Polyester vs Recycled polyester rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Recycled polyester is soft, similar to polyester and good for water-based spills. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Recycled polyester | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Soft, similar to polyester |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Good for water-based spills |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Easy; some are washable |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Good | Good |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | Living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Synthetic, recycled (usually PET bottles) |
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 recycled polyester
Recycled polyester rugs are made from yarn spun from recycled plastic, typically PET bottles, giving waste plastic a second use. They behave much like standard polyester: soft, colourfast and resistant to water-based spills. Some designs carry certification, which is listed on the product page where it applies.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and recycled polyester for living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes. 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 24 in recycled polyester.
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
Grayson Outdoor Rug in CreamRecycled polyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Grayson Outdoor Rug in GreyRecycled polyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Grayson Outdoor Rug in TaupeRecycled polyester · 200 x 290 cm
Opulence Shaggy Rug in Ivory CreamRecycled polyester · 80 x 150 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polyester or recycled polyester better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Recycled polyester suits living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes.
Which is softer, polyester or recycled polyester?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Recycled polyester feels soft, similar to polyester.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or recycled polyester?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Recycled polyester: Easy; some are washable.
Which lasts longer, polyester or recycled polyester?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Recycled polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic.
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.