There’s just something about rugs that express one’s individual style. Perhaps it’s in the details of how this exquisite piece of art was made or maybe it’s the patterns and colors that reflect the artistic side of the individual—may it be subtle or bold.
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Buyers Insight
Jute rugs are among the most popular natural-fiber rugs in the world today. Stylish and trendy-savvy folk prefer to use these décor staples to adorn various spaces because they are the most eco-friendly options in today’s world.
If you want to add a little organic touch to your décor, you can’t go wrong with jute rugs. You can use these exquisite rugs to express your individual taste or artistic side in various diverse ways. This article will guide you through the essentials of jute rugs and factors you should keep in mind when shopping for one.
The jute plant's use can get traced as far back as the Indus Civilization. People in the Indus Civilization used jute as a textile and spun it into floor mats as early as the 3rd millennium BC. The modern-day jute rugs are more 'modern', but the original idea came from this era.
Jute’s fame did not sprout in the recent past. It was still popular even when Bengal was reigned by the British army. The idea that jute could only be handwoven got dispelled when people discovered it was also machinable back in the 18th century.
The 18th century, therefore, heralded a boom in the jute rug industry. That resulted in the setting up of numerous jute mills in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 20th century, on the other hand, wasn't so good for this industry. A downfall was prevalent in this era, but the trend reversed in the 21st century, and jute rugs have enjoyed immense attention ever since.
As of today, jute gets used to make rugs and various other upholstery and décor. Exquisite craftsmanship is required to make handwoven coarse strands from vegetable fibers. These strands then get used by manufacturers to make jute area rugs. No matter its ultimate location, be it a dining room, outdoor rug, by your front door, or under a coffee table, it's important you understand the many intricacies of this type of rug so that you can fit it perfectly into your designated space.
Jute rugs get manufactured from fibers known as Hessian. These fibers are located within the plant's stem, and they are a prerequisite in the process of making a jute rug. However, the jute plant has to undergo specific processing before these fibers get extracted.
First, after harvesting, the plants need to be submerged, for a maximum of 30 days, in water. This first step is called retting, and it helps in the dissolution of the plant's outer layer. Then, the remaining parts of the jute plant get beaten and scraped away by workers.
The workers work on the plant until they remain with strong fibers only. They then wash and dry these remaining fibers in preparation for manufacturing. Manufacturing requires these fibers to be clean, dry, and in their raw state.
Jute fibers are commonly known as the "golden fibers" because, unlike the plant's bright green color, these fibers possess a yellow hue that shines in the sunlight. Workers spin these fibers into yarn or rope using several diverse techniques.
The jute fibers can also be dyed, softened, or blended into a specific design using various other materials. It also at this point that rugs or any other textiles can get woven from the jute yarn. These fibers can be handwoven. However, the weaving can also get done by machines.
There are numerous factors you should take into consideration before purchasing a jute rug. You can only get the best out of jute rugs if you look for:
Jute rugs usually contain a natural brown tint. However, you can also find other jute rugs possessing decorations from different styles and patterns by bold artists. If you find a retailer with such beautiful rugs, check them out and choose one that suits your preferences.
Some jute rug lovers have complained about the rough texture of rugs made out of 100% natural jute. That is why most manufacturers mix jute with other fibers to make them softer.
If you prefer rugs with a softer texture, consider buying ones that are a mixture of jute and other fibers.
You should consider the space you want to place a jute rug before buying one. For instance, these natural fiber rugs tend to glide on surfaces with smooth tiles or wooden floors because they are not slip-proof.
Pick the most suitable jute rug that also blends its style with that of your room. The wide range of jute rugs available means you can't miss a suitable option. You can try any rug style, from basketweave and flatweave to braided jute rugs.
You should blot clean stains on your jute rug as soon as they appear if you want to maintain your rug’s optimal state. Note that we recommend blotting stains because rubbing will only lead to unwanted frays on these natural fiber rugs.
Stains on your jute rug can be caused by such elements as pet urine, spilled beverages, food, etc. Whenever any of these get onto your jute rug, spot clean as soon as it’s possible. The sooner you act on any stains on your jute rug, the more you will maintain its luxuriant allure.
To spot-clean a stain on your rug, first, place a clean towel on the stained part. Then, start with gentle outward pats followed by inner patting. Let your towel absorb as much moisture as possible by letting it blot the stain for as long as it’s necessary.
If a clean towel fails to get rid of the entire stain, try washing the stained area using a mild dishwashing detergent. Repeat this process until your rug is spotless.
If you have a pet and it happens to stain your jute rug, make sure you have cleaned it as fast as possible. Letting the stain sit unattended will allow it to seep into your rug's strands, and it will become impossible to clean. If it is pet vomit or feces, you may first scrape the accident before using the spot cleaning procedure we described before.
Below are a few more tips for cleaning and maintaining your jute rug:
If an acidic substance spills on your rug, you may use soda water to clean it up. Club soda and sparkling water are also effective in neutralizing acidic spills and preventing unwanted discoloration.
Then, immediately dry the rug with a drying kit or hand blower once you have dealt with the acidic stain.
Most experts in carpet cleaning will advise you to avoid soaking your jute rug with water unnecessarily. Avoid wetting, shampooing, or steam cleaning your jute rug if you can.
When you expose your rug to water excessively, some oils may be released, leading to oxidation and, eventually, the darkening of your jute rug.
Most jute rug owners have always wondered whether vacuuming is proper. Experts recommend you vacuum your jute rug as often as it’s possible. Vacuuming doesn't affect these rugs adversely; in retrospect, it ensures your jute rug is clean and attractive.
Vacuuming is the most convenient way of getting rid of such elements as dust particles before they get embedded in the rug's fabric. However, make sure you vacuum in a direction consistent with your rug's binding.
Also, ensure that you don't let your vacuum cleaner sit on your rug's binding for too long. And, don't let the vacuum catch your rug's edge. Your jute rug’s binding can get damaged by these missteps.
You may apply light dampening if your rug gets exposed to low humidity or excessive dryness. Make sure you evenly dampen with as little moisture as necessary.
Light dampening is effective in the elimination of looseness and minor bubbling in jute rugs. Ensure you don't drench your jute rug. Otherwise, the dyes used to decorate it may lead to unwanted staining, or it can lose shape.
Our recommendation for treating natural area rugs, including jute rugs, is to use reputable fabric protectors. High-quality fabric protectors keep your jute rug clean for longer and decrease absorbance.
Jute rugs, just like other rugs, tend to curl on the edges, especially if they are in high traffic areas or spaces with regular shuffling and luggage handling. That is a common problem that you can fix very easily.
To straighten a curled edge on your rug, simply dampen the edge, then evenly weigh it down. Leave the curled edge in this state overnight or until it has straightened out. If the rug has stubborn curls, repeat this process until everything is to your liking.
The fibers in your jute rug may become loose with time. If this happens, you can opt for any of these two solutions:
1. If you find a loose fiber in the middle of your jute rug, you can fix it by dabbing a tiny amount of glue onto the fiber’s edge then tucking it back in. Then, clip off any part that is showing over the rug’s surface using scissors.
2. If your jute rug has a frayed edge, you can use a needle and thread to repair it.
Don’t try to pull a loose thread free because this can damage your jute rug even further.
There are different shapes and sizes of jute rugs that you can choose for your space. Below are a few choices you may consider:
A good jute rug is often an upscale décor item for any of your room's interior designs. Round jute rugs are among the trendiest options available in the market today, although they are just making a comeback since the '60s.
These rugs are suitable for any space in your home.
Patterned jute rugs have recently become stylish too. You can find numerous rectangular jute rugs with diverse, intricate patterns in the market today. You can use any of these options to add elegance and a dash of beauty to your rooms.
If you have a high traffic living room that needs decorating, runner jute rugs are among the best options. Choose any runner jute rug that tickles your fancy and use it to decorate your living room. If you can find a color that contrasts with that of your furniture, all the better.
A natural area rug made from jute is a more affordable option compared to other rugs. That is due to the fact that jute plants grow quite fast, don't require pesticides, and are rain-fed, so they don't cost much to cultivate.
Plus, the fiber obtained from jute can get woven without requiring heavy machinery or expensive labor.
These natural area rugs also incorporate biodegradability and sustainability with exquisite design to give you the most lovely and eco-friendly jute rug. Jute rugs are recyclable more than once, therefore, posing no threat to the environment.
The dried jute fibers used to manufacture jute rugs are well known for their strength and durability. That makes these rugs the best options for high-traffic areas. If you have kids or energetic pets, you need these durable rugs because other types are unlikely to suffice long enough.
Most people find 100% natural jute rugs somewhat rough. However, most jute rugs, especially those with other materials incorporated in their manufacture tend to be soft and comfy to walk on. While very similar to their sisal counterparts, they have a soothing allure and are also safe for kids to play on without getting hurt. And if you do have little ones running around, make sure to put a rug pad underneath your rug, this will prevent any slippage and help soften the touch.
Jute rugs are not only durable, but they are also quite strong. The strength of these rugs, according to tensile strength measurement, is 104.9 ± 8.8MPa. Tensile strength gets used to determine how much pressure a material can withstand before it falls apart.
When compared to the tensile strength of other natural fibers, jute fiber is impressively strong. Plus, you can make it even stronger by reinforcing the fiber with other materials.
Extensibility refers to the disposition of any material to lose its original size, shape, or getting deformed. The low extensibility of jute fiber means your rug is safe from deformation in all kinds of temperatures and settings.
In fact, jute rugs are an ideal choice for anyone living in warmer environments. They will add beauty to any space without getting deformed easily.
If you need a rug that can insulate noise in your home, jute rugs should be the go-to rugs for you. They are very effective in reducing a room’s sound pressure, as they tend to be a little more chunky. That means you can enjoy relative tranquility while your pet or kids are running around on these rugs.
Below are various ways you can use jute rugs to decorate your home’s interior:
Jute rugs mostly come with a casual coastal design incorporated in their making. However, they don’t compromise on versatility. You can get various aesthetic designs ranging from traditional to modern.
Apart from the wonderfully applied weaving that makes a jute rug suitable for just about any area, you can also layer it with a different rug for extra effect.
Layering away is especially suitable for seating areas with giant spaces, an innocent entryway, or a bedside that needs a dash of cozy vibes. If you have an open-concept space, you can also apply layering to give the effect of floating furniture.
We mentioned earlier that jute fiber is stronger and more durable as compared to other natural fibers. Therefore, this makes jute rugs the ideal choice for decorating areas that experience high traffic. Jute rugs can withstand wear and tear in a home populated with kids, pets, or a steady flow of visitors.
Jute rugs contain a natural earth-brown hue. However, designers have recently been experimenting with different patterns, and the results are quite appealing. You can try such patterns as stripes or chevron and see whether they suit your fancy.
If you need a rug for your bedroom, try a jute rug with a subtle but beautiful herringbone pattern. You may enjoy the soft coziness of these rugs and the wonderful herringbone motif that serves to impress without being overwhelming.
Most natural fibers shed in time, and jute fibers are no exception. A jute rug on a floor that is lightly colored won’t lose appeal with alarming speed when it starts to shed, and it will be less noticeable.
You can reduce shedding frequency using an underlay. Otherwise, maintain the functionality of these rugs by using them in light flooring.
The suitability of jute rugs for high traffic areas means you can place them in such starting points as the kitchen or foyer. They are stronger, more durable, and much easier to clean compared to other natural fiber options.
Jute rugs, just like all types of products, have their share of pros and cons. You can use these to determine the suitability of jute rugs in your home.
• Very affordable
• Durable and strong
• Eco-friendly
• Versatile, appealing designs and patterns
• Lovely texture
• Can be reversible
• Natural look
• Look great indoor/outdoor
• Moisture makes these rugs prone to mold
• They are susceptible to shedding
• 100% jute rugs may feel stiffer and rougher to the touch
• May hang on to odors more than rugs made from other materials
Jute rugs are wonderful options you can use to add some zest into your living space. They are among our best selling pieces and a home decor phenomenon of late. These rugs have a lot of advantages and styles you can enjoy. Those going for the modern boho look would love to have one of these in their space. Plus, they are very affordable and durable. And, if you want to go green, jute rugs are 100% eco-friendly.
Be sure to check out our jute collection, we have new arrivals coming in regularly. You may never buy any other rug made from a different material. It is our sincere hope that you have learned all there is to know about natural area rug and designer jute rugs.
View our luxury rug collections, hand-picked from around the world.
David Nourafshan
David Nourafshan
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