Jute vs Wool and viscose rugs: which is better?
Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor with water; Wool and viscose is soft with a sheen and viscose element marks with water. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Jute | Wool and viscose | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Coarse, textured, firm | Soft with a sheen |
| Durability in traffic | Good in dry areas | Moderate; better than pure viscose |
| Water and spills | Poor; water can brown and weaken it | Viscose element marks with water |
| Cleaning | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water | Blot; specialist clean for anything major |
| Shedding | Can shed small fibres, especially when new | Sheds when new |
| Fade resistance | Natural colour can lighten in sun | Moderate |
| Typical uses | Living and dining rooms, layering | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Origin of fibre | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) | Blend of animal and cellulose fibres |
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 wool and viscose
Wool and viscose blends pair the resilience of wool with the sheen of viscose, giving a soft, lustrous look that changes with the light. The viscose element is sensitive to water and can mark or lose its sheen if soaked, so these rugs suit living rooms and bedrooms rather than kitchens or entrances. Blot spills straight away and use a specialist cleaner for anything significant.
Which should you choose?
Choose jute for living and dining rooms, layering, and wool and viscose for living rooms and bedrooms. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (wool and 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 16 in wool and 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
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SageWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CharcoalWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in SandWool & viscose · 120 x 170 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Matrix Infinity Wool & Viscose Rug in CopperWool & viscose · 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 300 cm
Frequently asked questions
Is jute or wool and viscose better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering; Wool and viscose suits living rooms and bedrooms.
Which is softer, jute or wool and viscose?
Jute feels coarse, textured, firm; Wool and viscose feels soft with a sheen.
Which is easier to clean, jute or wool and viscose?
Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water. Wool and viscose: Blot; specialist clean for anything major.
Which lasts longer, jute or wool and viscose?
Jute: Good in dry areas. Wool and viscose: Moderate; better than pure viscose.
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.