Rugs seem to tie everything together in a room. Without one, a space can feel cold, incomplete, even uncomfortable.
So when it comes to choosing the right material, there are a few things to consider: durability, stain resistance, softness underfoot, and ease of cleaning, to name a few.
Jute is emerging as a top choice for rugs with its natural, eco-friendly properties. But with more traditional options like wool still available, is jute a good material for rugs? As a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I decided to do a little digging to find out.
Where Does Jute Come From and How is it Made?
Before we determine whether or not jute makes a good rug, it’s helpful to understand what it is and how its produced.
Jute is a natural plant fiber, woven from the stalks of the Corchorus genus of plants native to India and Southeast Asia. Known for its durability and affordability, jute has long been used to produce things like rope and sacks.
The stalks are harvested and soaked in water, then stripped down to access the fibers inside. These fibers are spun into coarse threads, which are then woven into rugs, furniture covers, bags, and more. That natural processing makes jute completely biodegradable.
Pros of Jute as a Rug Material
Jute has a lot going for it as a rug fabric, including:
Natural, Biodegradable, and Sustainable
First, it’s a 100% sustainably harvested natural fiber. Unlike synthetic rug options like polyester that don’t break down, jute is biodegradable and will fully compost. That scores big sustainability points. From cultivation to manufacturing, jute uses fewer resources overall and leaves a lighter environmental footprint. A jute rug can be guilt-free for the eco-conscious consumer.
Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Properties
The natural fibers are also very breathable and have a moisture-wicking effect, making them well-suited for hot and humid climates. Jute might be cool and comfortable barefoot on a warm day.
Affordability
Jute rug costs are usually far below more premium fibers like wool. Jute is easy and fast to produce in high volumes, so it’s cost-effective and accessible to almost all budgets. It’s a stylish floor covering you can feel good about at a reasonable price point.
Texture, Color, and Style Variety
From the patterns and weaves, to the colors and shapes, jute rugs offer tons of options to match any room’s décor. Natural creamy tan is most popular, but dyed colors are available too. Unique styles like braided, plus simple dressy or casual choices mean you can find the perfect jute carpet for your needs and taste.
Cons of Jute as a Rug Material
For all it brings to the table, jute does have a few disadvantages to factor into your decision, like:
Doesn’t Handle Water or Excess Moisture
As a natural fiber, jute soaks up and retains moisture. So while it is mold-resistant, prolonged exposure to wetness can damage the fibers, stain the rug, or encourage mildew growth, especially in humid climates. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and outdoors are not ideal locations for a jute rug. Spot cleaning is great, but jute rugs cannot be washed or soaked in water for more thorough cleanings.
Not the Softest Underfoot
On its own, jute has a coarse feel due to the unique structure and texture of the natural fibers. While comfortable enough for many, those looking for a plusher rug under their feet may prefer a jute and chenille blend or a fabric like wool. Adding a thick rug pad can make a jute carpet softer and warmer underfoot.
Shedding Fibers Require Frequent Vacuuming
Particularly when new, jute will shed small fibers. Though natural, this can be annoying to deal with. By vacuuming at least once a week with the upholstery attachment, you can stay on top of the shedding as the rug wears in.
May Need Anti-Slip Treatment On Hard Floors
Jute’s woven texture can make it prone to sliding around on smooth flooring without an underlying rug pad or grip strips. A non-slip rug underlay is a smart solution, as is securing your jute rug with double-sided rug tape around the edges on tile or wood floors.
The Bottom Line: Jute Checks the Main Rug Material Boxes
Jute may not be the absolute softest or most durable, nor is it fully waterproof. And you won’t escape a little extra vacuuming with jute. But overall, jute stacks up well compared to common rug fabrics like polyester, cotton, wool, and sisal:
✔ Natural, sustainable, and biodegradable
✔ Affordable pricing for most budgets
✔ Stylish, neutral color and look
✔ Varied textures and patterns available
✔ Breathable and moisture-wicking
✔ Easy to spot clean
For an eco-friendly floor covering that brings lots of style at a reasonable investment, it’s hard to beat jute rugs. With some smart rug care like regular vacuuming and immediately treating spills, a quality jute rug will serve you well for years.
So if you ask me, yes, jute IS a good material choice for area rugs. For living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms that see medium foot traffic and the occasional spill, jute’s pros outweigh any cons. I believe jute can work beautifully in many homes.
Have you tried a jute rug in your home? Share your experience on whether or not jute has been a good rug material for your space.