Wool vs Nylon rugs: which is better?
Wool is springy, warm, substantial and absorbs liquid 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 | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Springy, warm, substantial | Soft and resilient |
| Durability in traffic | Excellent; fibres recover from crushing | Excellent; very resilient synthetic |
| Water and spills | Absorbs liquid; blot quickly | Good, though some dyes can stain |
| Cleaning | Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean | Easy |
| Shedding | Sheds for the first few weeks | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Good, but can fade in strong sun | Moderate to good |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | High-traffic areas, stairs, hallways |
| Origin of fibre | Natural animal fibre (sheep fleece) | Synthetic (polyamide) |
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 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 for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, 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 52 rugs in wool and 0 in nylon. We do not currently stock nylon 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 nylon better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool suits living rooms, bedrooms, hallways; Nylon suits high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways.
Which is softer, wool or nylon?
Wool feels springy, warm, substantial; Nylon feels soft and resilient.
Which is easier to clean, wool or nylon?
Wool: Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean. Nylon: Easy.
Which lasts longer, wool or nylon?
Wool: Excellent; fibres recover from crushing. 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.