Are you looking to buy a new oriental rug and stuck between choosing either wool or silk? It has always been a challenging decision to choose between the two. Here are a few things to keep in mind about each of these materials as you make your decision.

A rug is a very common investment. However, if you are new to rug buying or want to make a very specialized purchase, you should learn how to tell the difference between silk and wool rugs, know the characteristics of each one and finally, choose between wool and silk carpets according to your preferences.

Silk and wool are among the most common materials used in creating Persian and Oriental carpets and creating beautiful contemporary art carpets.

These yarns guarantee the creation of outstanding Persian carpets, but each has particularities that need to be known. The choice of a silk vs wool rug must therefore be made very carefully, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, both in terms of quality and furnishings. Therefore, let us see how to reason to make an appropriate decision.

Comparison of Silk Rug and Wool Rug in Terms of Weaving

In the matter of rug materials comparison, there is no doubt that silk is finer than wool. This allows the craftsman to weave more complex and precise patterns into the rug. It goes without saying that handmade silk rugs are much more difficult to make than handmade wool rugs. Hand weaving is already a complex skill, and using exceptionally fine materials requires an even higher level of expertise. Furthermore, silk is much more expensive than top-quality wool, so it is less likely to be used in lower-quality rugs.

Are Silk Rugs More Durable or Wool Rugs?

Handmade wool rugs are very hard-wearing. In addition to being thicker and stronger, the pile is naturally more resistant to splashing and staining. You can expect a wool rug to withstand decades of regular use. Silk rugs, on the other hand, are also hard-wearing but less so than wool, and they are also more sensitive to spills which is why some rugs offer a mixture of wool and silk, which brings out the best attributes of both fibers.

It would be wise to place a silk rug in an area with minimal foot traffic. To preserve silk rugs as long as possible, many professionals recommend hanging them on a wall.

are silk rugs durable?

Comparing the Appearance of Silk Rugs and Wool Rugs

Comparing the appearance of handmade silk rugs with wool rugs can help you make a better choice for your home.

Silk carpet has an impressive appearance. Like a polished surface, it reflects light and is shiny. This feature gives a unique and luxurious appearance to the handwoven silk carpet. When touching the silk fiber rug, the delicacy of the silk threads can be felt. Silk carpet is very thin and can be folded and flexible like fabric.

In contrast, wool rugs are thick. They have a matte appearance, and the extraordinary dyeability of natural wool has made the colors in these carpets very warm and eye-catching. You cannot feel the threads when you touch the wool carpet, so the woolen carpet is very soft.

rug materials comparison

Price Comparison of Silk Carpet and Wool Carpet

As you already know, silk is more expensive than wool. And as can be expected, this is reflected in the end cost of the rug. Furthermore, silk rugs are usually made to be more intricate in design so that they can be even more expensive. Of course, when it comes to high-end rugs, art, place of origin, and technique used are often more important than the materials themselves when determining costs.

Are silk rugs more expensive than wool?

Maintenance and Care of Silk Carpet and Wool Carpet

Since wool rugs are hard-wearing, cleaning them is relatively simple and they should be vacuumed regularly. They can be cleaned with special detergents or washed if they get stained. Silk rugs require much greater care and must never be cleaned with hot water or steam. The use of an expert cleaning service should be considered for handling top-quality wool and silk rugs.

In the articles on cleaning carpets and removing stains from carpets, we have explained in detail the principles of washing and cleaning all types of carpets, including wool and silk, which can help you in this matter.

One of the things you should observe about both of these carpets is to avoid spreading your handmade carpet in front of the sun. Especially about the silk carpet, this issue can slightly fade the colors of the carpet in the part that has been exposed to the sun.

Silk Carpets Vs. Wool Carpets: Finally, Which One?

If you are interested in owning your oriental rug but have a limited budget, you may want to start by checking out wool rugs. While these rugs may be cheaper than silk ones, they aren't necessarily inexpensive. The cost of the rug will depend on its size, the number of knots per square inch, and where it was made.

Where you want to place your oriental rug is another factor you should consider. If you are looking for a rug to place at the entrance of your home or in the kitchen, living room, or dining room, you may choose a wool rug that is more durable and can better withstand daily wear and tear.

If you are looking for an oriental rug that can be used both as a wall hanging and to improve the aesthetic of a quiet corner, it is definitely worth investing in an exquisite silk rug.

In conclusion, wool rugs are the most versatile solution in terms of both workmanship and furnishings. On the other hand, silk carpets stand out for their sophisticated designs and brilliant colors.

We know that the carpet is an inseparable part of the house that spreads warmth and a sense of life in the environment. In this article, we talked about the differences between silk and wool carpets and gave you a better approach to choosing between them. You can write us your comments in the box below. You can also order a variety of high-quality Iranian carpets from the CyrusCrafts online store and have them delivered in Canada and the USA.

Asian Art & Memento

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