What are the Benefits of Cotton Rugs?
Cotton has always been a popular choice for rugs and carpets. Nowadays cotton rugs remain popular, often used in country-style decorating, especially in kitchens, porches and other smaller spaces. Considering buying a cotton rug for your home? Read our guide to cotton rugs to help you make the right decision.
Material
Made from the cotton plant, cotton is an environmentally friendly material which is simple to produce and incredibly versatile. Cotton fibres are soft, strong and hold dyes very effectively. These characteristics make cotton a fantastic material for rugs, especially rug designs with intricate patterns and detail.
When it comes to cotton rugs, you’ll find that it’s uncommon for the rug to be made entirely from cotton. Instead, cotton is often blended with other fibres such as wool, to combine the benefits of multiple materials and create a more well-rounded rug.
Sizes
Like with all rugs, cotton rugs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes - from small to large, rectangular to circular. Smaller cotton rugs easily lend themselves to a casual home and larger ones can be as good as other materials.
By room
Cotton rugs can be used in many rooms around the home; however they are best suited to the following:
Kitchen
Living room
Dining Room
Bedroom
When used as kitchen rugs, cotton rugs bring a down-home feel to your most popular gathering room. In the living room, patterned cotton rugs work exceptionally well as focal point centrepieces. Find out more about the suitability of cotton rugs by floor type.
We’ve broken down key factors to consider when purchasing a rug and rated cotton rugs accordingly:
Cost
⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Cotton isn't too expensive to produce on a large scale and a lot of the processes involved in treating, dying and preparing it are also relatively cheap. Generally cotton rugs are inexpensive. But compared to synthetic rugs, which can be mass produced with little extra cost, it is a bit more expensive. But there is something to be said for not getting that overly “mass produced” feeling.
Looks
⭐⭐⭐✯✯ The versatility of cotton becomes apparent when you see the range of weaves and fibres available. Cotton is one of the fabrics which makes reversible rugs possible. This makes for the possibility of colour variation - as well as easily hidden stains. Depending on your desired effect cotton rugs can be perfect. They are available in a wide range of colours, due to the way they accept dyes, and are remarkably versatile. However, cotton rugs don’t tend to feel luxurious or expensive so if you’re going for a rich and warm feel to your room you might be better off with a wool rug.
Longevity
⭐⭐⭐✯✯ Cotton rugs aren't as durable as wool and they aren't as “wipe clean” as a lot of man made materials. They tend to stain more easily than polyester and acrylic and they aren't as resistant to wear and trampling as wool, but they do hold their own relatively well.
Upkeep
⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Smaller cotton rugs can be washed, on a cool wash, in a standard washing machine or at the dry cleaners. (It is still always best to check.) This makes them perfect for kitchens or porches where they would be at more risk of spills and stains. However, larger rugs are still relatively easy to clean with gentle cleaning products and some elbow grease.
Environment
⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ As a natural material, cotton doesn't come with the environmental price tag. Unlike plastic based rugs, which will last forever, the organic fibres will decompose if you decide you no longer want your rug. However, due to the land required for the production of cotton and the chemicals used in processing it, cotton rugs just miss out on 5 stars for environment.
Cotton Rug Favourites
Mad Men Cracks Rug 8723 Dark Pine
Shop now - Mad Men Cracks Rug 8723 Dark Pine
Vintage Rug 8101 Black White
Shop now - Vintage Rug 8101 Black White
Atlantic Streaks Rug 8718 Long Island
Shop now – Agadir Rug 8676 Scarab Blue
Sloan Rug Mustard Colour
shop now - Sloan Rug Mustard Colour
At Land of Rugs we stock a wide range of stylish cotton rugs, alongside an extensive selection of styles, materials, colours and sizes. Browse our beautiful collection of rugs and find the perfect design for your home.
- Posted On: 24 August 2020