I’ve noticed more and more people asking, “What is a jute rug made of?” Lately, it seems like jute rugs are popping up everywhere from Instagram feeds to HGTV shows.
And I get the hype. Jute brings a breath of fresh air into any space with its natural, earthy beauty.
But even as these fibrous floor coverings surge in popularity, some confusion remains around exactly what they’re made from. Questions like:
- Is jute some kind of tree bark?
- Is it a synthetic fabric?
- How does it differ from sisal or seagrass rugs?
Great questions! As a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I will break down the nitty-gritty details on this trending texture to get fully up to speed.
The Natural Origins of Jute Rugs
While it may share similarities with other natural rug fibers, jute comes from an entirely different plant source.
Jute fibers come from the bark of the jute plant, a species native to the warm and humid regions of Asia.
To produce jute fabric, farmers harvest the tall, bamboo-like jute stalks at full maturity. Then the outer bark is peeled off the stalk in long ribbons and treated to make sturdy, spun threads.
So in technical terms:
Jute rugs are made from the bast fibers of Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius plants.
“Bast” refers to the phloem tissue that runs along the inner bark of these jute plants. It’s this part of the plant that gives us those beautiful golden threads.
Through a process of retting and combining multiple fibers, jute yarn is created. The yarn is then woven on large looms to produce rolls of the finished fabric.
Rug makers use this fabric to craft woven or braided jute area rugs, hall runners, and doormats in all sizes.
So while sisal comes from agave leaves and seagrass from marine plants, jute origins can be traced back to two specific flowering shrubs.
Pretty neat how Mother Nature provides such an abundance of weavable fibers!
Key Characteristics of Jute Rug Fabric
Now that we know where jute originates from, let’s look at some of its unique properties:
- Jute fabric has a soft, silky texture yet is also very strong. This durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- The untreated threads have a characteristic golden/light brown color. Dyed jute rugs come in every hue.
- Jute absorbs moisture easily, making it less suitable for damp areas.
- With a bit of fuzziness similar to burlap, the textured look of jute fabric adds instantly cozy appeal.
- As a rapidly renewable crop, jute is considered one of the more eco-friendly rug materials.
- Jute doesn’t attract lint and particulate matter as much as synthetic carpets.
- Provides good sound absorption and insulation from cold floors.
The natural resilience and color variations of jute fibers create that effortlessly casual, organic look many of us covet these days.
While textures and construction vary, you can see why jute has become a beloved rug fabric across the globe.
Is a Jute or Sisal Rug Better?
Since both jute and sisal fall under the natural fiber rug umbrella, some confusion exists over which one makes the best area rug.
As we just learned, jute comes from an Asian flowering shrub while sisal derives from agave plants.
Though they share some similarities, here are a few key differences:
- Sisal has a nubby, rope-like texture from the long agave leaves. Jute feels softer and silkier.
- Jute rugs come in more colors while sisal’s hue is limited.
- Sisal scores higher for durability and stain resistance.
- Jute better absorbs sound.
- Sisal withstands moisture better than jute.
So which is better ultimately comes down to the location and your personal preference on texture.
Both offer eco-friendly, comforting floors that never go out of style.
Common Types of Jute Rugs
Beyond the fiber itself, jute rugs come in several popular constructions:
Jute Area Rugs
Jute area rugs likely make up the bulk of jute flooring these days. These flatwoven or hand-knotted styles come in all standard sizes, shapes, and colors to match any decor.
Jute Braided Rugs
Multiple jute fibers braided together form durable and reversible rugs perfect for high-traffic zones. Nubby round braids result in the popular concentric circle pattern.
Jute Herringbone Rugs
The distinctive interlacing zigzag design of herringbone rugs adds great visual interest. Durable enough for dining spaces and beyond.
Jute Bouclé Rugs
A lustrous, loopy style of jute rug made by weaving together fibers of different lengths. The raised bouclé knots up the cozy factor.
Jute & Chenille Rugs
For jute rugs with indulgent softness underfoot, look for ones woven partly with chenille cotton yarn. The best of both worlds!
Jute Bath Rugs
Since moisture poses problems for jute fiber…jute bath rugs? Yes, these actually exist for bringing nature into the bathroom! The jute warp is woven with absorbent cotton weft to allow usage in damp areas.
While natural shades remain popular for blending seamlessly, thanks to vegetable dyes you can now find jute carpets in just about any color to match your space.
So whatever your style or needs, there’s a jute rug type that will work beautifully for you. Time to go browse the options!
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
One of the main hesitations people have around jute rugs involves keeping them clean. But actually, jute carpets are easier to care for than you may think!
Here are some top tips for keeping your jute flooring looking fresh:
- Vacuum regularly on a low setting to prevent accumulated dirt and remove loose fibers.
- Avoid excessive moisture like liquid spills that can cause discoloration. Blot immediately if needed.
- For spot cleaning stains, gently dab with a mild detergent and rinse with clear water.
- Steam cleaning is not recommended as excess moisture can damage jute fibers.
- Fluff flatwoven jute rugs outdoors occasionally.
- Rotate your rug to promote even wear.
- Consider professional cleaning every year or two to revitalize dingy jute.
With proper maintenance, a quality jute area rug will easily last 5-10 years…some even longer!
Over time the fibers take on a lovely patina that adds to that sought-after worn-in charm.
Bring Natural Beauty Into Your Home
There you have it – everything you need to know about what gives jute rugs their organic allure!
In summary, jute rugs contain fibers derived from the bark of jute plants.
Appreciated for generations in India and Africa before gaining wider international fans, no wonder jute tapped into today’s bohemian-loving, eco-conscious aesthetic.
Affordable, comforting, sustainably-sourced…what’s not to love?
Now that you’re a jute fiber expert, it’s time to scout that perfect natural floor covering to give your home an uplifting dose of cozy texture and timeless style.
I’d love to know – do you have jute rugs in your home currently? Thinking of incorporating this natural fiber soon? Let me know in the comments!