Jute vs Viscose rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Viscose is very soft and silky with sheen and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Very soft and silky with sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Low; crushes and wears in traffic |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Poor; water marks and weakens it |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Specialist cleaning recommended |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Can shed and fuzz |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Can yellow or fade in strong sun |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | Low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms |
| Origin of fibre | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) | Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp) |
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 viscose
Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre with a silky sheen, sometimes sold as art silk. It looks luxurious and feels smooth, but it is delicate: water can cause marks and the pile can crush or flatten. Viscose rugs are best in low-traffic rooms such as bedrooms and formal lounges, and need specialist cleaning.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and viscose for low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (viscose) 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 2 in viscose.
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
Blade Border Rug in Putty & CharcoalViscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Blade Border Rug in Putty & SilverViscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is jute or viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Viscose suits low-traffic bedrooms and formal rooms.
Which is softer, jute or viscose?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Viscose feels very soft and silky with sheen.
Which is easier to clean, jute or viscose?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Viscose: Specialist cleaning recommended.
Which lasts longer, jute or viscose?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Viscose: Low; crushes and wears in 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.