Identification

• Weaving silk into rugs gives the rug added luster and shine. Wool has a matte appearance. Both are difficult to identify by touch, so always ask about the composition of a rug before making a purchase.
  
  

Types

• Wool and silk rugs come in many different patterns, textures and colors. While wool rugs are typically 100 percent wool, silk rugs, due to the cost and delicacy of silk, are often comprised of a small percentage of silk woven into wool.
  
  

Function

• Wool rugs are resilient and offer natural protection from spills and stains and are an excellent choice for all areas of the home. Silk rugs are more delicate and should be used in locations having minimal foot traffic.
  
  

Benefits

• Silk adds delicacy and shine to area rugs, offering aesthetic benefits, but doesn't have many practical benefits. Wool offers durability as well as resistance to fire and dust mites in rugs.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Iranians were among the first carpet weavers, weaving rugs over 2500 years, and are still considered some of the finest artists and craftsmen of wool and silk rugs.