Wool vs Jute rugs: which is better?
Wool is springy, warm, substantial and absorbs liquid with water; Jute is coarse, textured, firm and poor. Here is how the two fibres compare for feel, durability, cleaning and where to use them.
At a glance
| Wool | Jute | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel underfoot | Springy, warm, substantial | Coarse, textured, firm |
| Durability in traffic | Excellent; fibres recover from crushing | Good in dry areas |
| Water and spills | Absorbs liquid; blot quickly | Poor; water can brown and weaken it |
| Cleaning | Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean | Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water |
| Shedding | Sheds for the first few weeks | Can shed small fibres, especially when new |
| Fade resistance | Good, but can fade in strong sun | Natural colour can lighten in sun |
| Typical uses | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Living and dining rooms, layering |
| Origin of fibre | Natural animal fibre (sheep fleece) | Natural plant fibre (jute plant) |
About wool
Wool is naturally resilient: the fibres spring back after being walked on, and their natural lanolin helps them resist soiling. It is warm underfoot, naturally flame-resistant and feels substantial. New wool rugs normally shed loose fibres for the first few weeks, which regular vacuuming removes. Wool absorbs liquid, so spills should be blotted quickly.
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.
Which should you choose?
Choose wool for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and jute for living and dining rooms, layering. For busy, spill-prone areas the fibre with better water resistance (jute) is usually the more practical choice. For comfort in low-traffic rooms, prioritise feel underfoot.
What we stock
We currently list 52 rugs in wool and 41 in jute.
Barnaby Wool Rug in GraphiteWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SageWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SandWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
Barnaby Wool Rug in SilverWool · 120 x 170 cm, 160 x 230 cm, 200 x 290 cm
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 wool or jute better for a rug?
Neither is better for every room. Wool suits living rooms, bedrooms, hallways; Jute suits living and dining rooms, layering.
Which is softer, wool or jute?
Wool feels springy, warm, substantial; Jute feels coarse, textured, firm.
Which is easier to clean, wool or jute?
Wool: Wool-safe, pH-neutral products; professional deep clean. Jute: Vacuum and dry-clean spots; minimal water.
Which lasts longer, wool or jute?
Wool: Excellent; fibres recover from crushing. Jute: Good in dry areas.
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.