Polypropylene vs Seagrass rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent 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
| Polypropylene | Seagrass | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Smooth, firm, slightly slippery |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Good |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Fairly water resistant for a natural fibre |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Vacuum; wipe spills |
| Shedding | Minimal | Low |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Ages to a warmer tone |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | Living rooms, dining rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Natural plant fibre (grown in water) |
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 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 polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and seagrass for living rooms, dining rooms. 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 seagrass. We do not currently stock seagrass 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 seagrass better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Seagrass suits living rooms, dining rooms.
Which is softer, polypropylene or seagrass?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Seagrass feels smooth, firm, slightly slippery.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or seagrass?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Seagrass: Vacuum; wipe spills.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or seagrass?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. 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.