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Spotlight on silk

The seductive lustre of silk never fails to enthral. Prized for thousands of years for its natural properties including; sheen, strength, durability and softness, it’s no wonder this precious natural material still represents the ultimate luxury in interiors and fashion. To find out more about the benefits of silk and how it’s used in rugs, read on below.

Spotlight on Silk

BACK TO BASICS

What is silk?


Commonly referred to as ‘the queen of fibres’, silk is a natural protein fibre obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. These cocoons are each made of one long silk fibre that the larvae produce using their saliva. On average, a strand of silk from a cocoon ranges anywhere between 300 to 900 meters long. These filaments are then either spun by hand or by machine to create yarns.

Wave Construct

Did you know?

The process of making silk fibres is called Sericulture. It starts by raising silkworms and then processing their cocoons into the precious silk yarns.

Where does silk get its shine from?
Silk produces a shimmering optical effect as a result of triangular prism like structure. Silk rugs therefore reflect and radiate light into any room.

Where do we source our silk from?
All of our silk is sourced from the finest cultivators in China. The exceptional quality is reflected in our strong and lustrous yarns and in the magnificent sheen and durability of the final designs.

Platinum by David Rockwell

Platinum by David Rockwell

RADIATING LIGHT

The Benefits of Using Silk in Rugs

+ HIGH SHEEN AND LUSTRE
Its high sheen and lustre will illuminate any room

+ SOFTNESS AND TEXTURE
Provides super soft texture underfoot and to the touch

+ RESILIENCE AND DURABILITY
Despite its delicate appearance, silk is a highly resilient and durable material, so can withstand foot traffic

+ HYPOALLERGENIC
Does not attract dust mites or moths

+ ADAPTS TO HEAT
Cool to the touch when warm and warm when cold

+ NATURAL
It’s a natural material made using zero harmful chemicals

Staccato by Kelly Wearstler

Staccato by Kelly Wearstler adds a golden touch to this London-based townhouse by Sarah Delaney Design.

Deco Diamond Light by Tim Gosling

A custom Deco Diamond by Tim Gosling is the perfect addition to this project by Nicoline Beerkens in Amsterdam.

Good to know

+ Silk has a yellow undertone and does not bleach in the same way as wool, which is something to bear in mind if you’re wanting to achieve a stark white rug

+ The pile in handknotted rugs always leans in one direction because of the way that the weavers work. Therefore from one side of the rug silk colours will look light and bright, but moving round the rug and facing the pile towards the base of the knot, the colour will saturate and darken

+ When choosing a shade of colour, be conscious that silk is highly lustrous, so if you’re wanting a darker, more saturated tone choose wool, as colours always appear lighter in silk

Grid Construct by Christopher Kane
Channels Copper by Kelly Wearstler

“I design knowing the pieces will have a soulful, luxurious feel using different weaves and mixing beautiful materials, like silk, wool and other yarns.”

Kelly Wearstler

SHIMMERING DESIGNS

Wool and Silk Rugs



Many of our best-loved designs comprise a mix of wool and silk which creates a fantastic contrasting texture. Introducing even a small amount of silk into a design will catch the light and the pattern of the motif, creating a beautiful moving interplay with light as you move around the rug.

Sunray Pink by Mary Katrantzou

Sunray Pink by Mary Katrantzou

Reeds by Sebastian Herkner

Reeds by Sebastian Herkner

Discover more wool and silk rugs here.

LUSTROUS SHEEN

Silk Rugs



Is there anything chicer or more luxurious than an all-silk rug? Our all silk designs are highly coveted and come in rich jewel tones, as well as shimmering neutrals.

Climbing Leopard by Diane Von Furstenberg

Climbing Leopard by Diane Von Furstenberg

Monarch Fire by Alexander McQueen

Monarch Fire by Alexander McQueen

Discover more silk rugs.

How to care for silk rugs

Our silk rugs should last you a lifetime with the correct care. Should a stain occur, the one main rule is that you should never ever clean the rug with chemical based cleaners as this will damage the material and colour. Cool soapy water (ph neutral soap like a wool silk hand wash) is best applied liberally using a soft clean cloth to clean around all the fibres, and then use a clean dry towel to blot the excess liquid out. Professional cleaning is recommended once a year.

Tidal by David Rockwell

Looking for a more affordable option?

If you are looking to achieve lustre and sheen at an accessible price point, consider our Bamboo Silk offering. Bamboo silk is a tactile soft natural fibre which is highly durable.

To shop the collection, click through to our Bamboo Silk rugs.

Deco Border

Is silk worth the extra cost?

Why not watch our recent Design Conversations webinar with designers Tim Gosling and Samantha Todhunter as they discuss the answer.

“As a jewel necklace embellishes a little black dress, using silk in a rug does the same - its sheen and depth of colour lend a room a fabulous dash of glamour.”

Samantha Todhunter

Click here to watch the video.
(16:10 - ‘Is silk worth the cost?)

Want to know more on silk and order a sample?

Why not get in touch and our team will respond shortly.

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