traffic. They sustain wonderfully in these areas. They’re not the best if you want to put them in bathrooms, kitchens, or patios because water, moisture, and the sun can ruin cotton rugs over time. For outdoor, you should choose a synthetic material that can withstand the elements.
Color Payoff & Stain Resistance
One of the biggest factors that need to be considered when buying a rug is the color payoff and vibrancy. The color needs to be potent, rich, and long-lasting, otherwise, it can fade out and the look just won’t be the same.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are known to be very vibrant and their colors last a long time. The reasons are multiple. Firstly, the strands of wool hold onto the color pigments better and they seldom fade away after dry cleaning.
Secondly, since many wool rugs are handmade, the strands are mostly dyed with natural pigments that are locally sourced. So, they’re longer-lasting than chemical dyes.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs can be handmade or machine-made. However, these rugs don’t hold a candle to their woolen counterparts. Cotton rugs’ thinner strands can’t hold onto the color as strongly, which might cause the rug to fade out in color over time, especially if you machine-wash it.
Also, since these rugs are cheaper, they’re dyed using chemical dyes which can’t last nearly as long as naturally sourced pigments.
As far as stain resistance is concerned, wool rugs tend to allow the liquid to pool on the surface and prevent penetration, whereas cotton rugs absorb liquid way more quickly, which can lead to stains.
Price
Price is a huge factor that is the main priority for a lot of people, no matter what the other qualities are.
Wool Rugs
Woolen rugs are considered to be extremely expensive and they are not something that can be afforded by everyone. An average woolen area rug will cost anywhere between $400 to $800.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs, on the other hand, are quite reasonable in price. An average cotton area rug can cost you anywhere between $100 to $300, which is quite affordable for a lot of people.
Variety And Looks
A rug should have the appearance of a showstopping decorative article, all the while blending in with the rest of the décor seamlessly.
Wool Rugs
Woolen rugs are very beautiful in appearance and their designs are to die for. Wool Persian and Oriental rugs have a statement of their own and they can leave people in awe. The rich and potent colors, the beautiful and intricate motifs, the mandalas and floral designs, and the side fringes add a beautiful element of elegance and opulence. No matter where you put handmade wool rugs, they will surely impress.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs are also beautiful and they have an appeal that a major chunk of people adore. These rugs have a lot more variety than wool rugs since there are traditional and contemporary designs. You can go for heavily embroidered rugs, minimal rugs, plain rugs with no patterns and the list goes on.
Traditional wool rugs, in some people’s opinion, can have a monotonous and extravagant design that isn’t the cup of tea for everyone. So, they tend to go for cotton rugs that are a bit more subtle and modern.
Care And Maintenance
The maintenance of a rug is another crucial factor. If you maintain a rug properly, then that’s going to make it last longer, but you also don’t want to make maintenance the center of everything because let’s be real, not everyone wants to waste their day cleaning and caring for their rugs.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs need a lot of maintenance and care if you want them to stay in pristine condition for longer. They need to be vacuumed carefully. They’re heavy and hard to move around and it is not a one-man job. So, if you want to get your hands on wool rugs, then you need to commit to the high maintenance that they need.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs are easy to clean and take care of. Since they’re light and thin, they can be washed easily and there’s no need for dry cleaning. Stains can be removed with a bit of a washing detergent and a wet washcloth and they are very easy to move around as well. This very fact gives cotton rugs extra brownie points.
Conclusion
Cotton and wool rugs each have their own sets of merits and demerits and it depends on the preference, at the end of the day, as to which rug is the best. Have a look at some amazing handmade rugs VA crafted with wool and cotton fibers.
