One of the many popular natural fiber rug manufacturers that they like to use is “Coir”. Coir rugs are a great flooring alternative to tile and wood. It gives a certain boost to the aesthetic levels of your home and is eco-friendly as it is made from natural processes. Coconut fiber is a traditional fabric made from coconut shells that is abundant in India.
The rugs usually made from coconut fiber are woven using traditional but intricate weaving patterns such as panama, herringbone and buckle. These patterns make this rug a great choice for many people who want to add some character and eccentricity to their homes. Latex is poured into the back of the produced rug to help it mold to its shape and preserve it. The natural colors of the coir are brown and gold, which gives it an elegant touch and makes it a versatile rug for any home. Colors are only changed by fading.
But coir rugs are not an ideal rug to use in areas where you tend to lie down because it is a thick material. If you have no idea what that feels like, imagine rubbing your skin against a coconut shell, the stringy brown husk. It’s an uncomfortable rug, so it’s best to place it in areas where you won’t have to sit or lie down, such as the entryway or under furniture, to protect your floor from scratches.
Another major downside to using coir for rugs is that they have been shown to wear and tear easily with heavy use and foot traffic. It has been attested that wool will prove to be a much more durable option than coir. But since it has a thick and rough texture, people instantly think that it will last longer. Wrong. It can be tough enough to withstand normal household use and foot traffic, but it can’t hold too much. Heavy use and foot traffic have been shown to make rugs made from coir prone to wear and tear.
Other than that, coir is also very likely to stain, unlike Seagrass and Sisal rugs. Water is one of the main contributors to coir stains, as it leaves permanent marks on rugs made from this material. Therefore, if you want to use rugs made from coconut fiber, make sure not to place them in kitchens, bathrooms and outside, where precipitation can reach them, as they will damage the rug.
Despite its shortcomings, there are also advantages to buying rugs made from coconut fiber. For one, it is definitely cheaper than any other natural fiber rug and has proven to be a great alternative to sisal. The retail price of such rugs ranges from £10 to £20, so it is definitely a budget option. Another great advantage of this type of rug is that there are more options for fitted rugs that you can have installed in your home. You can choose from 2, 4, and 5 meters with the right amount of tolerance that can easily fit most hallways, corridors, and homes.
Coir rugs may have their flaws, but they have proven that they can still be functional. But before you decide whether you want this or not, weigh the pros and cons first to see if this is the rug for you.