Jute vs Polyester rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Polyester is soft, often silky and good for water-based spills. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Polyester | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Soft, often silky |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Good for water-based spills; holds oil |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Easy; many are washable |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Good |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | Bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs |
| Origin of fibre | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) | Synthetic (petroleum-based) |
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 polyester
Polyester rugs are soft to the touch and take dye well, so colours stay vivid and the pile can be made very silky or deep and shaggy. Polyester does not absorb water readily, which makes many spills easy to blot, although oily stains cling to it. It is usually lighter and more affordable than wool and does not shed in the same way, but the pile can flatten in heavy traffic over time.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and polyester for bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (polyester) 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 394 in polyester.
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
Fes FE01 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE02 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE04 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Fes FE05 Rug in NeutralPolyester · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is jute or polyester better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Polyester suits bedrooms, living rooms, shaggy and washable rugs.
Which is softer, jute or polyester?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Polyester feels soft, often silky.
Which is easier to clean, jute or polyester?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Polyester: Easy; many are washable.
Which lasts longer, jute or polyester?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Polyester: Good; pile can flatten in heavy traffic.
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.