Viscose vs Sisal rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Sisal is firm, coarse, crisp and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Sisal | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Firm, coarse, crisp |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Very good in dry areas |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Poor; water stains it |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Vacuum; dry-clean spots only |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Low |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Can lighten in sun |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Hallways, stairs, living rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Natural plant fibre (agave) |
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 sisal
Sisal: firm, coarse, crisp underfoot, very good in dry areas in traffic, and typically used in hallways, stairs, living rooms. Cleaning: vacuum; dry-clean spots only.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and sisal for hallways, stairs, living rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (sisal) 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 sisal. We do not currently stock sisal 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 sisal better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Sisal suits hallways, stairs, living rooms.
Which is softer, viscose or sisal?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Sisal feels firm, coarse, crisp.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or sisal?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Sisal: Vacuum; dry-clean spots only.
Which lasts longer, viscose or sisal?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Sisal: Very good in dry areas.
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.