As a part of your home décor, you might be interested in purchasing a soft, cozy area rug to put under your feet. The most common softest natural fiber rugs are made from wool, cotton, silk and even hemp, and are very comfortable to sit on. They look good with a variety of styles of living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and other areas of a home. However, some of these materials are not as soft as others.
We detail the softest natural fiber rugs, what makes them soft, different kinds of soft natural fiber rugs, and how to choose the best one for your space.
What makes a rug soft?
The softness of an area rug can be attributed to the materials and design. For example, rugs made of natural fibers will always be softer than synthetic ones. Softer rugs tend to use materials with a low coherence such as wool or jute, while the harsher rugs have higher coherences, such as sisal and silk.
The coherence of the particles in the rug fiber is, however, not the only factor in the softness of the rug.
In addition to particle size, particle shape, and distribution of the particles on the surface of the fibers are factors that contribute to the softness of the rug. For example, the amount of “fuzziness” in a rug depends upon the size of the individual fibers and their distribution in the woven fabric.
Types of "soft" natural fiber
- Jute: Known as the ‘golden fiber, jute is one of the most used natural fibers for various textile applications. Jute fibers are composed of the bast fibers of plants in the genus Corchorus. The plants are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Jute is a soft, bulky, and lightweight fiber with high absorbency and quick-drying properties.
- Wool: From sheep’s fleece. Wool is the hair that comes from a sheep or goat. The wool used to craft natural fiber rugs typically comes from tended sheep.
Soft rugs made from natural fibers
Jute Rugs
Jute rugs are soft by design and comfortable to stand on because of their natural composition. The jute plant itself is naturally soft, shiny, and long. When the fibers are harvested and spun, they are softened even further through a process that creates softer fibers. This process is combined with the thick, bold weave of jute rugs. These factors combine to make for a soft and comfortable feeling underfoot.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are some of the softest natural fiber rugs you can find. They’re the ultimate in comfort and style. Their rich and subtle color palette is timeless and they age beautifully over time.
Difference between a synthetic fiber and a natural fiber rug
Synthetic fiber is made from polymers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester, polypropylene. Synthetic fibers are often referred to as “synthetics” or “synthetic fibers”. They are also sometimes called man-made fibers because they are made by man rather than nature. Natural fiber rugs are made of materials that grow naturally such as wool, cotton, or other natural fibers.
Natural fibers are often referred to as “natural fiber rugs“. Rugs made from synthetic and natural materials are used in different ways. Some are used as floor coverings while others are used as wall hangings or room dividers. They are also used for decorative purposes such as for a dining room table runner or a bedding or throw rug. In most cases, rugs with a backing are used for floor coverings. Rugs with no backing are often used as wall hangings or room dividers.
Why choose natural fiber rugs over synthetic fibers?
Natural fibers are better for you than synthetic fibers. They are less toxic, absorb fewer chemicals, and are hypoallergenic. They are soft, comfortable, and breathable. Synthetic fibers have a chemical makeup that makes them more abrasive and can cause irritation to your skin and respiratory system.
Synthetic fiber rugs also do not breathe very well and can be extremely flammable. Natural fiber rugs are also more eco-friendly than their synthetic counterparts. Wool has been used as a natural fiber for thousands of years. It is a renewable resource that can be recycled indefinitely. Wool is durable, insulating, hypoallergenic, water-resistant, antibacterial, anti-static, and flame-resistant. They tend to last longer as well, making them a great investment.
Rugs made of natural materials like wool and jute require less water to clean and use fewer resources in the production process. They are also soft and warm which makes them ideal for people with allergies. They also absorb sound better and are less likely to get dirty than other types of floor coverings. However, they do need regular care and maintenance just like any other flooring.
How to choose natural fiber rugs that are soft?
There is no such thing as a natural fiber rug that is a perfect choice for everyone. Each type of rug has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The type of fiber and the weave are two factors that influence the softness of a rug. If soft is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with a wool or jute natural fiber rug.
How to care for a soft natural fiber rug?
A natural fiber rug will last longer and serve you better if you take care of it. Here are a few tips to help you.
Natural fibers are the best option when it comes to soft rugs because they have added benefits over synthetic fibers. They are more environmentally friendly than synthetics, and they are also hypoallergenic, which is perfect for people with allergies and they just feel great to walk on bare foot!
