A Guide to Sustainable Rug Fibres

Why knowing the difference will up your interior game…

Holmes Bespoke offer a wide variety of rug fibres such as silk, wool, bamboo, polished cotton, jute, linen, polypropylene & PET. With so much to choose from, I thought I’d narrow it down to just three this week.

I’m still obsessing over the idea of outdoor rugs for spring, so am biased towards fibres suited for outdoor use. I am seeing the early signs of spring everywhere and our slow locked-down winter definitely has me planning the garden party early. Lots of colour! Lots of winter revenge…

The Racheal rug in 100% wool by Holmes Bespoke for the Principal Tower by Norman Foster. Interiors by Caroline Riddell Interiors (left) and close up of same rug (right).

Wool Rugs

Let’s start wool, go wild with colour, break style rules and boost happiness with a bespoke wool rug. Great for the living room, bedroom and formal rooms, wool rugs are extremely durable and resistant to foot traffic. They are very low maintenance and naturally stain-resistant due to their natural lanolin coating which protects the fibre from dirt and repels water. Wool is also a sustainable resource and environmentally friendly.

A custom version of ‘Mist’ from the Elements collection in wool, featured in The Glass Garden Restaurant at Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. Photographed by Darren Chung

‘Storm’ in wool from the Elements Collection featured in Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. Photographed by Darren Chung

Jute Rugs

Let’s continue the train of natural fibres and talk about jute. Natural textures like jute can bring the outdoors in when the spring showers stop us from being outside. Jute rugs are super low maintenance and can be easily spot cleaned. Unlike sisal, jute won’t scratch hardwood floors but what I’m really excited about is that jute can be used outside! Bear in mind, all ‘outdoor’ rugs are recommended for occasional use (don’t leave them in the rain). I love the look of a garden setting with rugs underfoot, I think there’s just something so luxurious about it.

Jute samples by Holmes Bespoke (right). Inspiration: Jute rugs are used throughout a Sardinian Restaurant designed by Blacksheep (left.)

PET Rugs

Finally, let’s talk about PET rugs. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) yarn is spun from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Environmentally friendly, PET rugs are practical too; resistant to stains and UV fading. The fibre is great for people with allergies as it’s synthetic and PET rugs are perfect for any room of the house (including outdoors!).

Palolem in Golden Sands from the Shore Collection

Holmes Bespoke offer a wide variety of fibres, other options include silk, bamboo, polished cotton and linen to name just a few, so get in touch to discuss what would best suit your space.

Samples left to right: Wool with Gold Lurex, Silk & Jute

Written by Brooke Tilston