Jute rugs: pros, cons and care
Jute rugs bring natural texture to a room at an accessible price. They are not for every space, though. Here is an honest guide.
What is jute?
Jute is a plant fibre spun from the stalks of the jute plant, grown mainly in India and Bangladesh. It is renewable, fast-growing and biodegradable. In a rug it gives a dry, nubbly texture and a natural honey or straw colour, and it can be woven in chunky braids, tight loops, herringbones and bouclé textures.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural, renewable, biodegradable | Firm, not soft underfoot |
| Warm, textured, neutral look | Absorbs water; spills can leave brown marks |
| Ideal base for layering | Can shed fibre and dust at first |
| Usually affordable | Loops can be snagged by pet claws |
| Thin, so doors and chairs clear it | Can fade in strong direct sunlight |
Where jute works
- Yes: living rooms, bedrooms, studies, dining rooms (with care), as a base layer.
- No: bathrooms, conservatories with condensation, by the back door, outdoors. Choose an outdoor rug instead.
Cleaning a jute rug
- Vacuum weekly with suction only; shake small rugs outside.
- For spills, blot immediately with a dry cloth, pressing firmly. Do not rub.
- If needed, dab very lightly with a cloth barely dampened with water and a drop of mild detergent, then blot dry at once.
- Dry fast: a hairdryer on a cool setting or a fan helps prevent water marks.
- For dried dirt, a dry carpet powder can be brushed in and vacuumed out.
Never soak, shampoo or steam clean jute.
Shedding and smell
New jute rugs release some fibre and dust, which reduces with regular vacuuming. Jute has a faint natural, grassy smell when new that fades with airing.
Jute vs sisal vs seagrass
- Jute: softest of the three, least hard-wearing.
- Sisal: tougher and coarser, better for traffic, takes dye.
- Seagrass: smooth, slightly waxy, resists stains better, but cannot be dyed.
Frequently asked questions
Are jute rugs soft?
No, they are firm and textured. Bouclé and tight loop weaves are smoother than chunky braids.
Do jute rugs shed?
Yes, a little at first. Regular vacuuming reduces it over a few weeks.
Can jute rugs get wet?
They should be kept dry. Water can cause brown marks, shrinkage and, if left damp, mould.
Are jute rugs good for pets?
They are hard to clean after accidents and loops can snag claws, so they are not the best choice for pets.
Shop the guide
-
Nature Jute Rug in Natural, 120 cm round
from £69.98 -
Korra Loop Jute Rug in Slate Cream Wool &
from £99.98 -
Korra Loop Jute Rug in Linen Cream Wool &
from £99.98 -
Korra Double Loop Jute Rug in Cream Linen Wool &
from £99.98
Shop all jute rugs and natural fibre rugs
Related guides
- How to layer rugs
- Rug materials explained: wool, jute, viscose, polypropylene and more
- Eco-friendly rugs: natural, recycled and certified
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.