Polypropylene vs Nylon rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent with water; Nylon is soft and resilient and good, though some dyes can stain. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Polypropylene | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Soft and resilient |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Excellent; very resilient synthetic |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Good, though some dyes can stain |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Easy |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Moderate to good |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | High-traffic areas, stairs, hallways |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Synthetic (polyamide) |
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 nylon
Nylon: soft and resilient underfoot, excellent; very resilient synthetic in traffic, and typically used in high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. Cleaning: easy.
Which should you choose?
Choose polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and nylon for high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. 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 nylon. We do not currently stock nylon 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 nylon better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Nylon suits high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways.
Which is softer, polypropylene or nylon?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Nylon feels soft and resilient.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or nylon?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Nylon: Easy.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or nylon?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. Nylon: Excellent; very resilient synthetic.
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.