Wool vs Viscose rugs: which is better?
Wool is springy, warm, substantial and absorbs liquid with water; Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Wool | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Springy, warm, substantial | Very soft and silky with sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Excellent; fibres recover from crushing | Low; crushes and wears in traffic |
| Water and spills | Absorbs liquid; blot quickly | Poor; water marks and weakens it |
| Cleaning | Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean | Specialist cleaning recommended |
| Shedding | Sheds for the first few weeks | Can shed and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Good, but can fade in strong sun | Can yellow or fade in strong sun |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Natural animal fibre (sheep fleece) | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) |
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 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.
Which should you choose?
Choose wool for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (viscose) 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 2 in viscose.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
Is wool or viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool suits living rooms, bedrooms, hallways; Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms.
Which is softer, wool or viscose?
Wool feels springy, warm, substantial; Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen.
Which is easier to clean, wool or viscose?
Wool: Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean. Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended.
Which lasts longer, wool or viscose?
Wool: Excellent; fibres recover from crushing. Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in traffic.
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.