Polypropylene rugs are one of the most popular synthetic material rugs for many reasons.
Polypropylene is a durable material that is often used to produce different household items.
While this makes them seem like not a good material for a rug, polypropylene rugs are soft. Polypropylene rugs may or may not look cheap. It depends on how well-made it is.
Here Is The General Idea About Polypropylene Rugs:
Polypropylene rugs are soft and plush and can mimic wool rugs. Wool rugs are pricey, so polypropylene rugs are a good and cheap alternative. They are also durable and can last longer than synthetic material rugs. Polypropylene rugs are well-made and do not look cheap.
Are Polypropylene Rugs Considered Cheap?
Generally, polypropylene rugs are considered cheap compared to natural material rugs.
This is because they are normally made of plastic. When it comes to pricing, polypropylene is considered cheap, which makes them popular among buyers.
However, they can have the same look and feel as authentic wool rugs have for only a small fraction of the cost. Therefore, they do not look cheap.
Though polypropylene rugs can mimic the look of wool rugs, their quality does not exactly match that of the latter. Yet, polypropylene rugs are durable and can last for five to ten years.
Although natural rugs are more expensive and can last decades, a polypropylene rug is a good alternative for a temporary household rug.
How Cheap Exactly Are Polypropylene Rugs?
Polypropylene rugs are very cheap and can cost anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot.
If they cost more than $15 per square foot, they are already considered a bit overpriced.
At $2 per square foot, you can expect a poorly made rug with lower quality. These are the rugs that might look cheap.Â
If you want a good-quality polypropylene rug that looks great, then be prepared to spend anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot.
For comparison, authentic wool rugs can cost as much as $25 per square foot.
Of course, the high price of authentic wool rugs comes with very high quality that polypropylene rugs cannot match.
How Do Polypropylene Rugs Look When They Age?
Since polypropylene rugs are made of cheap synthetic fibers and are not as good as real wool, they do not age well.
Polypropylene rugs have a life expectancy of five years. They can last for up to ten years if they are well-maintained and placed in low-traffic areas.
Polypropylene rugs are machine-made and come in many various designs, but if you look at them closely, you’ll notice that they are less detailed. Their designs also have a boring symmetry that can only be seen in machine-made rugs.
When they age, the fibers of polypropylene rugs tend to get crushed, especially when the rugs are placed in high-traffic areas. As you clean more, the fibers will get matted.
Thus even with regular cleaning and with the utmost care, they will still not be able to maintain how they looked when they were brand new.
What Are The Most DURABLE Rugs That Look Great?
When buying rugs, one of the biggest factors you should consider is durability.
While it is nice to have a cozy and plush area rug that is so comfortable to walk on, you would not want a rug that wears down quickly, especially in high-traffic areas.
If you are looking for durable rugs that look and feel great, here are some rug types that you would want to consider:
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are a popular choice as they are the perfect combination of durability and comfort.
They look and feel luxurious, and they can be used in any room in the house, even in high-traffic areas.
These rugs are extremely soft and have an elegant feel, but their fibers can handle heavy foot traffic. They are very durable and have been known to last for decades.
These rugs come in so many colors, designs, and styles, from delicate and detailed ones to minimalist ones, that you are sure to find one that would suit your style.
Because of their good quality and durability, wool rugs are considered one of the best rugs. They may be generally more expensive than other rugs, but they are worth it.
Polypropylene Rugs
Out of all synthetic material rugs, polypropylene is one of the most durable.
These rugs can mimic the look and feel of wool rugs, but they are not as expensive. They are very durable and can handle high-traffic areas, making them a good option for those on a budget but who want the luxurious feel of wool rugs.
They only last about 5-10 years as opposed to natural fiber rugs, but for a temporary area rug or decorative runner, they are a cheap and clean option.
Polypropylene rugs are also a good option if you are looking for a rug that you can use outdoors.
They do not fade when exposed to direct sunlight, and they are resistant to mold and mildew.
These rugs are also quite easy to clean and maintain. If you are looking for a durable and soft rug and affordable, this is the rug for you.
Nylon Rugs
Nylon rugs are resistant to mold and mildew and can make good outdoor rugs.
These rugs also dry quickly, so they are good for house areas with high moisture or that are prone to liquid spills. They are very durable. Nylon rugs also have good elasticity, and they can retain their shape over time.
You can place them in high-traffic areas or anchor them using heavy furniture, and they will not lose their shape.
Nylon rugs were originally made to substitute for silk rugs, so they are soft and can come in many beautiful designs. They are more expensive than polypropylene rugs, but their durability and good quality make them worth the price.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal rugs make for very good accent rugs or area rugs.
They can add warmth to any room with subtle, neutral colors and earthy tones.
The fibers of sisal rugs are known as one of the strongest and most durable natural fibers out there. They come in simple designs that are aesthetically pleasing, but they also do quite well in high-traffic areas.
They can last very long even if you place them in areas with a lot of foot traffic.
The downside to sisal rugs is that they are not as resilient when exposed to moisture or liquid spills. These rugs are not resistant to mold and mildew, so placing them in the bathroom or kitchen is not recommended.
Jute Rugs
Just like sisal rugs, jute rugs are made of natural fibers that are very strong and durable.
Jute rugs have thick fibers and normally come in soft neutral colors like beige, tan, and brown. Because of their subtle colors, they are easier to decorate and can go well with different colors and patterns.
Jute rugs are low maintenance, making them a good choice for busy households, especially those with pets or children. They are very durable in that they can handle high traffic areas.
However, jute rugs do have the same downside as sisal rugs. These do not do well in areas with a lot of humidity, and they are not resilient when liquid spills happen.
They are also prone to mold and mildew. So it is best to place them in relatively dry areas of the house.
What Are Some Cheap Types Of Rugs That Look Stylish?
If you want cheap rugs that look stylish, then polypropylene rugs and nylon rugs are great options.
Both can come in different sizes, designs, and colors, so you can find one that would match your style.
Polypropylene rugs are made to look and feel like wool. This is an excellent choice if you want a wool rug for your house, but you do not have the budget for it, or you do not want to spend a lot on a rug.
On the other hand, Nylon rugs are made to mimic the look and feel of silk rugs. They can look luxurious.
If you want a silk rug without having to break the bank, then nylon rugs would be perfect for you.
Can You Make A Polypropylene Rug Look Stylish?
Polypropylene rugs can look stylish if you want to.
You can make them look stylish. It will all depend on how you decorate your space with it.
The key here is to use colors and patterns that complement each other. When mixing patterns, do not use too much and add some plain colors here and there to balance everything out. Decor items that are not well thought out can make your polypropylene rug look tacky.
Remember that the overall look of your house does not solely depend on your rug. It would depend on how the rug works with your furniture and other decor items.
Just because the rug is cheap does not mean it has to look cheap. How your rugs look would depend on their design and quality and how you use them to style and decorate your space.
Sources:
Is Polypropylene A Good Rug Material?
Pros And Cons Of Using Polypropylene Rugs That You Shouldn’t Ignore