Without a doubt a carpet can give character and elegance to a space. It’s a decorative asset that brings warmth and personalizes any room, be it the living room or bedroom or other. As a host though, it can be a scary prospect. We become reluctant to install one in our rentals due to the risk of them getting damaged or dirtied quickly with a constant stream of travellers coming in and out. But today, it is quite possible to fine-tune your home’s décor with a rug, provided you choose a model adapted to the type of tourist you generally host. Beyond the comfort, style, and sound and heat insulation, the carpet’s material plays a pivotal role in its resistance over time and ease of maintenance. Natural or synthetic fibres? Guide to buying a rug for your rental...

 

Natural materials

Natural fibres make healthier carpets as they have the characteristic of absorbing excess moisture in the air and then releasing it when the room becomes too dry. Due to their superior quality, these carpets are often more expensive to buy. These natural materials include wool, silk, cotton, and seagrass, bamboo and sisal.

 

  • Wool rugs

Wool is the most widely used fibre in carpet manufacturing. Thanks to its excellent resistance to wear and tear, these carpets are time-proven. Wool also ensures a smooth sound and heat insulation, it is anti-static, flame retardant, hygienic and easy to maintain. Wool carpets are thus ideal for your holiday rental, fearing neither stains nor heavy traffic. Its only drawback is its high price tag.

Wool rug with big orange pink and red flowersSanderson wool rug, La Redoute

 

  • Silk rugs

Contrary to popular belief, soft and shiny silk is no less resistant than wool. Saying that, it is still not recommended for rentals as silk remain a delicate material to deal with if stained.

 

  • Cotton rugs

Cotton is perfect for bathroom mats, as it absorbs humidity well and is easy to clean in a washing machine.

 

  • Seagrass rugs

An aquatic plant that’s easy to maintain simply using water, seagrass has become a trendy fibre and can be found in various weaves and designs. Highly resistant, seagrass rugs have a rustic appearance and are slightly silky to the touch.

 

  • Sisal rugs

Very resistant, sisal is suitable for high traffic places. Sisal fibre is anti-static and anti-slip which makes it ideal for stairs and entryways. Opt for a tight weave for ease of maintenance.

Sisal rug under a sofa in a living roomBastide sisal carpet, Maisons du monde

 

  • Bamboo rugs

100% biodegradable, bamboo is UV resistant, durable and easy to maintain. Bamboo rugs or mats are suitable for any room in your rental.

 

Synthetic fibres

Carpets made of synthetic fibres are invading the market. With advances in the fields of chemistry and technology, these rugs are now available in decent quality. They are also easy to clean and less expensive than those made from natural materials. Amongst these we find acrylic, polypropylene, polyester, viscose and nylon carpets.

 

  • Acrylic rugs

Although artificial, acrylic fibre has the same characteristics as wool, meaning your carpet will be soft, light and warm. Acrylic has excellent dirt resistance and the added advantage that it’s easy to maintain and dries quickly. Additionally, the colours won’t fade from sun exposure. Acrylic carpets really are an affordable ideal for your rental.

 

  • Polypropylene rugs

Polypropylene is the most commonly used synthetic fibre in the production of carpets. Its biggest asset being that it is recyclable, Polypropylene also boasts a very attractive price tag and a well-established resistance to stains and moisture. These rugs are ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

white and blue rug in a living room with graphic patternRoskilde polypropylene carpet, Ikea

 

  • Polyester rugs

Although they are soft, UV resistant, and easy to clean, polyester carpets are still not recommended for seasonal rentals where many guests will be coming in and out.

 

  • Viscose rugs

With their shiny, smooth and soft as silk characteristics, viscose rugs are not recommended for rental properties as they require more attention and care than other synthetic carpets.

 

In conclusion, I recommend acrylic or polypropylene carpets due to their resistance over time and stain-resisting properties which make them easy to maintain. If you have the budget, then opt for wool carpets. Regardless of whether you go natural or synthetic, stay away from light colours that stain more easily and give preference to flat woven patterns or short haired rugs. This will prevent crumbs and other micro-debris from building up and facilitate the work of your vacuum.

 

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