What are the most popular Oriental rug materials?

What makes an Oriental Rug so special? Is it the hand-woven technique used in its construction? Perhaps it’s the creative patterns and designs that help an Oriental Rug stand apart. Or is it the combination of materials that weavers use when making an Oriental Rug? We think it’s all of the above, though read on if you want to learn more about the most popular Oriental Rug materials.

First, let’s talk about wool

The authenticity of an Oriental Rug starts with the method of construction. All Oriental Rugs are hand-woven using centuries-old techniques. Weavers lean towards one of three types of materials.

The first is wool traditionally harvested from shearing sheep. This is a highly popular choice, though the quality of wool can vary depending on a variety of factors. These include:

• Method of shearing;

• The breed of sheep;

• Climate-based considerations, and;

• Geographical location.

Wool can also be harvested from other shepherding animals including both camels and goats. While sheep are the most common option, you will sometimes find Oriental Rugs made from the wool of these other two animals.

Cotton is another popular Oriental Rug material

Cotton is the second of the most popular Oriental Rug materials we want to unpack today. By its very nature, cotton is easier to clean and can often be machine-washable.

Another advantage cotton has over wool is its durability. Weavers can pull the threads tighter when using cotton materials, creating a more durable foundation for your Oriental Rug. This is especially obvious when you inspect the back of your rug. As Oriental Rugs lack a carpet backer, you can see this weaving pattern and technique.

Silk creates an unforgettable luxury experience

Wool and cotton are two of the most popular Oriental Rug materials. The third, and perhaps more luxurious, is silk. It’s actually where the term “Silk Road” originates.

Have you ever had a blanket with a silk-based edge? That felt good, didn’t it? Usually, these are found on blankets for younger children, though some adult-sized blankets also have this silk edge.

Now, imagine walking on a rug made of similar ultra-soft material. That’s what makes silk such a great option for Oriental Rugs. They’re perfect for bedrooms, though we would caution against putting them in high-traffic areas.

Last but not least, let’s look at dyes

As many “traditional” Oriental Rugs are made by weavers using tried and true (read: non-machine-based) techniques, it’s relatively common for those artisans to avoid using synthetic dyes. Rather, they lean heavily towards natural dyes such as those from vegetable-based products.

This isn’t to say a traditional weaver won’t use synthetic dyes in the construction process. Rather, it’s simply more common to see a focus on natural options over manmade ones.

We carry rugs utilizing all of the most popular Oriental Rug materials Whether you’re looking for a wool, silk, or cotton Oriental Rug, we carry them all in a wide variety of sizes. Contact us through our short web form here and let us know what you’re looking for, or stop by our showroom on Smith Corners Boulevard to browse our inventory.

Read our other blog posts on Oriental Rugs: