Depending on where the light comes from, the same rug looks different. Matt in the morning, almost silky under the floor lamp at night. That sheen is why people choose this fibre. There are 27 designs here, most of them handwoven and plain, plus a few machine-woven ones with a vintage look.
Made from cellulose
Viscose is a fibre made from cellulose, usually from wood. It can be spun very finely and reflects light more strongly than wool or cotton. That gives it its shimmer, and its old nickname too, artificial silk. The handwoven designs are 100 % viscose, while the vintage-look ones blend it with 40 % polyester.
The two families side by side:
- handwoven, 100 % viscose, short pile, plain, rectangular, round or as a runner
- machine-woven, 60 % viscose and 40 % polyester, short pile, vintage look in grey, black or multicolour, rectangular
You recognise the vintage designs by their faded, worn appearance. The plain handwoven ones look calm. As a runner, viscose brings sheen to a hall or bedroom, in lengths from 60 x 180 cm up to 80 x 600 cm, which covers even a long period hallway.
Round, it suits a spot beside the bed or under a side table, in four diameters from Ø 80 to Ø 200 cm. Round shapes in other materials are collected under round rugs.
Colours and sizes for the living room
A viscose rug in beige or cream keeps a room light and calm. In the evening a viscose cream rug glows softly under a lamp. More natural tones are gathered under beige rugs.
Black viscose makes a strong contrast on pale parquet. Mint and dark green go with velvet sofas and houseplants. Light grey and dark brown are there too, as is red. Red is the boldest shade of the lot and wants calm furniture around it.
Rectangular sizes run from 80 x 150 to 300 x 400 cm, the largest meant for wide rooms. In the living room at least the front feet of sofa and armchairs should stand on it. More planning help is on the living room rugs page.
Where a viscose rug doesn't belong
Viscose reacts badly to moisture. Kitchens, bathrooms and entrances are therefore off limits. For heavy-use areas, polypropylene rugs are the easier option. Wool feels warmer and is tougher, so if you are torn between wool and viscose rugs, compare our wool rugs first.
Viscose also has a nap. Stroke against the pile and the patch turns darker, stroke with it and it turns lighter. Footprints therefore stay visible for a while. Quite normal for the fibre. Vacuuming in one direction evens the surface out again.
Keep care as dry as possible. Vacuum regularly on low power and without a beater bar. Blot spills at once with a dry cloth instead of rubbing. For stubborn stains, professional cleaning is safer than any attempt with water.
Frequently asked questions
Can viscose handle water?
Badly. Blot liquid dry straight away rather than washing it out, which is why living rooms and bedrooms suit it.
Do you have viscose in brown?
Yes, dark brown, as a rectangle, round or as a runner. Lovely with wooden furniture and cognac leather.
Is the pile high?
No, every design has a short pile. Flat enough for doors, still soft.
Why does my rug look patchy?
That's the nap. Vacuum it in one direction and it evens out.
