Viscose vs Cotton rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Cotton is soft and flat and absorbs liquid but small rugs are often washable. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Soft and flat |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Moderate |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Absorbs liquid but small rugs are often washable |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Small cotton rugs are often machine washable |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Low |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Moderate; can fade |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Natural plant fibre (cotton) |
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 cotton
Cotton: soft and flat underfoot, moderate in traffic, and typically used in kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms. Cleaning: small cotton rugs are often machine washable.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and cotton for kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (cotton) 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 cotton. We do not currently stock cotton 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 cotton better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Cotton suits kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms.
Which is softer, viscose or cotton?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Cotton feels soft and flat.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or cotton?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Cotton: Small cotton rugs are often machine washable.
Which lasts longer, viscose or cotton?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Cotton: Moderate.
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.