Wool and viscose vs Nylon rugs: which is better?
Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water with water; Nylon is soft and resilient and good, though some dyes can stain. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Wool and viscose | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Soft with a sheen | Soft and resilient |
| Durability in traffic | Moderate; better than pure viscose | Excellent; very resilient synthetic |
| Water and spills | Viscose element marks with water | Good, though some dyes can stain |
| Cleaning | Blot; specialist clean for anything major | Easy |
| Shedding | Sheds when new | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Moderate | Moderate to good |
| Typical uses | Living rooms and bedrooms | High-traffic areas, stairs, hallways |
| Origin of fibre | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres | Synthetic (polyamide) |
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 nylon
Nylon: soft and resilient underfoot, excellent; very resilient synthetic in traffic, and typically used in high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. Cleaning: easy.
Which should you choose?
Choose wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms, and nylon for high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (nylon) 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 nylon. We do not currently stock nylon 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 nylon better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms; Nylon suits high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways.
Which is softer, wool and viscose or nylon?
Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen; Nylon feels soft and resilient.
Which is easier to clean, wool and viscose or nylon?
Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major. Nylon: Easy.
Which lasts longer, wool and viscose or nylon?
Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose. Nylon: Excellent; very resilient synthetic.
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.