Wool and viscose vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water with water; Acrylic is soft, wool-like and fairly resistant. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Wool and viscose | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft with a sheen | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Moderate; better than pure viscose | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Viscose element marks with water | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Blot; specialist clean for anything major | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Sheds when new | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Moderate | Good |
| Typical uses | Living rooms and bedrooms | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres | Synthetic |
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.
About acrylic
Acrylic: soft, wool-like underfoot, moderate; can pill in traffic, and typically used in bedrooms, budget wool alternative. Cleaning: easy; mild detergent.
Which should you choose?
Choose wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms, and acrylic for bedrooms, budget wool alternative. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (acrylic) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 16 rugs in wool and viscose and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
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 wool and viscose or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, wool and viscose or acrylic?
Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, wool and viscose or acrylic?
Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, wool and viscose or acrylic?
Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose. Acrylic: Moderate; can pill.
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.