Rug Envy

Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash

I am often asked about vegan/cruelty-free alternatives to conventional wool and silk rugs. Since wool and silk are animal products, they are not considered vegan. As for being cruelty-free (you might be asking: doesn’t the sheep just get a haircut?), it is not always that straightforward. With many operations, the animals are not always treated in the most humane way. Some countries also have few, if any, animal welfare laws. See this site for more information on how silk is produced. 

For a more sustainable approach, vintage rugs are always an option, though many vegans are divided on whether or not to use any animal products, secondhand or not. I have had clients that are fine with vintage pieces containing wool or silk, but draw the line at leather. I personally have struggled with this dilemma, but feel that ultimately, sourcing a  vintage rug that has been in existence longer than myself is not only more sustainable than buying a new rug (no matter what the material), but vintage, handmade pieces are also such a great way to add individuality and personality to a space. But again, this is really a matter of personal preference. So, for some great alternatives to wool and silk rugs, read on… 

Photo by Josh Hemsley on Unsplash

Synthetics: 

Widely available, and affordable, polypropylene has become a common rug material.  It is a plastic byproduct, so while it is recyclable and does have a somewhat lower impact on the environment, it is still not entirely sustainable.  Many alternatives made of synthetic materials like polypropylene simply do not have the authentic look or soft feel underfoot like wool rugs do. I am not drawn to rugs made of this material for these reasons (this is where I would opt for an authentic vintage rug instead), though they are a viable option for those so inclined. 

Natural materials:

Some great alternative natural materials are sisal, jute and cotton. Sisal rugs are very durable and ideal for higher traffic areas like an entry or hallway, but they can tend to feel somewhat scratchy. Jute rugs, depending on their construction, can vary a bit in durability from one rug to the next, but are perfectly acceptable for use in medium to lower traffic areas, such as a bedroom. They tend to feel a bit softer underfoot than sisal. Jute rugs also add gorgeous texture to any space they are used in. Jute will shed fibers somewhat (similar to a new wool rug) but regular vacuuming easily takes care of this.

Cotton dhurrie or kilim (flatweave) rugs are a fantastic option, as well. Be sure to use a rug pad, to help prevent slipping or bunching, as well as provide additional cushion underfoot. I am especially loving this cotton/jute blend. (NOTE: There are no affiliate links in this post, I just genuinely love any products that I happen to recommend.)

Photo by Trang Nguyen on Unsplash

Banana silk, bamboo silk and viscose (sometimes referred to as “art silk” i.e. artificial silk) are a bit more nuanced. While technically vegan alternatives that have the look and feel of silk, rugs made of these materials do not tend to hold up well to regular use (largely due to issues with staining), therefore I tend not to recommend them when shopping for a rug. Sticking with the sturdier natural materials discussed above is a safer option. If you love the look of traditional silk rugs, consider a vintage one instead. Great, affordable options can be found at online marketplaces such as Etsy, or at local consignment and vintage shops, etc. Or even better yet, buy a vintage wool or silk rug while traveling, making it an even more meaningful purchase that adds a piece of personal history to your space.

Want help selecting the perfect rug for your space? Click here for personal design assistance.