Design Directions: Rugs

Material Choices | Signs of Quality | The Making of a Karastan

MATERIAL CHOICES

The type of fiber used in a rug plays a key role in how it feels and how well it performs. Basically, there are two fiber types: natural and man-made. Natural fibers include: wool, silk, cotton, jute, coir, and sisal. Man-made fibers include: nylon, polypropylene, acrylic and viscose.

Let’s take a closer look at each:

Wool: The most beautiful and luxurious choice of all, 100 percent New Zealand worsted wool is used in most Karastan rugs. Wool is a natural fiber that is highly regarded for its strength, durability, crush resistance, cleanability, comfort, and beauty. Visit Karastan Wools to learn more about this superior fiber.

Nylon: This man-made fiber provides a less expensive option than all-wool or silk versions. Karastan incorporates “Eversoft Nylon” in our Studio Collection. In addition, we use high-twist nylon in the luscious Aria Collection in combination with wool for an unusual effect. Look for an 80/20 wool-nylon blend in our handsome Vintage Road rugs as well.

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a thermoplastic resin made from propylene gas. Rugs made of polypropylene are often heat-set to minimize luster and improve softness.

Silk: This is the most expensive rug fiber and even the smallest addition to the content can raise the price. It is also a natural fiber and adds high luster to the end product. Visit our Persian Renaissance collection for fine examples of silk used as accents. These rugs beautifully illustrate the dramatic effect silk adds to the design.

Viscose: Viscose is a shiny, silk-like fiber made from wood pulp. On its own, Viscose is susceptible to matting, but when used as an accent or in a blend, Viscose makes a wonderful substitute for higher-priced silk.

Cotton: Cotton is a strong, supple fiber that is used in the warp and weft (rug foundation) of many Karastan rugs. On its own, cotton soils easily and can shrink in washing. However, it makes an exceptional backing material because it helps rugs keep their shape and lie flat.

Jute, Coir, and Sisal: These fibers are derived from plants. Although aesthetically appealing, they have a coarse hand and are susceptible to stains. Karastan’s SisalWool rugs emulate the look of sisal, but with the soft feel and easy maintenance of wool.