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Jute Rug Review – 10 Best Jute Rugs

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Today, let’s discuss jute rugs. What are they? Are they comfortable? Do they last? I’ll answer your burning jute rug questions because you must have many. I will also share my personal jute rug review and my top ten jute rug picks. 

Jute rugs are a fairly popular rug choice these days. They are widely used in the rustic farmhouse decor because of their simplicity, texture, and neutral tones. This is one of the reasons why I purchased one for my home.

Jute rugs work well with farmhouse styles and are neutral enough to use any decor style.

They, indeed, are the perfect addition to any space.

My jute rug review

MY RUG – Jute chenille rug from West Elm

small white dog sitting on a jute rug

I purchased a chenille jute rug from West Elm about seven years ago. It’s survived a home move, two dogs trampling it, and a few too many spills. 

At the time, I was on a full West Elm kick, and if you are familiar with West Elm, you know they aren’t cheap. Needless to say, I had to really be in love with something to invest the money in it, and with this jute chenille rug, it was love.

This jute rug review has been seven years in the making, so it’s safe to say I really tested it out. Below are my personal pros and cons with the rug, things I noticed over the years, and my feelings on them.

PROS

  • The look. I love the color, and mixing chenille with the jute adds a different layer of texture to the rug.
  • I love that it is reversible. I feel like it extended the life of my rug.
  • It’s easy to clean. I vacuum it once or twice a week, and it’s perfect. As for pet stains and other spills, I find it easy to remove most spots if they are caught in time. 
  •  It’s pretty durable. There was no fading, and I haven’t seen any signs of fraying. As I mentioned before, it’s been through a lot, and it has held up beautifully.

CONS

  • On more humid days, the rug can get a bit of a smell—almost like a musty smell. However, I just sprinkle some baking soda on it, let it sit for an hour, and vacuum it up, and the smell is gone.
  •  The feel. Even though it’s a jute chenille rug, I’m not a fan of how it feels. Now, this is 100% a personal opinion. A lot of people love how jute feels and find it to be soft. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.

In conclusion, I am completely satisfied with purchasing a jute chenille rug. I have gotten more than my money’s worth out of this rug, that’s for sure. While I moved it out of my main living area to the basement, I still love it and will continue to love it.

Maybe in another seven years, I’ll give you an updated jute rug review. Stay tuned. 

My Top 10 Jute Rugs

Natural Area Rugs
Calvin Jute Rug


BUY HERE

nuLOOM Handwoven Rigo Jute Rug 


BUY HERE

nuLOOM Amelia Jute Lattice Area Rug 


BUY HERE

Coastal Farmhouse Flooring – Harlow Tan Round Jute Rug 


BUY HERE

Safavieh Cape Cod Collection Jute Area Rug Review


BUY HERE

Stone & Beam Contemporary Textured Jute Area Rug Review


BUY HERE

nuLOOM CLWA03A Handwoven Vania Chevron Jute Rug Review


BUY HERE

nuLOOM Handwoven Tarver Jute Rug Review


BUY HERE

nuLOOM Hand Woven Don Jute with Fringe Area Rug 


BUY HERE

nuLOOM Hand Woven Fringe Jute Rug


BUY HERE

What is jute?

Jute is a vegetable fiber. This shiny, soft, and long fiber can be spun into coarse and long threads. They range in color from off-white to brown and usually have a length of 3-13 feet.

According to Wikipedia, the following are some of jutes’ notable features:

Jute fiber is 100% bio-degradable and recyclable and thus environmentally friendly.

Jute has low pesticide and fertilizer needs.

It is a natural fiber with golden and silky shine and hence called The Golden Fiber.

It is the cheapest vegetable fiber procured from the bast or skin of the plant’s stem.

It is the second most important vegetable fiber after cotton, in terms of usage, global consumption, production, and availability.

It has high tensile strength, low extensibility, and ensures better breathability of fabrics. Therefore, jute is very suitable in agricultural commodity bulk packaging.

It helps to make top quality industrial yarn, fabric, net, and sacks. It is one of the most versatile natural fibers that has been used in raw materials for packaging, textiles, non-textile, construction, and agricultural sectors. Bulking of yarn results in a reduced breaking tenacity and an increased breaking extensibility when blended as a ternary blend.

The best source of jute in the world is the Bengal Delta Plain in the Ganges Delta, most of which is within the borders of Bangladesh.

Wikipedia

What does jute feel like?

A jute rug may feel slightly rough to the touch, yet it is a softer natural material. A good example to compare jute to is wool. 

So it’s not a particularly uncomfortable rough, it is just nowhere near as soft as say, a shag rug.

Let’s say you don’t want to snuggle up on it for a nap. However, when jute is mixed with another material, such as chenille, it softens the overall feel of the rug, hence giving it a nappable appeal. If you want to nap on your rug, you can do it alone.

Is jute a good rug material?

 Jute is definitely a good rug material. It’s fairly durable; on a scale from 1 to 100, I’d say it is about a 70. Jute is also fade-resistant in the sun and has sound and heat-absorbing capabilities. These are all great qualities that make jute a good rug material.

Are jute rugs good for high-traffic areas?

Jute rugs aren’t ideal for higher-traffic areas like hallways or entryways. Since jute is a softer fiber, it isn’t as durable as some other natural rugs.

10 Best Jute Rugs pinterest graphic

Does a jute rug require a pad?

A pad isn’t required for a jute rug, but it’s a good idea to use one to prevent the rug from slipping everywhere.

Another reason I like using a rug pad is the extra layer of protection it provides for my hardwood floors. Spills and accidents happen, so knowing a rug pad between the rug and my hardwood eases my mind.

Where should you use a jute rug?

Since jute is an absorbent natural fiber, it’s best to avoid using it in humid areas or areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms. Jute tends to hold on to moisture, which can cause it to become mildewed or moldy. 

A couple of great low-traffic, no-moisture areas for a jute rug are in bedrooms and living rooms. 

Another fantastic way to use jute rugs is by layering them. Layering adds texture and interest to a space, and jute rugs’ neutrality makes them easy to pair with other rugs.

Should you use a jute rug outdoor?

Using a jute rug outdoors just invites mold and stink. As I mentioned, jute and moisture don’t mesh well, so outdoors is the worst place to put a jute rug. 

How do you clean a jute rug?

You may be wondering, can you vacuum a jute rug? The answer is yes. Jute rugs are fairly easy to clean, a simple vacuuming in all directions is all they need to remove any surface dirt.  Typically, vacuuming a jute rug about once a week is sufficient.

What about spot cleaning?

To spot-clean a jute rug, avoid harsh spot cleaners and rug cleaners. The harsh chemicals can cause discoloration in the natural fibers.

When spot-cleaning light spills, it’s best to stick to soap and water. Blotting the spot rather than rubbing is the best method. Rough rubbing can cause the jute to fray, which in turn will shorten the life of the rug.

Do note.

It’s important to remember that along with your weekly cleanings, you want to rotate your rug every few months. This will prevent the rug from getting worn in the same spots.

How do you clean a jute rug pet stain?

You want to clean a pet stain on a jute rug immediately. The longer it sits, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain.

A tried and true method I personally use is as follows:

  • First things first, soak up the stain with a paper towel or a rag
  • Equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dip a cloth in the mixture, then blot the stain. Repeat this step multiple times.
  • Next, take a dry cloth and soak up what’s left of the vinegar and water 
  • Finally, cover the spot with a good layer of baking soda. The baking soda will draw out any moisture left behind and absorb any smell. 
  • Let the baking soda sit overnight to ensure it has time to do its job.
  • Simply vacuum up the baking soda when ready. 

I also want to note that this method works not only for pet stains but also for the occasional red wine stain.

Can you steam clean a jute rug?

Steam cleaning a jute rug is not advisable. Since jute is prone to hold onto moisture, steaming cleaning can cause the rug to become moldy or fall apart.

Dealing with jute rug smells

Sometimes, a new jute rug smells. Some may even say their jute rug smells like a dog. That may be the worst-case scenario, though.

The smell is usually because the rug has been rolled up for a while, not because your dog is rolling all around. 

An easy fix for that stink is to sprinkle baking soda all over the rug. Let the baking soda sit for a while; do its order-absorbing thing. Then, give your rug an excellent vacuum to clean up the baking soda.

This cleaning tip will get rid of that initial stinkiness as well as keep your rug smelling its best.

Are jute rugs affordable?

They are affordable, which is another reason I love them. Like with anything, though, the price will vary depending on where you purchase your rug from.  For instance you can buy an affordable Ikea jute rug, or splurge with a Pottery Barn jute rug.

What is jute backing?

Jute backing is what is used on the underside of many carpets. It is commonly seen on higher-priced, expensive rugs. 

Jute vs. Sisal

Jute and sisal look fairly similar. They are both natural fibers, and they are both popular choices for rugs. However, there are a few differences you should be aware of if you are considering one for your home.

Jute

  • Jute comes from the stalks of jute plants in India and Bangladesh
  • it’s softer fiber
  • It ranges from off-white to brown and can be dyed to any color.
  •  Since jute is a soft fiber, it’s not extremely durable.
  • Jute rugs work well in lighter-traffic areas such as bedrooms or living rooms.


BUY JUTE RUGS HERE

Sisal

  • Sisals comes from a species of the agave plant, which is native to Southern Mexico.
  • It is a stiffer fiber. 
  • It has a natural off-white look and can be dyed to any color.
  •  It’s one of the strongest fibers available, making it extremely durable.
  • Sisal rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways.


BUY SISAL RUGS HERE

Choosing a rug in jute vs. sisal depends on where you plan on using it. If you need a strong rug that can withstand heavy traffic, sisal is the way to go. If you want a rug with a cozy, comfortable feel, jute will do the job.

The Top 10 Jute Rugs

1. Natural Area Rugs-Calvin Jute Rug

Natural Area Rugs-Calvin Jute Rug Review
  • Available in multiple sizes 
  • Reversible
  • 100% jute.
  • Hand loomed by artisan rugmakers

2. nuLOOM Handwoven Rigo Jute Rug

nuLOOM Handwoven Rigo Jute Rug Review
  • 6′ Round
  •  Reversible
  • 100% jute.
  • Perfect for under a round dining table

3. nuLOOM Amelia Jute Lattice Area Rug

nuLOOM Amelia Jute Lattice Rug Review
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Pile height is 0.75 inches
  • 80% jute. 20% Cotton
  • Hand loomed 
  • Raised lattice detail gives it visual interest

4. Coastal Farmhouse Flooring – Harlow Tan Round Jute Rug

Coastal Farmhouse Flooring – Harlow Tan Round Jute Rug Review
  • Braided detail
  •  Available in multiple sizes
  • Machine braided
  • 100% jute.

5. Safavieh Cape Cod Collection Jute Area Rug

Safavieh Cape Cod Collection Jute Rug Review
  • Available size – 8×10
  • Tradition woven pattern
  • 100% jute.
  • Vibrant blue color

6. Stone & Beam Contemporary Textured Jute Area Rug

Stone & Beam Contemporary Textured Jute Rug Review
  • Available in sizes – 5×7 and 8×10
  • 100% jute.
  • Handwoven

7. nuLOOM CLWA03A Handwoven Vania Chevron Jute Rug

nuLOOM CLWA03A Handwoven Vania Chevron Jute Rug Reveiw
  • Available in size 6×9
  • Beautiful chevron pattern
  • 100% jute.

8. nuLOOM Handwoven Tarver Jute Rug

nuLOOM Handwoven Tarver Jute Rug Review
  • Available in sizes 4×6, 5×8, 8.6×11.6, 9×12
  • Beautiful silver detail
  • 85% jute, 15% polyester
  • Pile height is 0.5 inches

9. nuLOOM Hand Woven Don Jute with Fringe Area Rug

nuLOOM Hand Woven Don Jute Rug Review
  • Available in various sizes
  • Handwoven
  • Jute material
  • Pile height is 0.75 inches

10. nuLOOM Hand Woven Fringe Area Rug

nuLOOM Hand Woven Fringe Jute Rug Review
  • Available in  various sizes
  •  Fun fringe detailing
  • 95% Jute, 5% Wool
  • Handwoven

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Robin Beal

Thursday 30th of July 2020

Thanks for all the great tips!! But how do you get rid of the frays in the rug?

Cate Griffing

Thursday 6th of August 2020

Hi Robin, With my jute rug, I weirdly enough didn't have many frays. The ones I did have, I'd tuck them back into the rug (if that makes sense) or I'd leave it alone.

Kayleigh

Thursday 27th of June 2019

Love every single one you picked out! Thank you for taking the time to break it down and give all this good info about each one! So good!

Dori Turner

Wednesday 26th of June 2019

I just bought one for my kitchen so this post was super helpful!! Thank you for the great tips!! I actually just heard about West Elm today! Someone at work was telling me about it and I’d never heard of it before! Sounds like high quality rug!

LEANN MEYER

Wednesday 26th of June 2019

I love the Jute rug I have in the boys' room. It's natural and navy stripes and perfect!

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