Polyester vs Viscose rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Very soft and silky with sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Poor; water marks and weakens it |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Specialist cleaning recommended |
| Shedding | Minimal | Can shed and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Good | Can yellow or fade in strong sun |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) |
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 viscose
Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre with a silky sheen, sometimes sold as art silk. It looks luxurious and feels smooth, but it is delicate: water can cause marks and the pile can crush or flatten. Viscose rugs are best in low-traffic rooms such as bedrooms and formal lounges, and need specialist cleaning.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal 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 2 in viscose.
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
Blade Border Rug in Putty & CharcoalViscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Blade Border Rug in Putty & SilverViscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polyester or viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms.
Which is softer, polyester or viscose?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or viscose?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended.
Which lasts longer, polyester or viscose?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in 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.