Silk rugs

Real silk and art silk

Real silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms. It is strong for its weight, takes dye well and has a deep shine. In rugs it allows very fine knotting, so pure silk rugs can carry very detailed designs.

Art silk is a trade name for viscose, a fiber made from plant cellulose such as wood pulp or bamboo. It is soft and shiny and costs far less than silk. A rug sold as bamboo silk is almost always viscose.

How to tell them apart

Price is the first clue. A large hand-knotted rug in pure silk is expensive. A low price for a large silk rug usually means viscose.

Feel the pile. Real silk feels smooth and slightly warm, while viscose often feels cool and slick. Rub a small area firmly. Viscose tends to crush and stay flattened more easily.

A burn test gives a clear answer, but it should be done only on a single loose thread, away from the rug, or by a professional. Silk burns slowly, smells like burning hair and leaves a dark ash that crushes to powder. Viscose burns quickly, smells like burning paper and leaves very little ash.

Wool and silk rugs

Many fine rugs are wool with silk highlights. The silk outlines parts of the design so they catch the light. These rugs wear well in living rooms because most of the pile is wool.

Check the label or ask the seller what the highlights are made of. Some rugs use viscose for the shiny parts.

Caring for silk and art silk

Keep both out of busy walkways and away from strong sun. Vacuum gently without a beater bar.

Blot spills right away with a clean white cloth. Do not rub, and do not soak the rug. Viscose is very absorbent and can yellow or lose its shine when it gets wet. For stains, and for any washing, use a professional cleaner who works with silk and viscose rugs.

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