Investing in a luxury rug can instantly ramp up the stylish, sophisticated appeal of your space, whilst making a beautiful statement that you can enjoy for many years. There’s a lot to consider when deciding which type of material to choose when buying a luxury rug, so here at Carpet Bright UK, we’ll explain what you need to be looking for.
Why choose a luxury material rug?
There are lots of benefits to investing in a luxury material rug. Because it will have been made from exceptional quality fibres, some of which may be rare, you’re going to get a rug that will stand the test of time. Rugs made from luxury materials tend to cope better with exposure to dirt, spills, footfall and sunlight, compared to their cheaper counterparts.
Luxury rugs tend to be handwoven rather than mass-produced, which means that each rug will have been lovingly made by hand by skilled artisans, making each rug totally unique in its characteristics and features. The level of detail and intricacy that goes into making a luxury rug will make it a work of art in its own right.
Some people worry that buying a luxury material rug could be difficult to maintain and clean. But, it’s good to know that many professional rug cleaning companies, such as our Oriental rug cleaning London business, are experienced at handling very delicate, rare and exquisite luxury materials – so don’t let the cleaning side of things put you off!
What is the most luxurious rug material?
There are a few contenders that fall into the category of the most luxurious material used in high-end rugs. Each has its own merits and potential drawbacks, so it’s always a good idea to weigh up each fabric type before deciding which is the best one for you.
Wool
It’s easy to appreciate why wool is such a sought-after rug material choice. Not only is this natural material very durable, resilient and can cope with heavy foot traffic, but the natural lanolin that coats the surface of wool makes it harder for stains to penetrate fibres and permanently mark the rug.
Wool also acts as a brilliant insulator, looks super stylish and is naturally springy, which means that it recovers well after the pile has been crushed or indented through footfall or heavy furniture.
Hand-knotted and hand-tufted wool rugs look especially stylish, increasing their luxurious look and feel.
Whilst wool ticks a lot of boxes as a premium-quality rug material, it’s worth bearing in mind some of its downsides. It’s a highly absorbent material, so can be at risk of mould and mildew developing if it’s placed in a room that is damp or has high humidity levels.
Wool rugs can also be prone to colour fading if they receive a lot of direct sunlight.
Himalayan yak wool
If you want to dial up the luxury factor, a rug made from Himalayan yak wool really takes things to the next level. Noted for its beautiful sheen, luxurious texture, warmth and durability, Himalayan yak wool is also sustainable and supports indigenous communities in the Himalayas.
It’s not that easy to come by, so its rarity will increase the price. What’s more, you might need to do some searching to find a specialist wool and Persian rug cleaning London company that has the expertise and equipment to safely and correctly clean it.
Silk
Arguably, the material that most people think of when it comes to luxury rugs is silk. There’s few other materials that can compete with silk for a luxurious and sumptuous look and feel.
The beautiful sheen, softness and lustre of a silk rug is unmatchable, and the intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship that go into making these usually hand-knotted rugs give a silk rug its depth of colour and character.
The high level of skill that goes into making a silk rug is reflected in the high price tag, but you will get your money’s worth from it, if you look after it properly.
Silk is a very delicate material, however, so it’s the kind of rug that you’ll want to keep for aesthetic purposes rather than practical use. It’s, therefore, better suited to low-traffic areas rather than parts of the home that get a lot of footfall.
Silk can also be tricky to clean, because the material is fragile and sensitive, as well as susceptible to picking up dirt and snagging.
Many Oriental and Persian rugs use silk as their primary material source, so when it comes to getting this type of rug cleaned, search for an Oriental or Persian rug cleaning London business, such as Carpet Bright UK.
Bamboo silk
For those that love the exquisite look and feel of silk but want to go down a more eco-friendly route when buying a luxury rug, bamboo silk is a really good alternative.
Bamboo silk is sustainable, boasts an elegant, smooth texture and beautiful sheen, and is hypoallergenic, so a great choice for anyone with allergies.
Bamboo silk rugs can be high maintenance, however, and will need specialist care. You’ll need to keep water off the rug as this material is moisture-sensitive and prone to warping and discoloration if exposed to water.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a highly-prized material for those seeking a top-end style of rug. Derived from the wool of cashmere goats, it’s a material recognised for its wonderful softness, luxurious allure and amazing warmth underfoot.
Cashmere doesn’t like humidity, however, so keep a cashmere rug away from moisture and damp rooms, as well as those that get a lot of foot traffic.
It’s very labour intensive to make a cashmere rug, which is why you’re going to end up paying a high price for it.
Cowhide
If you want a truly luxurious rug that is also durable, cowhide is a material that’s worth considering. Since each cowhide has unique, natural markings, every rug made from this material will be different.
A cowhide rug won’t trap allergens, so it’s a good choice if you don’t want a rug that’s going to trigger any allergy symptoms.
A genuine cowhide rug can be costly, however, and can be difficult to maintain. If ethical concerns are also important to you when deciding which luxury rug to choose, cowhide might not be the best option.
To look after your luxury rugs properly, safely and carefully when they require cleaning, our luxury material, Persian and Oriental rug cleaning London services offer everything you need.
