Viscose vs Recycled polyester rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Recycled polyester is soft, similar to polyester and good for water-based spills. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Recycled polyester | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Soft, similar to polyester |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Good for water-based spills |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Easy; some are washable |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Good |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Synthetic, recycled (usually PET bottles) |
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 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.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and recycled polyester for living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes. 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 2 rugs in viscose and 24 in recycled polyester.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose or recycled polyester better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Recycled polyester suits living rooms, bedrooms, eco-minded homes.
Which is softer, viscose or recycled polyester?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Recycled polyester feels soft, similar to polyester.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or recycled polyester?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Recycled polyester: Easy; some are washable.
Which lasts longer, viscose or recycled polyester?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Recycled polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic.
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.