Recycled polyester vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Recycled polyester is soft, similar to polyester and good for water-based spills 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
| Recycled polyester | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft, similar to polyester | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Good for water-based spills | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Easy; some are washable | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Minimal | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Good | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Synthetic, recycled (usually PET bottles) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
About recycled polyester
Recycled polyester rugs are made from yarn spun from recycled plastic, typically PET bottles, giving waste plastic a second use. They behave much like standard polyester: soft, colourfast and resistant to water-based spills. Some designs carry certification, which is listed on the product page where it applies.
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 recycled polyester for living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (recycled polyester) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 24 rugs in recycled polyester and 16 in wool and viscose.
Grayson Outdoor Rug in CreamRecycled polyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Grayson Outdoor Rug in GreyRecycled polyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Grayson Outdoor Rug in TaupeRecycled polyester · 200 x 290 cm
Opulence Shaggy Rug in Ivory CreamRecycled polyester · 80 x 150 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 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 recycled polyester or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Recycled polyester suits living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, recycled polyester or wool and viscose?
Recycled polyester feels soft, similar to polyester; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, recycled polyester or wool and viscose?
Recycled polyester: Easy; some are washable. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, recycled polyester or wool and viscose?
Recycled polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic. 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.