Polyester vs Seagrass rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Seagrass is smooth, firm, slightly slippery and fairly water resistant for a natural fibre. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Seagrass | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Smooth, firm, slightly slippery |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Good |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Fairly water resistant for a natural fibre |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Vacuum; wipe spills |
| Shedding | Minimal | Low |
| Fade resistance | Good | Ages to a warmer tone |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | Living rooms, dining rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Natural plant fibre (grown in water) |
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 seagrass
Seagrass: smooth, firm, slightly slippery underfoot, good in traffic, and typically used in living rooms, dining rooms. Cleaning: vacuum; wipe spills.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and seagrass for living rooms, dining rooms. 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 seagrass. We do not currently stock seagrass 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 seagrass better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Seagrass suits living rooms, dining rooms.
Which is softer, polyester or seagrass?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Seagrass feels smooth, firm, slightly slippery.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or seagrass?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Seagrass: Vacuum; wipe spills.
Which lasts longer, polyester or seagrass?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Seagrass: Good.
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.