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There is nothing better than a natural rug under your feet. Natural items contribute to a clean and comfortable space for you to relax.
The nature of anything synthetic is that it tries to mimic nature while affording additional benefits to the end user. Typically, the manufacturing of synthetic rugs is for the following reasons:
- To increase durability
- To increase its pick-up of dyes
- To add consumer-friendly functions such as stretching, waterproofing and stain resistance.
The health and environmental trade-offs for those benefits are immense. Toxic chemicals are used to provide what natural materials already provide – softness, anti-static properties and flame resistance.
There are many natural rug material options, and you need to know the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can make an informed decision. Is wool the best for you? What about cotton or jute? This article will teach you about the pros and cons of each type of natural area rug.
In this article we we talk about:
- Synthetic Rugs vs Natural Rugs
- Tips on Making the Healthiest Choice
- Natural Rug Materials – The pros and cons of each and where they work best in your home
- Our Favorite Sources for Natural Area Rugs
Synthetic versus Natural Area Rugs
Synthetic Rugs
Pros:
- Resist Dirt
- Can be steam cleaned
- Cheaper than natural
Cons:
- Made of plastic and petroleum products.
- Based on an unsustainable industry.
- Off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution.
- Often treated with insect, stain and flame resistant chemicals.
- Backed with a latex mix containing styrene, a chemical that is a potential human carcinogen.
- They yellow over time.
- Need frequent cleaning.
- They can feel stiff and ruff.
Natural Rugs
Pros:
- Made of natural materials including wool, silk, cotton, sisal, jute, bamboo, or seagrass.
- Made of renewable and biodegradable resources.
- Don’t emit large amounts of VOC’s and contribute to poor air quality.
- Many of them are naturally stain-resistant.
- Durable and long lasting.
- Contribute to a clean and comfortable space.
- Different materials offer different advantages.
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
- May require professional cleaning (though not that often).
TIPS ON MAKING THE HEALTHIEST CHOICE
Just like wall-to-wall carpeting is toxic and contributes to bad air quality, so too do synthetic rugs. If we are going to go through the trouble of getting rid of our carpets, we shouldn’t replace it with a smaller version of the same thing.
- Synthetic fibers should be avoided, instead look for rugs made of natural materials (we will discuss these below).
- The best rugs are hand-woven, flat-weave, or hand-knotted. These will not have backings that off-gas chemicals.
- Avoid hand-tufted rugs. These will contain toxic glue.
- If your rug has a backing, look for natural latex. Avoid foam rubber, synthetic latex, or plastic.
- Vintage or antique rugs are free of VOC’s.
- Traditional handmade Persian rugs are a great non-toxic choice.
It is not easy to source truly organic rugs. Your best bet is to stick to hand-woven, flat-weave (also called Kilim), or hand-knotted rugs made of natural materials. Remember to avoid hand-tufted!
About Natural Rug Materials
Wool AREA RUGS
Wool is the epitome of natural rug materials. Wool is soft, resilient and durable, it takes dye beautifully, repels water and stains, and will last generations with proper care.
Wool rugs gain patina with age and use and they only need to be professionally cleaned every couple of years. Unlike synthetic rugs that will show dirt within a couple months, wool fibers have lots of “pockets” that hide dust and grit, allowing for less frequent cleaning.
Wool has a 30% higher rate of stain resistance than even the best synthetic fibers. If a spill does happen on a wool rug, it can easily be spot cleaned. Wool rugs should be seen as an investment, the cost is initially higher, but they will last you a very long time.
Wool Pros
- Soft
- Renewable resource
- Can be dyed in beautiful colors
- With proper care, they can last generations
- Only need to be professionally cleaned every couple of years
- Durable, elastic and resilient. It will spring back and doesn’t get compressed.
- Repels water and stains naturally
- Naturally flame resistant
- Insulates well
- Warm in winter and cool in summer
- Naturally regulates room humidity
- Can be used with high traffic
Wool Cons
- Expensive
- Tends to shed
Wool Works Best In:
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office or study
- Dining room
- Hallway
Where to Buy Wool Area Rugs:
- If you want to shop on Amazon, stick to hand-knotted rugs from Safavieh.
- Hook & Loom has gorgeous, undyed, natural wool rugs.
SILK AREA RUGS
Silk is made from the cocoon threads of the silkworm. Turning these threads into fabric is very labor intensive and is therefor expensive.
Silk has a natural sheen and luster, it takes dye beautifully, allowing for an exquisite array of colors. Silk has a luxurious and soft feel, it is a strong natural fiber that is very durable and long-lasting, though it can get crushed under furniture and show feet prints. Silk does require professional cleaning.
Silk Pros
- Very soft and luxurious
- Reflects natural light, giving it a shimmering appearance
- Exquisite colors
- Durable
Silk Cons
- Very expensive
- Not naturally stain resistant
- Not for high traffic areas
- Needs professional cleaning
Silk Works Best In:
- Dining Room
- Bedroom
- Living Room
Where to Buy Silk Area Rugs:
- You can find hand-knotted silk area rugs on Amazon.
Sisal Area Rugs
Sisal rugs are very durable, they are made from the toughest of plant fibers, and are usually cream colored. Sisal rugs are naturally flame-retardant, long-lasting and great for high-traffic areas. They are very absorbent, so should not be used in humid areas.
It can stain easily and is not the softest material for bare feet, but it is static resistant and repels dust. Sisal rugs can be vacuumed but not steam cleaned. They can become slippery with wear, so should not be used on stairs.
Sisal Pros
- Durable
- Naturally flame retardant
- Great for high traffic areas
- Static resistant and repels dust
- Biodegradable and renewable resource
Sisal Cons
- Absorbent
- Stains easily
- Rough and coarse texture
- Water will leave a mark
- Becomes slippery with wear
Sisal Works Best In:
- Hallway
- Living Room
Where to Buy Sisal Area Rugs:
JUTE AREA RUGS
Jute rugs are the softest of the natural plant fibers, they have a soft silkiness and shine to them that is pleasing to the senses. It’s woven brown and tan colors fit most decors and hides dirt well.
They are meant for low to medium traffic areas, and are perfect for living rooms and dining halls. Jute rugs are inexpensive, non-toxic and are environmentally friendly because jute does not require pesticides or fertilizers to grow.
They are anti-static, naturally fire resistant and require minimal maintenance, regular vacuuming is enough to get rid of dirt. They cannot be steam cleaned but can be spot cleaned. They are quite absorbent so should not be used in humid areas.
Jute Pros
- Soft
- Inexpensive
- Anti-static
- Fire resistant
- Minimal maintenance
- Eco-friendly
- Good sound and heat insulation
Jute Cons
- Cannot be steam cleaned
- May fade in sunlight
- Will wear out in high traffic areas
- Doesn’t react well to water
- Hangs on to odors
Jute Works Best In:
- Pet-Free Homes
- Living Room
- Dining Room
Where to Buy Jute Area Rugs:
- If you are shopping on Amazon, Safavieh and Anji Mountain make popular jute rugs.
Cotton Area Rugs
Cotton rugs are soft and easy to clean but they do not last as long as other rug materials. Cotton rugs are easy to produce and are very versatile. They are an affordable natural rug option.
They are not as resistant as wool rugs and they can stain easily, but they are easy to clean, with small ones being able to go in the washing machine and large ones coming clean with some elbow grease.
They are extremely comfortable and add softness and warmth to a room. They take colors on beautifully so they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Organic cotton would be the best choice, as conventional cotton is grown with a lot of pesticides.
Cotton Pros
- Inexpensive
- Biodegradable
- Machine washable
- Accepts dye well
- Soft and comfortable
- Versatile
Cotton Cons
- Does not insulate well
- Tends to attract dust and dirt
- No stain resistance
- Not very durable, they wear out quicker than other natural rugs
Cotton Works Best In:
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
Where to Buy Cotton Area Rugs:
- Hook & Loom is the best place to shop for eco-friendly cotton areas rugs.
Bamboo Area Rugs
Extremely durable and will outlast any synthetic rug. Bamboo rugs are water and dirt resistant, just shake off dirt and wipe spills clean.
Hypoallergenic, simple and elegant, goes with any decor. Bamboo is a sustainable material that comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
It has a similar appearance to hardwood, with an earthy and warm look. The smooth texture is easy to vacuum and spot clean. Bamboo rugs can withstand high traffic.
Bamboo Pros
- Made from a rapidly growing, sustainable plant
- Durable
- Water and dirt resistant
- Variety of colors
- Smooth texture
- Can withstand high traffic
- Anti-static
Bamboo Cons
- Best kept away from humid areas
Bamboo Works Best In:
- Living Room
- Dining Room
- Bedroom
- Hallway
Where to Buy Bamboo Area Rugs:
- Bamboo area rugs are available on Amazon.
Seagrass Area Rugs
Made from a marsh plant, seagrass is environmentally friendly, affordable, non-porous and incredibly water resistant.
With a seagrass rug, there is no need to worry about water damage, excessive staining or mold or mildew build up. Dirt is easily swept away and pet accidents will not absorb and ruin your rug.
Seagrass rugs have a light sheen and come in a variety of textures. The color usually starts as a light green that over time, fades to khaki. They are allergen free, stain resistant, durable and wonderful for high-traffic areas.
Seagrass rugs feel great on bare feet. They do not take dye well, so do not come in a variety of colors, but their natural color goes with just about any decor. Wonderful in a kitchen or bathroom.
Seagrass Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Anti-static and does not attract dust or dirt
- Simple to maintain
- Water and stain resistant
- Feels good on bare feet
- Excellent for high-traffic areas
- Good insulation
Seagrass Cons
- Should not be used outdoors
- Can be slippery
Seagrass Works Best In:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Living room
- Entryway
- Dining room
- Bedroom
Where to Buy Seagrass Area Rugs:
- Amazon is the best place to buy Seagrass area rugs. Look for the brands Safavieh, NuLoom, and Natural Area Rugs.
Our Favorite Sources for Natural Area Rugs
The best places to shop for natural area rugs depends on what you are looking for. Do you just want an area rug made of natural materials? Or do you also want to support a brand dedicated to being as ecologically responsible as possible?
Brands That Offer Natural Area Rugs:
- Safavieh – Over 100 years of experience. Offers cotton, wool, jute and seagrass area rugs.
- NuLoom – Beautiful patterns and colors, offering Jute and Wool area rugs
Brands Available on Amazon that Are Ecologically Responsible:
- Natural Area Rugs – Offers a variety of natural fiber rugs as well as non-slip rugs pads and stair rugs.
- Anji Mountain – Family owned business offering bamboo, seagrass, sisal, and jute area rugs.
The Best Non-Toxic Area Rug Companies:
- Hook & Loom – No dyes, no chemicals, no latex, safe and non-toxic wool and cotton area rugs.
Conclusion
Natural area rugs are a beautiful addition to your home. With the above information, you should be able to make an informed choice on the type of material that is best for you. Please leave any questions you have in the comments below, we always answer!
This post was originally published on February 12, 2015.
Thank you so very much for this helpful information! What a great resource! I’m a blogger, too, and I know how much time it takes to put together such a great page!
Thanks Tania!
This article was a HUGE help! Thank you for taking the time to post this very important information that too many of us are not aware of regarding the dangers of rugs contributing to toxic air quality.
You are welcome 🙂
I love the Safavieh rugs. I’m looking at a wool one – but it does seem they use a glue to attach the cotton backing.
Is the cotton a concern if it is not organic? (From a toxicity to baby perspective).
What about the dyes used? How much of a concern would that be?
I had a look on Safavieh’s website and the only wool rugs with a cotton backing are the “hand-tufted” rugs. The other types of wool rugs did not have a backing. I researched your question further because you sparked my curiosity 🙂 What I found out is that “hand-tufted” rugs are glued with latex glue that does off-gas chemicals. It is better to buy a “hand-knotted” rug. I am not sure if Safavieh sprays their wool rugs with moth-proofing chemicals – which would be something to look in to.
Cotton is a concern in the fact that it is a heavily sprayed crop and it’s production creates a lot of pollution. If you can afford it, organic cotton is going to be a much better choice than conventional cotton. An organic cotton rug will most likely be dyed with natural dyes and not treated with chemicals or glues. This will reduce the chemical load your baby will be exposed to. Basically if a rug stinks like chemicals, then it is off-gassing chemicals and a baby who plays on that rug will be breathing those chemicals in.
Synthetic dyes are a concern for the people who are working with them and the environment. Natural dyes are much better for the planet and for people.
Thanks for your reply! I emailed the company. It says on their website that they don’t treat the rugs but here is their email response to me:
1. What kind of glue is used on the back of these rugs?
· Synthetic Latex from Visen is being used for backing.
2. what kind of dyes are used?
· Metal Complex dyes
3. Do these rugs have any certifications?
· No
Seems the dyes and latex would be of concern. Major bummer because they’re quite pretty!
Thanks for looking into this 🙂 Too bad that these rugs are made with natural materials but are not made with natural dyes and glues. I have recently found another company that you can get on Amazon. They are called Hook & Loom, and are completely Eco-friendly. Their wool rugs are latex free, and only made with different colors of wool, so no dyes are used. Their cotton rugs are made with recycled colored yarns and recycled cotton. You can see their selection on Amazon.
Only commenting b/c you keep getting me excited Hook & Loom rugs are available on Amazon, but they are not. Your links keep pointing to ‘Unique Loom’ on Amazon which are far from the Hook & Loom (hookandloom.com) rugs, unfortunately. Also, glad you clarified the organic with regard to cotton – your original article made me think the linked options were organic thus less toxic but were not. So the rug hunt continues!
Hi Cori, I have seen Hook & Loom rugs on Amazon.com, but they may not be available in other countries and maybe they are only available sometimes. Amazon redirects links to the country you live in, or to a different product if a specific product isn’t available, so even if I link to a product, that may not be where the link takes you.
I know it can be difficult to find truly organic rugs! I am still on the hunt as well, let me know if you find something worth sharing 🙂
Update: I have been informed that Hook & Loom no longer sells on Amazon – you can shop directly from their online store instead.
I concur that your blog is a great resource, and thanks for taking the time to put that together. Do you know if Jute is a heavily sprayed crop? Thanks
You are welcome, thanks for stopping in and taking the time to comment! Jute is not a heavily sprayed crop. It has little need for pesticides or fertilizers, making it very environmentally friendly 🙂
Thank you for this article. Is polypropylene safe for the home? I have a baby and am trying to find a great and safe (fumes wise) area rug for him to learn to crawl on. The brands above, do they also make toxic carpets in addition to non-toxic?
Hi JD, thanks for your question, sorry it took me so long to answer! Polypropylene itself is not considered toxic. It is used in clothing and packaging materials (it is labeled #5 on plastic packaging). The problem with polypropylene is that rugs made with it are often treated with fire retardants and other chemicals that off-gas into your home. Babies, pregnant women and the elderly are especially sensitive to these fumes. A synthetic rug is cheaper, but only has a lifespan of 3-5 years. A wool rug can last decades, but is more costly.
Some of the companies above (safaveih and nuloom) do make synthetic rugs in addition to natural rugs. It isn’t easy finding companies that exclusively make non-toxic rugs! For a baby, I would suggest getting a wool rug if you can afford it. They are super soft and will last you a long time. A jute, sisal or seagrass rug is a great eco-friendly choice, but it isn’t as nice to crawl on. A cotton rug is a good option for softness as well, and they are cheaper than wool.
Love the article! I work for Natural Rugs and we sell only the highest quality natural fiber rugs. All of our rugs are custom made and can be custom made. Follow the link to take 15% off your first order!
https://www.naturalrugs.com/
Thank you so much for this wonderful article! A question: have you come across any information as to how ECarpetGallery and NYC Rugs sources their inventory? In addition to natural and non-toxic options, I am also trying to find options that ensure products are not coming from sweatshops etc.
HI Annie, I am not sure where they source their inventory. If you are buying vintage or antique, then the rugs will not be coming from a sweatshop.
NYC Rugs sells authentic Persian rugs, which are often one of a kind. The rugs that would be produced in a sweatshop would be mass produced so that there were many of the same kind. I have emailed NYC Rugs to ask them your question 🙂
As for ECarpetGallery, they do sell modern, synthetic rugs made in China, and we know that China is known for sweatshops. I will email them as well 🙂
I will update this comment when I hear a reply!
Update:
ECarpetGallery responded: “Please be sure that we purchase our items from reputable vendors in Iran, India, Turkey, Afghanistan and other regions”
NYC Rugs responded: “We are very particular when it comes to our vendors because we are extremely against sweatshops. Our area rugs from India, Turkey, China, Russia, to name a few, are artisan made by vendors whom we’ve worked with for decades.”
So I am interested in chemical free rugs for myself but primarily for my cats. They are extremely sensitive to chemicals and are largely slowly poisoned over time living in a household and the barrage of chemicals. Since flame retardant material made its way to rugs and furniture, hypothyroidism in cats has escalated and become a common disease because cats spend huge amounts of time on this material inhaling fumes and dust and then clean themselves. My homeopathic vet said this disease in cats was unheard of before.
I currently have several rugs made of 100% jute but I do not know if it was treated with anything. I do notice that it sheds, and there are small particles that show up on my clothes and cat’s fur. I’m concerned about this and wonder if this is toxic to them. I’m not sure if just getting %100 material jute means nothing was added unless it’s specifies this.
It is true that it does not clean well and is not the softest but I am not sure what else to do. I am currently looking into new rugs.
Any thoughts?
Thank you
Crazy Cat Lady in New York
Hi Donna, thanks so much for your questions 🙂 I have a couple of cats as well and I had no idea that they were so sensitive. My friend recently told me not to give my cats water in a plastic bowl because they are really sensitive to the endocrine disruptors in plastic, so I believe you when you say that they are being affected by the rugs in our homes.
I am pretty sure that jute is not treated with anything, as it is naturally water-resistant and moth-resistant. I doubt the fibers are toxic to your cat, as they are a natural plant fiber.
Have you tried looking at Seagrass rugs? They are water-resistant; durable; easy to clean; have a smooth finish; easily renewable resource; and less-expensive than Sisal and Jute. Another option is bamboo. Anji Mountain makes a bamboo area rug with an eco-soy backing for non-slip.
When buying a natural fiber rug it is important to look at the backing of the rug. A latex backing will off-gas VOC’s. It’s not easy to find rugs that don’t have a backing and ones that don’t will need a rug pad (often made of latex) so they don’t slip.
If you are wanting something softer, wool and cotton are the best choices. I really like the company, Hook & Loom, they create eco-friendly, non-toxic wool and cotton rugs.
Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for a great article! I used to buy wool rugs (and other wool products) until I learned how cruel the wool industry is and the horrific animal abuse involved. Just google it or check PETA.org. I was completely oblivious to this until recently, and will not buy wool products again. Just wanted to comment that wool products do not support an eco-friendly lifestyle the way the industry currently operates.
I’m so glad I read this page, then discovered Anji Mountain — sustainable, humanely made area rugs! Everyone should look them up!