Jute vs Acrylic rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Acrylic is soft, wool-like and fairly resistant. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Soft, wool-like |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Moderate; can pill |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Fairly resistant |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Easy; mild detergent |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Can pill and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Good |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | Bedrooms, budget wool alternative |
| Origin of fibre | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) | Synthetic |
About jute
Jute is a plant fibre with a coarse, textured feel and a warm natural colour. It is a renewable material and adds relaxed texture to living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Jute does not like water: wet cleaning can cause staining and browning, so spills should be blotted and treated with minimal moisture. It is best kept away from bathrooms and damp areas.
About acrylic
Acrylic: soft, wool-like underfoot, moderate; can pill in traffic, and typically used in bedrooms, budget wool alternative. Cleaning: easy; mild detergent.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and acrylic for bedrooms, budget wool alternative. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (acrylic) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 41 rugs in jute and 0 in acrylic. We do not currently stock acrylic rugs; the comparison is offered as general buying advice.
Bordo Boucle Jute Rug in Navy CreamJute & natural fibres · 68 x 240 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Bordo Boucle Jute Rug in Cream LinenJute & natural fibres · 68 x 240 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Bordo Boucle Jute Rug in Sage GreenJute & natural fibres · 68 x 240 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Bordo Boucle Jute Rug in Rust OrangeJute & natural fibres · 68 x 240 cm, 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm and more
Frequently asked questions
Is jute or acrylic better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Acrylic suits bedrooms, budget wool alternative.
Which is softer, jute or acrylic?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Acrylic feels soft, wool-like.
Which is easier to clean, jute or acrylic?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Acrylic: Easy; mild detergent.
Which lasts longer, jute or acrylic?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Acrylic: Moderate; can pill.
Related pages
Prices, stock and exact specifications change, so always check the product page before you order: every product page lists the maker's size, material, construction and care details. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you have 14 days to change your mind. See delivery and returns.