Polyester vs Nylon rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Nylon is soft and resilient and good, though some dyes can stain. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Soft and resilient |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Excellent; very resilient synthetic |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Good, though some dyes can stain |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Easy |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Good | Moderate to good |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | High-traffic areas, stairs, hallways |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Synthetic (polyamide) |
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 nylon
Nylon: soft and resilient underfoot, excellent; very resilient synthetic in traffic, and typically used in high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. Cleaning: easy.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and nylon for high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. 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 nylon. We do not currently stock nylon 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 nylon better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Nylon suits high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways.
Which is softer, polyester or nylon?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Nylon feels soft and resilient.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or nylon?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Nylon: Easy.
Which lasts longer, polyester or nylon?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Nylon: Excellent; very resilient synthetic.
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.