Viscose vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor with water; Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Viscose | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Very soft and silky with sheen | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Low; crushes and wears in traffic | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Poor; water marks and weakens it | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Specialist cleaning recommended | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Can shed and fuzz | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Can yellow or fade in strong sun | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
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 wool and viscose
Wool and viscose blends pair the resilience of wool with the sheen of viscose, giving a soft, lustrous look that changes with the light. The viscose element is sensitive to water and can mark or lose its sheen if soaked, so these rugs suit living rooms and bedrooms rather than kitchens or entrances. Blot spills straight away and use a specialist cleaner for anything significant.
Which should you choose?
Choose viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (wool and viscose) 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 16 in wool and viscose.
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
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SageWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CharcoalWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SandWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CopperWool & viscose · 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is viscose or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, viscose or wool and viscose?
Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, viscose or wool and viscose?
Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, viscose or wool and viscose?
Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic. Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose.
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.