Polyester vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Acrylic is soft, wool-like and fairly resistant. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Minimal | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Good | Good |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Synthetic |
About polyester
Polyester rugs are soft to the touch and take dye well, so colours stay vivid and the pile can be made very silky or deep and shaggy. Polyester does not absorb water readily, which makes many spills easy to blot, although oily stains cling to it. It is usually lighter and more affordable than wool and does not shed in the same way, but the pile can flatten in heavy traffic over time.
About acrylic
Acrylic: soft, wool-like underfoot, moderate; can pill in traffic, and typically used in bedrooms, budget wool alternative. Cleaning: easy; mild detergent.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and acrylic for bedrooms, budget wool alternative. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (polyester) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 394 rugs in polyester and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
Fes FE01 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE02 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE04 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE05 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polyester or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, polyester or acrylic?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or acrylic?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, polyester or acrylic?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Acrylic: Moderate; can pill.
Related pages
Prices, stock and exact specifications change, so always check the product page before you order: every product page lists the maker's size, material, construction and care details. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you have 14 days to change your mind. See delivery and returns.