Seagrass vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?

Seagrass is smooth, firm, slightly slippery and fairly water resistant for a natural fibre 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

SeagrassWool and viscose
Feel underfootSmooth, firm, slightly slipperySoft with a sheen
Durability in trafficGoodModerate; better than pure viscose
Water and spillsFairly water resistant for a natural fibreViscose element marks with water
CleaningVacuum; wipe spillsBlot; specialist clean for anything major
SheddingLowSheds when new
Fade resistanceAges to a warmer toneModerate
Typical usesLiving rooms, dining roomsLiving rooms and bedrooms
Origin of fibreNatural plant fibre (grown in water)Blend of animal and cellulose fibres

About seagrass

Seagrass: smooth, firm, slightly slippery underfoot, good in traffic, and typically used in living rooms, dining rooms. Cleaning: vacuum; wipe spills.

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 seagrass for living rooms, dining rooms, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (wool and viscose) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.

What we stock

We currently list 0 rugs in seagrass and 16 in wool and viscose. We do not currently stock seagrass rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is seagrass or wool and viscose better for a rug?

Neither is better for every room. Seagrass suits living rooms, dining rooms; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.

Which is softer, seagrass or wool and viscose?

Seagrass feels smooth, firm, slightly slippery; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.

Which is easier to clean, seagrass or wool and viscose?

Seagrass: Vacuum; wipe spills. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.

Which lasts longer, seagrass or wool and viscose?

Seagrass: Good. Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose.

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.