Polypropylene vs Viscose rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent 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
| Polypropylene | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Very soft and silky with sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Low; crushes and wears in traffic |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Poor; water marks and weakens it |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Specialist cleaning recommended |
| Shedding | Minimal | Can shed and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Can yellow or fade in strong sun |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) |
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 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 polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal 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 2 in viscose.
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
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 polypropylene or viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms.
Which is softer, polypropylene or viscose?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or viscose?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or viscose?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. 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.