Jute vs Nylon rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Nylon is soft and resilient and good, though some dyes can stain. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Soft and resilient |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Excellent; very resilient synthetic |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Good, though some dyes can stain |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Easy |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Moderate to good |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | High-traffic areas, stairs, hallways |
| Origin of fibre | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) | Synthetic (polyamide) |
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 nylon
Nylon: soft and resilient underfoot, excellent; very resilient synthetic in traffic, and typically used in high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. Cleaning: easy.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and nylon for high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (nylon) 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 nylon. We do not currently stock nylon 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 nylon better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Nylon suits high-traffic areas, stairs, hallways.
Which is softer, jute or nylon?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Nylon feels soft and resilient.
Which is easier to clean, jute or nylon?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Nylon: Easy.
Which lasts longer, jute or nylon?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Nylon: Excellent; very resilient synthetic.
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.