Wool vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Wool is springy, warm, substantial and absorbs liquid with water; Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Wool | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Springy, warm, substantial | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Excellent; fibres recover from crushing | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Absorbs liquid; blot quickly | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Sheds for the first few weeks | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Good, but can fade in strong sun | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Natural animal fibre (sheep fleece) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
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 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.
Which should you choose?
Choose wool for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (wool and 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 16 in wool and 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
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 or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool suits living rooms, bedrooms, hallways; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, wool or wool and viscose?
Wool feels springy, warm, substantial; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, wool or wool and viscose?
Wool: Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, wool or wool and viscose?
Wool: Excellent; fibres recover from crushing. Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose.
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.