Jute Rugs: All the Pros and Cons

Many homeowners who are trying to add a touch of natural warmth and texture to their living rooms choose to decorate with jute rugs since they are a popular and versatile option. If you’ve never heard of jute rugs, or you’ve heard of them and don’t know anything about them, then keep reading for a run-down on everything jute rug related!

What is a jute rug?

Jute rugs are produced from jute plant fibers. Jute is a long, soft, lustrous vegetable fiber spun into coarse, strong threads. The rugs made from these threads are popular due to their natural appearance, texture, durability, and affordability. Jute rugs are hand- or machine-woven and vary in size, color, and design. They can add an extra layer of textured appeal to living spaces, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Jute, a natural fabric, may not be ideal for high-traffic areas or houses with pets or young children as it can soil easier, but in accent areas or in areas that aren’t at risk of heavy staining, they work perfectly.

Weaving rugs out of jute can be done in several different ways, including the flatweave, hand-tufted, and hand-knotted methods. The majority of jute rugs are manufactured using a flatweave technique, which involves weaving the threads closely together to produce a surface that is level. Hand-tufted jute rugs are made by looping the fibers through a backing material. Hand-knotted jute rugs, on the other hand, are made by tying the threads together to make a more complicated pattern.

The Pros of Jute Rugs

They Have a Long Lifespan 

Jute rugs are known for being very long-lasting, which is one of their many advantages. Jute fibers have a high inherent strength and can tolerate significant foot traffic without exhibiting any symptoms of wear and tear. They’re resistant to stains as well as moisture, making them an excellent choice for usage in high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms. They are a natural fiber, so they aren’t as hardy as fibers used to make outdoor rugs or that are made to withstand things like machine washing or severe weather, but they’re relatively durable rugs.

Versatility

Jute rugs are very versatile, which is just another one of their many advantages. Since they’re available in such a wide range of dimensions and designs, jute rugs are versatile enough to be used in every area of the home. You can use them to give your living room or bedroom a more natural and rustic feel, or you can use them to give your dining room and kitchen a more natural and earthy appearance. A jute round rug should also be on your mind if you’re looking into jute rug options, either for smaller bedrooms or even for an entryway. They can be used virtually anywhere and are neutral enough to mesh with any existing decor.

Easy to Maintain

When it comes to taking care of jute rugs, it is essential to refrain from getting them too wet. This is because exposure to moisture may cause the fibers to become brittle and eventually break off. In case of a spill, the best course of action is to blot the affected area with a dry towel and then allow it to air dry. If you vacuum the rug regularly, you may help to maintain its cleanliness and keep it free of dust and other particles.

The Possible Cons of Jute Rugs

Susceptible to Moisture

Jute rugs are prone to water damage and may quickly get stained or discolored if wet. This might make cleaning difficult and restrict their usage in some sections of the house. Dry cleaning is the best way to clean them, by vacuuming and blotting at any spills or stains – but this makes it difficult to get out any deeper staining, and we all know accidents happen.

Losing Fibers

Jute rugs are prone to losing fibers over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. While this shedding may be lessened with regular cleaning and upkeep, it may still be an issue for certain households. And don’t get us wrong – this shedding typically takes a while, as these are relatively hardy rugs. But it will eventually happen, even if it is many months or years down the road.

Neutral Colors

Jute rugs are typically only available in a short range of neutral and natural colors. This is what they’re known for, and it is what most people want when they search out a jute rug, though it can come as a disadvantage for those who are looking to brighten their space or throw in any pops of color.

FAQ's

Q: How can I choose the best jute rug for my home?

A: Here are the most important things to keep in mind when searching for a jute rug for your home:

- Size: Take accurate measurements of the space you want to put the rug in and choose the size that fits the space the best. Keep in mind that jute rugs tend to expand with time, and choose a size that will provide room for future expansion – not a ton, but they do loosen up over the first few months after purchase.

- Color: Jute rugs may be found in a wide array of earth tones, from off-white to deep brown. Think about the other colors in the space and how the one you chose for the rug will work with or against them.

- Texture: Jute rugs' natural, woven texture may enrich a space by providing contrast and highlighting the rug's other design elements. You should think about whether you want a smooth or textured surface and choose a rug accordingly.

- Durability: While jute rugs have a long life span and can withstand heavy foot activity, they may not fare as well in moist environments. We recommend you choose a rug with a thicker pile and a more tightly woven construction if you want to put it in a high-traffic location.

- Maintenance: Jute rugs may be spot cleaned or vacuumed to remove dirt and debris on occasion, but otherwise need little upkeep. Choose a rug that works with your routine and care habits.

Q: How do I clean a jute rug?

A: Cleaning a jute rug requires special care to prevent damage to the fibers. Here are some basic suggestions when cleaning one:

Regular vacuuming is necessary to remove dirt and debris from jute rugs. For delicate cleaning of the fibers, use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Clean up any spills quickly by dabbing them with a clean, dry towel to absorb as much of the liquid as you can. Removing the stain by rubbing it might cause it to penetrate the fibers more deeply, so avoid any motions other than blotting. If the stain still persists, combine a little warm water and mild detergent and dab the discoloration with a clean cloth. 

Keep jute rugs as dry as possible to minimize damage to their fibers. Never soak the rug with water during spot cleaning, and try to avoid using too much water. Dry the rug thoroughly after any sort of spill or cleaning. If the rug does become wet, it must be dried as soon as possible to stop the formation of mold or mildew. Use a fan to hasten drying, or do so by hanging the rug outdoors or in a place with good ventilation.

Q: Should I buy a round jute rug?

Round jute rugs are available in a wide range of sizes and designs to match any decor theme. Many people use them in their homes’ living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and entryways, among other spaces. While the rectangular jute rugs are popular, the round ones are even more popular, especially in bohemian-style homes.

Q: Is the 8 x 10 jute rug size the ideal size?

A jute rug that is 8x10 feet in size is a large area rug that may cover a substantial amount of space. This size jute rug is popular in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms, and is one of the most purchased out of all jute rug sizes – though this is typical of most rugs, whose popular sizes are 8x10 and 5x7.

The size of jute rug you choose truly depends on the shape and size of the room where you want to place it. If it’s a smaller bedroom, then you might want to size down a little to a 5x7. If it’s a kitchen or a hallway, you might be more interested in a runner, or even a 2x3 placemat-sized rug to go in front of a doorway. Experiment with a few different sizes before making your final decision, to make sure you buy the size that is ideal for you.

All in all, jute rugs are high on the home decor popularity scale, and they aren't coming down any time soon. They're durable, comfortable, textured, warm, and provide just a little bit more finesse to whatever home they're used in. Whether your decor style is earthy, traditional, mid-century modern, or contemporary, a jute rug is versatile enough to work for you.

If you're in the market for a jute rug - or for any rug, for that matter - be sure to take a look at Decorsify's listing when you're on your rug-buying journey! Decorsify offers a wide variety of different rug styles and sizes to choose from, so you're guaranteed to find something for you. Whether you choose a jute rug for your next home refresh or not, we wish you good luck and happy shopping!