Viscose is the fiber that most closely resembles the look of silk in rugs. It's made from cellulose, and because its fiber surface is smooth, it reflects light rather than scattering it. This is why the same rug appears darker or lighter as your viewing angle changes—it's not a flaw, but viscose's signature characteristic. This collection features 1,135 models.
Why is it called “artificial silk”?
Viscose was developed at the end of the 19th century as a more accessible alternative to silk, which is where its common name comes from. Since cellulose is dissolved and reformed into a fiber, its cross-section is smooth and lustrous, similar to silk. In a rug, this means the same pattern is perceived with two different depths from two different angles.
The price of brilliance is water stains
When viscose gets wet, the fibers swell, and when they dry, they don't fully return to their original alignment. This leaves a light-colored ring mark around the edge of the droplet. This mark is not dirt; it's a change in the fiber's shape and cannot be removed with detergent. For this reason, viscose rugs are best suited for dry areas of the living room, not in front of a kitchen counter or around a sink.
Why is scrubbing forbidden?
Viscose's wet strength is lower than its dry strength. Brushing or pressing and scrubbing when wet breaks the fiber ends; the broken area remains dull and rough. The correct approach is simple: use a dry or slightly damp cloth, pressing only, without scrubbing. Detailed instructions are provided in our rug care guide.
Who is viscose suitable for, and who is it not?
In low-traffic areas such as infrequently used guest rooms, bedside areas, or study nooks, viscose will maintain its original appearance for a long time. However, with heavy foot traffic, the fibers flatten earlier than other fibers and locally lose their sheen; these areas will eventually appear as dull spots. If you have small children, pets, or high traffic, our honest recommendation is a different fiber: polyester models are much more tolerant of moisture and stains. If you'd like to see for yourself before deciding, you have 14 days for a no-questions-asked return.
Is viscose a natural fiber?
It's semi-natural. Its raw material is plant cellulose, but it becomes a fiber through a chemical process; therefore, it's considered neither as natural as cotton nor as synthetic as polyester.
Can it withstand a vacuum cleaner?
Yes, but brush and rotating heads can wear down the fiber ends. A flat suction head and a low power setting make a noticeable difference for this group.
Is the product made only of viscose?
In most models, no. Viscose is often blended with polyester or cotton, and this ratio directly affects durability; always read the composition information on the product page. You can finalize your size decision with our size calculator.