If you are thinking about redecorating and changing the look of your home or one of your rooms, consider implementing a beautiful area rug into the mix.  You will be surprised by what a difference a decorative rug can make in a room without having to invest in fancy furniture or expensive sculptures.

A dilemma carpet connoisseurs typically run into upon deciding which type of rug to invest in often find themselves having to choose between wool area rugs and silk area rugs. These rugs have some very similar qualities and some very different ones.

Cost

Silk rugs and wool rugs both contain natural fibers that are predominant in the manufacture of these area rugs. Silk rugs are generally more expensive than wool rugs, but both of these types of rugs are generally more expensive than rugs made of synthetic fibers.

Appearance

Silk rugs appear to have more luster and shine due to silk being woven right into the rugs themselves. Wool on the other hand has a more matte appearance making them slightly more inconspicuous and subtle. Both designs feel similar to the touch and almost look the same to the naked eye, so when purchasing the rugs how do you tell the difference?  Just ask an expert.

The reason they look so similar is because silk rugs are comprised of silk and wool due to the fact that silk costs so much and is a very delicate material.  Wool rugs are typically made of pure wool so make sure you are not allergic to wool when purchasing either of these rugs. Wool rugs and silk rugs come in many different patterns, textures and colors.

Durability & Maintenance

The benefit behind wool rugs is that they are very resilient and offer more natural protection from spills and stains.  They are an excellent choice for all areas of the home so you don’t have to feel paranoid about placing the rug in the kitchen.

Silk rugs, however, are more delicate and should be used in locations having minimal foot traffic. Silk rugs tend to get dirty faster and are a little more difficult to keep tidy. Keeping this in mind, silk adds delicacy and shine to area rugs, offering aesthetic benefits, but doesn’t have many practical benefits. Wool offers durability as well as resistance to fire and dust mites in rugs.

In summary if you need a more durable rug or a rug that is lower in cost, you should consider a wool rug.  This is especially important if you plan to use the rug in a high traffic area of your home.  On the other hand, if you are buying a rug for its sheer beauty and it will be in a low traffic area of your home you will want to consider a silk are rug.