Whenever you’re buying rugs, one of the most important things that you look for is the material. Materials for area oriental rugs are of so many varieties, you’re bound to get confused. So, here is what need to know about cotton and silk rugs – two of the most popular rug material after wool.
Cotton Rugs Vs. Silk Rugs
Durability
When buying a rug, you’re not just choosing a rug because it looks good or if it’s what people are getting. You need to choose it based on some factors. So, you want to see first whether the rug is durable and strong or not.
Cotton Rugs
When it comes to cotton rugs, it is a wonderful material for everyday use. It is a lightweight and durable material to handle and you can go as fancy or as minimal as you want with it. There is no worry about shedding as it can be with wool, and it’s just an overall very elegant material that will make the beauty of the rug shine through.
Silk Rugs
Speaking of shine, if you want something more extravagant, but don’t want to go for those bulky wool rugs, then silk rugs are the way to go. Silk rugs are very luxurious. You can see it in their look. It is also a very durable material.
It doesn’t slip and slide on the floor, but it is recommended that you put rug pads underneath it for the full effect and protection. Also, silk rugs last a lot longer than any type of rug, so don’t let the light and shiny material fool you, because it’s anything but fragile.
Ease Of Use
When it comes to choosing a rug material, you also want to figure out whether it’s easy to use or not, because getting a rug that is hard to use and always requires attention is just not it.
Cotton Rugs
As far as cotton rugs are concerned, they are even easier to use and handle than wool rugs. They are lightweight and they’re just overall amazing if you’re looking for something that’s not going to demand a lot.
You can move a cotton area rug on your own and it’s just overall a breeze to work with cotton rugs because they don’t shed, they don’t require a lot and they’re really versatile and friendly when it comes to use.
Silk Rugs
As for silk rugs, they are easy to use. However, some silk rugs are thinner than others, so you will need to be careful about stepping on top of them because they can slip and slide. This is just a characteristic of silk rugs. They’re very slippery and they’re just going to be a lot to handle, especially if you have pets or kids around, because these rugs are easy to skid around the floor.
Look Of The Rug
Another factor that you need to consider when buying a rug or choosing a rug material is the look of the rug. Now, not everything is about strength, longevity, and other things. Sometimes, you just want to get a rug that’s pretty to look at too.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs are not luxurious by any means. They will not look as regal or royal, because they’re just not made that way. They’re more practical and modern. So, if that’s something that bothers you, then maybe get something else, because cotton is a very simple material and even though the designs are beautiful, they still can’t beat other rugs that are out of this world. They are usually low pile rugs but if wool is used with them, they can be high pile.
Silk Rugs
As for silk rugs, the look of these rugs is just so mesmerizing and beautiful that you can’t help but get lost in its beauty. Silk rugs, like other oriental rugs, are just so appealing to the eye, because of their material and the way they’re made.
It’s something that you just have to see for yourself because words can’t do justice. So, if you are a die-hard lover of beautiful and exotic rugs, then silk is what you want to go for.
Handmade Or Not
With rugs, another thing that people look at the most, is the fact whether it’s handmade or machine-made. It might seem like no big deal to you, but it is.
Cotton Rugs
Handmade rugs Virginia are just different and the way they look, feel and last is just amazing compared to any other knotting technique. Cotton rugs are handmade, but usually, they’re available in the machine-made variety because it’s easier. Cotton rugs are used a lot, so it’s smarter to make them on machines because, in that way, mass production is possible. So, this is why cotton is usually available in a lot of varieties and patterns.
Silk Rugs
When it comes to silk rugs, they’re something that you can get once and savor for the rest of your days. They are completely handmade. There are machine-made varieties, but you can see right through them, which is why they’re not as popular as handmade rugs.
Also, the designs and patterns of silk rugs are very characteristic and unique, so you can’t expect these rugs to be found everywhere. They’re a precious commodity that is made to order, so if you want one, then you have to play the waiting game.
Maintenance
A very important thing that you need to consider when it comes to getting a certain material in rugs is maintenance. All materials are great and all, but you don’t want to get a material that requires a lot of maintenance, because then, what’s the point? You’re slaving over the material all day, every day, and not enjoying the actual rug. Where’s the fun in that?
Cotton Rugs
Well, when it comes to cotton rugs, they are the definition of low maintenance. They can be washed by hand, in a washing machine or if they are very big, then you can give them for professional cleaning.
Silk Rugs
As for silk rugs, they are the opposite of low maintenance. Since they’re handmade, you need to take care of the fact that they don’t get stained. You can’t rub the rug too harshly otherwise it might break the knots and strands.
Also, if your rug is at a point where it desperately needs to get cleaned, then you need to get it dry-cleaned otherwise you’re just ruining the rug by yourself. So, yes, silk rugs are beautiful and durable but they demand a lot of attention too.
Price
The price of rug materials is also important to go over.
Cotton Rugs
As for cotton rugs, they’re one of the most reasonable options out there. They’re very cheap and you can get as many as you want. This makes cotton rugs amazing for people who don’t have a lot to spend on rugs.
Silk Rugs
Silk rugs, on the other hand, are luxurious and they’re more like a vintage collector’s item. They are extremely expensive so you can’t think of filling up rooms with rugs because that’s not possible. These qualities make them very opulent.
Conclusion
Silk and cotton – both are amazing rug materials, but each has its own set of qualities and downsides, so it’s better that you take a look at this guide and then decide for yourself. Cotton rugs are easy to manage and clean whereas silk rugs VA are beautiful and luxurious.
