Jute vs Polypropylene rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Polypropylene is smooth to soft, less springy than wool and excellent. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Polypropylene | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Smooth to soft, less springy than wool |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Very good; can crush under heavy furniture |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Excellent; absorbs almost no water |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Easy; most cleaners are safe |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Minimal |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Excellent (solution-dyed) |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | Kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor |
| 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 polypropylene
Polypropylene (also called olefin) is a hard-wearing synthetic fibre that is solution-dyed, so the colour runs right through the fibre and resists fading and bleaching. It absorbs almost no water, which makes it easy to clean and suitable for kitchens, hallways, homes with pets and, in some designs, outdoor use. It is less springy than wool and can crush under heavy furniture.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and polypropylene for kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (polypropylene) 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 255 in polypropylene.
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
Matrix 85 Arches Rug in AmberPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 86 Arches Rug in ForestPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix 87 Arches Rug in BlackPolypropylene · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Alto Shaggy Rug in Cream & GreyPolypropylene · 80 x 240 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is jute or polypropylene better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Polypropylene suits kitchens, hallways, family rooms, some outdoor.
Which is softer, jute or polypropylene?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Polypropylene feels smooth to soft, less springy than wool.
Which is easier to clean, jute or polypropylene?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Polypropylene: Easy; most cleaners are safe.
Which lasts longer, jute or polypropylene?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Polypropylene: Very good; can crush under heavy furniture.
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.