What Rug Material Is Best For You?

Not sure what rug material works best? One Kings Lane shares tips on the best rug material for every person.

Figuring out what rug material is best for your space is essential. It's important to consider how a space will be used, what kind of traffic it will receive, and how much coziness you desire. Check out our quick guide to the most commonly used materials for rugs and the pros and cons of each, below.

The most common material used for rugs, wool is prized for its durability and softness.

Why we love it: Strong; good stain and water repellency; excellent insulating properties; cozy underfoot

Things to consider: Not good for damp places as it absorbs humidity; subject to fading

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic areas

Luxurious and lustrous, silk rugs are adored for their softness and subtle sheen.

Why we love it: Very soft and sumptuous feel; finer details than wool

Things to consider: Requires professional cleaning; can show footprints

Best for: Bedrooms, low-traffic areas

It's most frequently used to make flat-weave rugs such as dhurries and kilims.

Why we love it: Generally more affordable than wool or silk; easy to clean

Things to consider: Doesn't always wear well over long periods of time

Best for: Kitchens, children's rooms, casual spaces

Durable, natural grasses and other fibers combine neutral, earthy palettes and rich textures, making them the ultimate design chameleons.

Why we love it: Very strong; renewable; typically free from chemical processing

Things to consider: Some varieties can be coarse and difficult to clean

Best for: Living rooms, high-traffic and sunny areas

Available as complete hides, stitched panels, or woven strips of tanned leather.

Why we love it: Both soft and durable; unique pieces (especially hides); generally easy to clean

Things to consider: Not great for damp or humid areas

Best for: Bedrooms, offices, dens, low-traffic areas

Man-made fibers including viscose, nylon, and polypropylene. They have been improved over the years to mimic the characteristics of natural fibers.

Why we love it: Easy to clean; family-friendly; can be used in damp environments; many types can be used outdoors

Things to consider: Doesn't always feel luxurious

Best for: Hallways, outdoors (note: not all synthetic rugs are suitable for outdoor use), high-traffic and sunny areas