WOOL
Wool is an incredibly resilient natural fiber that comes from the shearing of sheep (and sometimes other animals like alpacas, goats or llamas). It is graded by the length of individual hairs and where that hair comes from on the animal’s body. The best wool often comes from the neck, belly and sections under the legs of the sheep, where it tends to be finer, softer and longer. Climate and habitat also contribute to the quality of wool, and most of Flooring India’s stock is sourced from India and New Zealand.
Why Choose Wool?
- Most high quality wool is strong and durable, while still soft to the touch
- Resistant to water, dirt and stains, so easier to maintain than other materials
- Absorbs moisture and dries out without developing mold or mildew – ideal in humid climates
- Easy to dye and holds colour well
- It is an elastic fibre, marks from foot traffic can be easily brushed out
- An excellent insulator
- As a natural fibre, harvesting wool is more eco friendly than creating synthetic fibres
- Great at hiding dirt and looks cleaner and better for longer than other fibres
Other Considerations
- Wool is comparatively more expensive than many other fibres
- Some people are allergic to wool
- New wool rugs shed loose fibres for the first few months of use
- Care must be taken when storing wool rugs to prevent them from being eaten by moths
POLYESTER FIBERS
Polyester fibers play a vital role in the creation of high-quality rugs, offering a plethora of benefits that contribute to both the aesthetics and functionality of the final product.
- Durability: Polyester fibers are known for their exceptional durability, making them well-suited for use in rugs that endure heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. Their resistance to abrasion ensures that the rug maintains its beauty and integrity over time, even in high-traffic areas.
- Stain Resistance: Polyester fibers have inherent stain-resistant properties, making them ideal for rugs that are prone to spills and accidents. This resilience to stains allows for easy cleanup and maintenance, ensuring that the rug remains looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.
- Color Retention: Polyester fibers have excellent color retention properties, meaning that rugs made from polyester maintain their vibrant hues and patterns even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and frequent cleaning. This ensures that the rug retains its original beauty and appeal for an extended period.
- Softness: Polyester fibers are inherently soft to the touch, creating a luxurious and comfortable feel underfoot. Rugs crafted from polyester offer a plush and inviting surface that adds warmth and coziness to any room, making them a popular choice for areas where comfort is paramount.
- Versatility: Polyester fibers can be engineered to mimic the look and feel of natural materials such as wool or silk, offering a wide range of design possibilities. Whether you prefer a traditional, ornate rug or a modern, minimalist design, polyester fibers can be tailored to suit any aesthetic preference.
- Affordability: Compared to natural fibers like wool or silk, polyester fibers are generally more affordable, making rugs crafted from polyester a cost-effective option for budget-conscious consumers. This accessibility allows homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality rug without breaking the bank.
SILK
Silk is a filament fiber formed from proteins secreted by Bombyx mori, or silkworms. Silkworms are not actually worms, but caterpillars, despite their common name. Humans have practiced silk production, which originated in China, for thousands of years. Highly prized for its softness, insulating properties, and strength, the fiber is a natural animal product and therefore quite expensive. Making it requires monitoring and feeding the silkworms constantly, and a great deal of effort results in a surprisingly small amount of thread.
Silk is a natural fibre harvested from the cocoons of either cultivated or wild silkworms. It requires great skill to weave silk rugs, and they are often true investment pieces.
Silk is a natural fibre harvested from the cocoons of either cultivated or wild silkworms. It requires great skill to weave silk rugs, and they are often true investment pieces.
Why Choose Silk?
- Silk rugs are often the softest you will find, and have an elegant finish
- Relatively durable and can last a lifetime with proper care
- Natural lustre and shine in the finished rug
- Silk takes dye very well, which allows for beautiful colour variation
Other Considerations
- Silk is a relatively expensive fibre
- Because it is less elastic than wool, footprints and furniture marks show easily
- Silk is not as stain resistant as other fibers, so care needs to be taken around the rug
VISCOSE / ART SILK
We use a very high twist Viscose Yarn due to which there is no shreding or very minimal shreding.
Art silk is short for artificial silk. It is manufactured by a synthetic fiber like Rayon that very much resembles the silk fiber; however, costs a lot less on the front of manufacture and production.These man-made fibres are created from plant material. While they were originally created to mimic more expensive natural silk, they are now often desirable in their own right.
Art silk is short for artificial silk. It is manufactured by a synthetic fiber like Rayon that very much resembles the silk fiber; however, costs a lot less on the front of manufacture and production.These man-made fibres are created from plant material. While they were originally created to mimic more expensive natural silk, they are now often desirable in their own right.
Why Choose Viscose/Art Silk?
- Art Silk adds lustre and shimmer to designs
- Both are soft to the touch
- Both are easy to dye
Other Considerations
- Fibres may be easily flattened by heavy furniture
- Both are harder to clean than wool or cotton
Fibres
The fibre used to weave a rug affects the end look and feel of the finished product.It also has an impact on the durability of a rug, and the uses it’s suited for.