Viscose rugs: the honest guide
Viscose rugs look like silk and cost a fraction of the price. They are also the most delicate rugs you can buy. Here is what you need to know before choosing one.
What is viscose?
Viscose, also called rayon or "art silk", is a semi-synthetic fibre made from regenerated cellulose, usually from wood pulp. It has a silky lustre, takes colour brilliantly and drapes softly, so it is used to create a silk-like look in rugs, often alongside wool.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful silk-like sheen | Loses strength when wet |
| Soft and smooth | Plain water can leave yellow or brown marks |
| Rich, luminous colour | Flattens and wears in heavy traffic |
| Far cheaper than silk | Sheds and can "fuzz" |
| Needs a specialist for deep cleaning |
Where to use viscose
- Good: bedrooms, formal living rooms, under a bed or a coffee table away from walkways.
- Avoid: hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, homes with young children or pets, and humid rooms.
Wool and viscose blends
Blending wool with viscose gives the best of both: wool for resilience, viscose for lustre. Carved or high-low designs often use viscose in the raised or recessed areas so it catches the light. Blends still need viscose-style care. See wool and viscose rugs.
Caring for viscose
- Vacuum gently with suction only; never use a beater bar.
- Blot spills immediately with a dry white cloth, pressing straight down. Never rub.
- Avoid water if you can; if you must, use the barest dampness and dry immediately with a fan or a hairdryer on cool.
- Never shampoo, steam clean or soak a viscose rug.
- For deeper cleaning, use a professional rug cleaner experienced with viscose.
Some faint marking can remain even after correct treatment; it is the nature of the fibre.
Why does my viscose rug look patchy?
Viscose reflects light, so pile brushed in different directions looks lighter or darker. This "shading" is normal. Brushing the pile gently in one direction evens it out.
Frequently asked questions
Are viscose rugs good quality?
They can be well made and look luxurious, but viscose is less durable than wool or synthetics, so they suit low-traffic rooms.
Can you clean a viscose rug with water?
Avoid it. Water weakens viscose and can leave permanent marks. Blot spills dry and call a specialist for deep cleaning.
Why is my viscose rug shedding?
Viscose fibres can work loose, especially in the first months. Gentle suction-only vacuuming helps.
Is viscose the same as bamboo silk?
Bamboo silk is viscose made from bamboo pulp. It behaves the same way as other viscose.
Shop the guide
-
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Petrol Grey
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Putty
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sage
from £169.98 -
Henley Wool & Viscose Rug in Sand
from £169.98
Related guides
- Rug materials explained: wool, jute, viscose, polypropylene and more
- How to clean a wool rug at home
- Why do rugs shed, and how long does it last?
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.