Silk vs. Wool Rugs: Choosing the Right Material for Your Home

If you are having a hard time deciding between a silk versus a wool rug, you are not alone. These common materials are two of the most popular for rugs. However, they both have different characteristics in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality. To help you pick the best type of rug for your next design project, we’ve outlined pros and cons for each.

Silk vs. wool rugs: What to know

Let’s kick things off by establishing that silk and wool are both natural fibers. Sheep produce wool, and silk is produced by silkworms. If minimizing the amount of synthetic materials in your home is important, both of these rug types will be suitable for you. They will also help contribute to any biophilic design projects you have, since both materials come from nature. Still, there are many differences between these fibers, and reviewing them can help inform your decision on which one to choose. 

Appearance

Wool and silk have distinctly different looks and feels. Wool rugs have a richer, more textured finish. There is also a softness to their appearance that makes you want to snuggle up to the material. They serve as an excellent contrast in rooms that need more visual variety, or if you're looking for a more rustic and cozy ambiance.

Where wool rugs have a more matte finish, silk rugs tend to have a shine to them. It is not uncommon to see a silk rug with ornate, intricate designs, most often associated with Persian silk rugs. 

Using a silk rug really depends on your interior design. Since they are such statement pieces, they can sometimes distract from other elements in the room or appear too busy in contrast with other materials, so try to swatch the material out before committing.

Cost

One of the big differences between silk vs. wool rugs is the cost. Wool is much easier to harvest because sheep produce it annually, and the material can be easily sheared off. Gathering silk from silkworms involves boiling and steaming their cocoons before pulling out the threads. You also need a lot more silkworms to produce the same amount of material as one sheep would produce.

Aside from material costs, silk rugs are almost always handmade due to the delicate nature of the material. Wool rugs can be hand-woven or hand-knotted, but also hand-tufted, which provides artisanal craftsmanship at a lower price point. You can also find rugs that are machine-made or blended with other materials if you are seeking more affordable options.

Durability

There are many pros and cons to using a wool rug in your home, but one of the best qualities of this material is its durability. Wool is a strong material that does well in high-traffic areas. With proper care, it can stand up to wear and tear, lasting not years, not decades, but lifetimes. A good wool rug is an investment that can be passed down through generations. 

Another unique quality you need to know about wool rugs is that they are flame-resistant. If you have a fireplace in your house or are trying to find a rug that won’t immediately combust around flammables, a wool rug is the way to go.

In comparison, silk rugs are much more delicate. They should only be used in areas that have minimal foot traffic. Since silk fibers are more fragile, they are more prone to snags or to being crushed underfoot. If you want them to last a long time, place them in areas that aren’t often used.

Maintenance

Another fantastic quality of wool rugs is that they are easy to maintain. This is partially because wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant. The strands are naturally coated with lanolin, which repels dirt and oil-based stains, and liquids often bead at the surface rather than soaking in. 

Wool rugs are also incredibly easy to clean. You can maintain and extend their shelf life by regularly vacuuming, but be sure not to use a beater bar, as it can damage the fabric. 

Conversely, silk rugs are a bit more fussy. Due to the delicate nature of the rug material, they don’t do well with liquids, which will immediately absorb into the material, making removing stains difficult. These types of rugs often require professional cleaning.

Comfort

Silk rugs have a smooth texture and do not retain a lot of heat, so they work well in places that don’t need extra insulation. However, because the material is thinner, it does not provide that much extra comfort underfoot.  If you are looking for a rug with a soft, plush surface, then you’ll want to use a wool rug. Due to special crimps and coils in the fiber, these rugs have a pillowy feel that gives all the cozy vibes.

Eco friendly

Sustainability is more top-of-mind than ever. Since wool and silk are both natural materials, these rugs are biodegradable, provided they are not blended with synthetic materials. However, silk rugs are less sustainable because the process for harvesting silk is very intensive. This is why wool is a better, eco-friendly option. Renewable, quality wool is often sustainably sourced, making it an environmentally friendly addition to the home.

Design options 

Silk rugs are renowned for their exquisite, intricate designs and vibrant colors, often featured in Persian and Oriental rugs. Beautiful as they may be, they do not have as many varieties of patterns and colors as wool rugs do.

Wool rugs can be dyed to any color and woven into a multitude of patterns. Whether you're looking for neutrals to complement a space or need some fun shapes and colors to spice up your design, a wool rug will give you more versatility for your design.

Wool is the winner

While wool and silk rugs both have their benefits, if you are looking for a durable yet soft rug option that will be easy to maintain over a lifetime, wool is the ultimate option. And better yet, you will never have to limit your design ideas to a specific color or pattern because wool rugs can do it all. Don’t just take our word for it. Look through our full collection of wool rugs to find your dream rug today!