Viscose is a semi-synthetic rayon that feels and looks like silk but for a fraction of the price point. It is semi-synthetic because it uses a natural cellulose - bamboo/wood pulp - in its production process. Discovered in 1891, viscose has since become a popular material for rug making because of its luxurious look and feel. It is easily dyed and retains vivid colours particularly well. When well maintained, a viscose rug can last a great number of years.

Bare in mind that unlike natural fibres such as silk, semi-synthetic fibres are weak fibres that tend to bend and break easily. While a silk rug can be bent up to 2,000 times before breakage occurs, a semi-synthetic rayon rug comes in at 70 times before it begins to “shed” and show wear and tear. That is why we recommend using a viscose rug in only low to medium traffic areas such as a living room or dining room. Viscose rugs also naturally turn yellow when wet and therefore, it is important that spills (even plain water spills) be absorbed and cleaned immediately and thoroughly.