Mohammad Aasif Raza/Getty Images

Choosing the right rug for your home is an important decision.

Wool rugs are among the oldest types of rugs, the original hand-knotting technique dating back to ancient times.

Today, they are hand-tufted, hand-knotted or hand-loomed, or machine-loomed when other synthetic fibers are added.

White woven rug on a hardwood floor

Mohammad Aasif Raza/Getty Images

They are flat-woven rugs that originated in Turkey and the Middle East and also feature bright colors and patterns.

One downside of natural fiber rugs is that they show water marks easily and can be tricky to clean.

The rugs have a soft, short-pile texture and add a modern rustic vibe to a space.

Types of rug materials

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

it’s possible for you to also position them over other, larger rugs for a layered look.

They are full-sized cow hides and every single one is unique in coloring.

Synthetic cowhides are available as well, some dyed in bright colors or speckled with metallic flecks.

Overhead view of wool rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

From solid colors to stripes and other patterns, there are countless versions and styles available on the market.

To clean a silk rug, use aprofessional cleaning service.

Today, silk rugs are available in traditional patterns as well as ultra-modern designs.

Natural fiber rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Tochoose the right rugfor your home, consider the following factors.

The most durable rug material is wool, making it the most popular.

Rugs can be made by hand or using a machine.

Hide rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Rugs that are made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon are typically woven on a machine.

Cotton rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Synthetic fiber rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Silk rug material

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly