Polyester vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills with water; Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polyester | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, often silky | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills; holds oil | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Easy; many are washable | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Minimal | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Good | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
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 wool and viscose
Wool and viscose blends pair the resilience of wool with the sheen of viscose, giving a soft, lustrous look that changes with the light. The viscose element is sensitive to water and can mark or lose its sheen if soaked, so these rugs suit living rooms and bedrooms rather than kitchens or entrances. Blot spills straight away and use a specialist cleaner for anything significant.
Which should you choose?
Choose polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. 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 16 in wool and 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
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SageWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CharcoalWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SandWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CopperWool & viscose · 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polyester or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, polyester or wool and viscose?
Polyester feels soft, often silky; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, polyester or wool and viscose?
Polyester: Easy; many are washable. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, polyester or wool and viscose?
Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose.
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.