How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

When it comes to interior design, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Not only must you think about the color (where the majority of people spend their time), but also the theme or style, the materials, the size, and the price of your design choices. This is a very enjoyable process for most people, but there are certain key elements that even seasoned experts overlook from time to time. One of those elements is the environment in which you live.

How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

In ancient times, people were limited in the colors and textures they could use. Without the advancements in technology that we today take for granted, people had to use the materials that came to hand, and focused on the function, more than the form. As technology progressed, the emphasis shifted from the practical to the beautiful, and people began to consider their home decor more for how it looked than what it could do for them.

But with the economy being what it is, and more families working on tighter budgets than ever before, I think it’s high time we returned to the lessons that our ancestors can teach us. In particular, they understood that different materials fit better in certain environments, and could help to keep themselves cooler or warmer, depending on the environment, particularly in their choice of rugs.

Armed with this same knowledge, we can make an informed decision when choosing a rug that will not only be beautiful for your home, but help you save money on your heating bill.

Leather Rugs

Leather is a durable material that is very resistant to a wide variety of elements. It serves as a natural buffer against dirt and moisture, making it perfect for places that see a large percentage of rain, and as a result, a lot of mud. At the same time, leather is extremely breathable, having been made from animal skin (or mimicked through synthetic leather), and will help control sweating.

However, because of its porous nature, some leather doesn’t insulate heat very well, and may not be a good choice for colder living conditions. In fact, leather will dry out quickly if justify close to heat sources, or exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Wool Rugs

Wool has been a staple of rugs for centuries, ever since humans started to domestic livestock. A thick and durable material, wool is perfect for insulating heat, and keeping dirt and moisture at bay. If you live in an environment that stays cold or cool year round, wool is the natural insulator that will help you save on your heating costs. Wool is also easy to color, meaning that wool rugs come in a wide variety of beautiful designs, and you’ll be sure to find one that not only keeps your family warm, but fits naturally in your home.

Using several wool rugs, you can insulate the key points in your home where you and your family tend to congregate, like the living room. Be aware: wool is difficult to maintain, can feel itchy, and can trigger allergies and sensitive skin.

Cotton

One of the most commonly used materials in the world, cotton is among the softest of decor materials, and one of the coolest. Even in the thickest of weaves, cotton rugs are extremely breathable, meaning that these kinds of rugs are perfect for conditions where the temperature ranges from warm to hot consistently.

The only real downside to cotton is that it can be damaged easily, and isn’t very resistant to stains. To maintain your cotton rug over the years, use them in areas that don’t see the most traffic in your home, but where you still want to have a sense of comfort, and keep the temperature down, like your bedroom.

About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.