A rug that complements the interior – how to choose one that suits the function and style of your apartment

What types of carpets are there?

First, it’s worth distinguishing between natural and synthetic rugs. Natural rugs, whether hand-woven or machine-made, are composed of wool, silk, or cotton. Synthetic rugs, on the other hand, are composed of polyamide, polypropylene, or acrylic fibers.

NATURAL CARPETS:

• Wool rugs are soft to the touch and stain-resistant. They’re perfect for bedrooms, offices, and anywhere you need a quiet space. But that’s not all! Wool rugs are abrasion- and deformation-resistant, making them equally suitable for spaces that are frequently used. What else is worth knowing? Wool rugs are antistatic and hygroscopic. If there’s excess moisture in the room, the wool rug will absorb it and gradually release it when the air becomes too dry.

• Silk rugs are obtained from silkworm cocoons. They are the most expensive, but also the most durable. Silk is the thinnest fiber used in rug production, which is why silk rugs are incredibly dense. The rugs themselves are lighter than wool rugs and more allergy-friendly. Furthermore, silk rugs are also stain-resistant.

• Cotton rugs are soft to the touch, breathable, and antistatic. They can be beautifully colored, but they are also more difficult to keep clean. Be careful not to over-wet them when cleaning, as they can warp. Furthermore, cotton rugs are lightweight and flat, preventing furniture from leaving marks and making them ideal for pets, which might pull on traditional loop pile rugs.

SYNTHETIC CARPETS:

• Polypropylene rugs are highly resistant to abrasion and deformation, maintaining their quality for a long time. Made of synthetic fiber, they are resistant to microbes and insects. They do not burn, but only melt, making them ideal for homes with smokers or rental properties. Furthermore, polypropylene rugs can be cleaned with chemicals.

• Polyamide rugs are the most durable and least abrasive, but are similarly susceptible to static electricity. Like polypropylene rugs, they can be cleaned with chemicals.

• Acrylic rugs are as soft to the touch as wool rugs and provide excellent heat insulation. Acrylic fibers are electrostatic and resistant to cleaning agents, making them suitable for dry cleaning. Refined acrylic fibers can imitate silk. Additionally, acrylic rugs are characterized by vibrant colors and resistance to sunlight.

• Viscose rugs are similar in appearance to silk rugs, with a beautiful shine and the fluffiness of wool. This makes them a popular choice. However, it’s worth remembering that viscose rugs don’t like liquids and can easily warp under furniture. They’re not recommended for frequently used spaces, but rather for less frequent use, such as bedrooms.

• Pay attention to the density of the material; the higher the density, the easier it is to remove dirt from the surface.

• If possible, try to match the color of the carpet to your pet’s fur. This will make the fur less visible

• Choose easy-to-clean rugs. Synthetic rugs that can be dry-cleaned are ideal choices.

• If a synthetic rug isn’t your thing, look for one that’s flat-woven. It’s easy to clean, and pets won’t be able to pull it up.

• Although no salesperson will tell you this, some synthetic rugs are difficult to clean, even with a vacuum cleaner. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to test a particular rug in a store to see how it will perform, so it’s worth equipping your vacuum cleaner with a turbo brush or silicone attachment

• They look beautiful and are soft, but they can be very impractical. We’re talking about long-pile rugs, also known as shaggy rugs. These rugs require frequent vacuuming to maintain their shape and elasticity, yet pet hair and dirt can penetrate the pile.

• If you have children in your home, you should especially consider carpets that are allergy-friendly and easy to clean. While not every child has allergies, most of a child’s playtime during the early years of adolescence takes place on the carpet. Therefore, it’s important to choose a material that doesn’t attract excess dust and dirt.

Currently, most carpets are made from synthetic or recycled fibers. Similar to carpets, we can find carpets made from polyamide and polypropylene fibers in stores. These materials are easy to clean and resistant to deformation. They are also easy to dye and retain their color over time.

You can also find older polyester carpets, which are less durable (but usually more affordable), and acrylic carpets. The latter have soft and flexible fibers, but are not very resistant to deformation and abrasion.