Polypropylene vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent with water; Acrylic is soft, wool-like and fairly resistant. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polypropylene | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Minimal | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Good |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Synthetic |
About polypropylene
Polypropylene (also called olefin) is a hard-wearing synthetic fibre that is solution-dyed, so the colour runs right through the fibre and resists fading and bleaching. It absorbs almost no water, which makes it easy to clean and suitable for kitchens, hallways, homes with pets and, in some designs, outdoor use. It is less springy than wool and can crush under heavy furniture.
About acrylic
Acrylic: soft, wool-like underfoot, moderate; can pill in traffic, and typically used in bedrooms, budget wool alternative. Cleaning: easy; mild detergent.
Which should you choose?
Choose polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and acrylic for bedrooms, budget wool alternative. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (polypropylene) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 255 rugs in polypropylene and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
Matrix 85 Arches Rug in AmberPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 86 Arches Rug in ForestPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 87 Arches Rug in BlackPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Alto Shaggy Rug in Cream & GreyPolypropylene · 80 x 240 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is polypropylene or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, polypropylene or acrylic?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or acrylic?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or acrylic?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. Acrylic: Moderate; can pill.
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.