Wool vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Wool is springy, warm, substantial and absorbs liquid 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 | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Springy, warm, substantial | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Excellent; fibres recover from crushing | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Absorbs liquid; blot quickly | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Sheds for the first few weeks | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Good, but can fade in strong sun | Good |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Natural animal fibre (sheep fleece) | Synthetic |
About wool
Wool is naturally resilient: the fibres spring back after being walked on, and their natural lanolin helps them resist soiling. It is warm underfoot, naturally flame-resistant and feels substantial. New wool rugs normally shed loose fibres for the first few weeks, which regular vacuuming removes. Wool absorbs liquid, so spills should be blotted quickly.
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 for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, 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 52 rugs in wool and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
Barnaby Wool Rug in GraphiteWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SageWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SandWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SilverWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is wool or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool suits living rooms, bedrooms, hallways; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, wool or acrylic?
Wool feels springy, warm, substantial; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, wool or acrylic?
Wool: Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, wool or acrylic?
Wool: Excellent; fibres recover from crushing. 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.