Viscose vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Acrylic is soft, wool-like and fairly resistant. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Good |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Synthetic |
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.
About acrylic
Acrylic: soft, wool-like underfoot, moderate; can pill in traffic, and typically used in bedrooms, budget wool alternative. Cleaning: easy; mild detergent.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and acrylic for bedrooms, budget wool alternative. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (acrylic) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 2 rugs in viscose and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
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 viscose or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, viscose or acrylic?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or acrylic?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, viscose or acrylic?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Acrylic: Moderate; can pill.
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.