A Western New York Guide to Area Rug Materials: Style, Durability, and Comfort

In Western New York, our homes are our havens, and area rugs are the perfect way to add comfort, style, and a touch of personality to any space. But with our diverse seasons from snowy winters to humid summers choosing the right material for your area rug is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about finding a material that can stand up to our unique climate, from the wet shoes and salty slush of a mudroom to the constant foot traffic of a living room. At Custom Carpet Center, we’ve been serving the WNY area for over 50 years, and we understand that finding the right rug is a balance of style, durability, and comfort. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of popular area rug materials, helping you make a smart choice for your home.

The Beauty of Natural Fibers

Natural fiber rugs bring a unique texture, warmth, and organic feel to a space, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to connect with nature indoors.

• Wool: As a classic choice, wool is prized for its softness, durability, and natural warmth. It is naturally stain-resistant and holds color beautifully, making it an excellent long-term investment. Wool fibers are also resilient and spring back to their original shape, which is a great benefit for high-traffic areas. However, it can be more expensive than synthetic options.
• Jute and Sisal: For a rustic or coastal look, jute and sisal are fantastic options. These materials are made from natural plant fibers and have a unique, coarse texture. They are incredibly durable and a great choice for areas with heavy foot traffic. The main drawback is their porosity; they can be stained easily and are not ideal for high-moisture areas like a mudroom, where wet boots from a WNY snowstorm could cause damage.

The Practicality of Synthetic Options

In modern homes, synthetic area rugs offer a blend of style, durability, and practicality. They are engineered to be low-maintenance and highly resilient, making them perfect for active households.

• Polypropylene (Olefin): This is a popular and affordable synthetic option that is known for its durability and stain resistance. Polypropylene is highly resistant to moisture and fading, making it a great choice for indoor-outdoor rugs and for mudrooms where it can handle tracked-in water and salt without a problem. It’s easy to clean, but it can be less soft than other materials.
• Nylon: Nylon is one of the most durable and resilient synthetic fibers available. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and is resistant to crushing and matting. It also accepts color well, allowing for a wide range of vibrant designs. While it’s more expensive than polypropylene, its longevity and strength make it a smart investment.

Tailoring Your Choice for a WNY Home

For homes in Western New York, your choice of area rugs should be guided by its intended use and location.

• For High-Traffic Areas (Living Rooms, Hallways): Choose a durable material like wool, nylon, or a blend. These materials will stand up to constant use and resist crushing.
• For Mudrooms and Entryways: A polypropylene rug is a great choice for these areas. Its water and stain resistance will help protect your floors from the wet, slushy, and muddy conditions of a WNY winter and spring.
• For Bedrooms: A plush wool or nylon rug can add a layer of warmth and comfort, providing a soft landing for your feet on cold mornings.

At Custom Carpet Center, we have been helping our WNY customers find the perfect floorcovering for over 50 years. We have an extensive selection of area rugs in every material, style, and size. Our experts are here to help you choose a rug that not only fits your style but also stands up to the unique demands of our Western New York climate.

Contact us or visit our showroom locations in Orchard Park, NY – Williamsville, NY – Tonawanda, NY – Niagara Falls, NY – Olean, NY (Shop at Home) – Jamestown, NY. We service the areas of Starting as a supplier to new home builders, the first satellite retail location was opened in 1974 and has since expanded to 5 WNY full-service flooring locations. We also provide shop-at-home services in Western New York, including Olean. Today, we have grown to over 60 employees and over 50 installation crews for a total workforce of over 100.Custom Carpet Centers has become the Number One floorcovering dealer in the WNY area. We have three distinct divisions: retail/residential, commercial/contract and new home builder, each specializing in the very specific needs of those specific customers. Our areas of expertise include Carpet , Hardwood Flooring , Laminate Flooring , Luxury Vinyl Plank/Luxury Vinyl Tile , Waterproof Flooring and Resilient Flooring. We have continued to maintain a strict policy that we will never sell seconds or off goods to any of our customers. Custom Carpet Centers does nightly follow up phone calls to its recently installed customers and results have consistently resulted in over 96% of our customers responding that they would recommend us to a friend.