Polypropylene vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent 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
| Polypropylene | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Excellent; absorbs almost no water | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Easy; most cleaners are safe | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Minimal | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (solution-dyed) | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
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 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 polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. 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 16 in wool and 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
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 polypropylene or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, polypropylene or wool and viscose?
Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, polypropylene or wool and viscose?
Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, polypropylene or wool and viscose?
Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture. 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.