When it comes to luxurious, elegant flooring, silk rugs are the epitome of style and craftsmanship. However, in recent years, bamboo silk rugs have entered the market as a more affordable alternative. While both may look similar at a glance, there are significant differences between real silk rugs and bamboo silk rugs that every buyer should know. Educating our customers about rugs is important to us at Rugs and Beyond, so you have the information you need.
Source of Material: Real silk is derived from the cocoon of the silkworm, primarily in regions like China and India. This natural protein material is valued for its shine, strength and gentle feel.
On the other hand, bamboo silk is made from the cellulose pulp of bamboo plants. Although it is often marketed as “eco-friendly silk,” it is essentially a viscose or rayon fiber, which undergoes chemical processing to attain a silky finish.
Look and Feel: Both real silk and bamboo silk rugs have a soft, lustrous appearance. However, real silk rugs possess a natural sheen that changes with the light and angle of viewing. It feels softer and sleeker than the last version.
Bamboo silk rugs may appear shiny, but the sheen is more uniform and artificial. The pile of bamboo silk tends to flatten more easily and does not retain its structure as long as real silk.
Durability and Longevity: When it comes to durability, real silk rugs are far superior. Despite how fine silk looks, it is both tough and flexible, allowing pure silk rugs to be used in areas that require less walk-through, as long as you care for them.
Bamboo silk rugs, in contrast, are far less durable. They tend to wear out quickly, especially in high-traffic zones, and are more prone to staining, shedding, and fading over time.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Real silk rugs require professional cleaning and must be handled with care due to their delicate nature. If they are well looked after, they can survive a long time.
Bamboo silk rugs are more susceptible to water damage and are difficult to clean. A little spill can change the colour of your rug and not cleaning it correctly can make the problem permanent.
Price and Value: Real silk rugs are handknotted, labour-intensive, and involve premium raw materials, which makes them more expensive. These rugs usually keep their worth over the years and are regarded as heirloom items.
Bamboo silk rugs are relatively cheaper, but their short lifespan and high maintenance can offset the initial cost savings.
While both types of rugs can enhance the aesthetics of a space, real silk rugs offer unmatched beauty, longevity, and value. At Rugs and Beyond, we specialise in handknotted pure silk rugs that are not only luxurious but also crafted to last a lifetime. If everlasting value is what you want, then consider real silk. If you want decor for a short period or don’t want to spend a lot, bamboo silk is acceptable, but it won’t be the same as silk.