Viscose vs Seagrass rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Seagrass is smooth, firm, slightly slippery and fairly water resistant for a natural fibre. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Seagrass | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Smooth, firm, slightly slippery |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Good |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Fairly water resistant for a natural fibre |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Vacuum; wipe spills |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Low |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Ages to a warmer tone |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Living rooms, dining rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Natural plant fibre (grown in water) |
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 seagrass
Seagrass: smooth, firm, slightly slippery underfoot, good in traffic, and typically used in living rooms, dining rooms. Cleaning: vacuum; wipe spills.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and seagrass for living rooms, dining rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (seagrass) 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 seagrass. We do not currently stock seagrass 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 seagrass better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Seagrass suits living rooms, dining rooms.
Which is softer, viscose or seagrass?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Seagrass feels smooth, firm, slightly slippery.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or seagrass?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Seagrass: Vacuum; wipe spills.
Which lasts longer, viscose or seagrass?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Seagrass: Good.
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.