brown living room — *Image Credit:* *Annie Sloan*

Jute rugs in the home have surged in popularity in recent years. Crafted from natural, durable fibres, they are extremely hardwearing and add warmth and visual interest via their earthy textures. If you are looking to add a rug under the kitchen table or in another hardworking, high-traffic area of your home (such as a hallway), the rustic charm of a jute rug or runner can be a practical, stylish and versatile choice.

What Is a Jute Rug?

Jute rugs are typically handwoven from fibres extracted from the jute plant - a proliferating plant mostly harvested in Asia. Jute is the second most cultivated plant in the world after cotton, with jute fibres stripped and dried out before being constructed into rugs and runners.

Why Choose a Jute Rug?

Jute rugs have an understated, organic beauty that creates a relaxed, welcoming feel. Their neutral, earthy appearance and subtle variations in tone offer a versatility that can be incorporated into multiple interior schemes, including rustic, bohemian, cottagecore and even modern Scandi style.

The natural fibres of jute can be cleaned more easily than alternative rug materials, offering a combination of stylish design with practicality. As jute is a natural material, it is also completely biodegradable, making it a sustainable option devoid of any environmentally harmful, man-made materials.

Warmth and texture

Most hard flooring options within a home will require a rug or a runner to soften the space, along with zoning and layering a room. Thanks to their texture and durability, woven jute rugs and runners are a good alternative to high-pile rug materials, which are more likely to absorb and trap spills, stains and dirt.

Where to Place a Jute Rug in Your Home

From high-traffic areas to more relaxed settings, a jute rug can be used in multiple spaces. Jute runners work particularly well in hallways and entryways as they are hardwearing enough to take a lot of foot traffic (but also help to soften the space and create a welcoming feel). Jute rugs are also great for kitchens, where they can be used under dining tables or as runners around a kitchen island that can be sponge-cleaned easily. Alternatively, they can also be used in softer spaces (such as the living room or bedrooms), serving as a grounding element and tying together furniture and décor with their neutral tones.

Whether placed under a coffee table or used as a statement piece in an open space, a jute rug introduces a relaxed base layer to a room's design scheme.

Caring for Your Jute Rug

Jute rugs are durable and long-lasting, but they do require some care to keep them looking their best.

Vacuum regularly. It’s recommended to vacuum your jute rug no more than once a week. Avoid using a beater bar or high-suction setting, as this can damage the natural fibres over time. Jute rugs can also be shaken out to remove any dirt.
Avoid excessive moisture. Jute is absorbent, so it does not respond well to excess moisture, so avoid steamy areas, such as a bathroom. Any spills should be blotted immediately with a dry cloth to prevent staining or water damage.
Rotate periodically. Over time, foot traffic and sunlight exposure can cause uneven wear or fading. Rotating your rug every few months helps to distribute wear evenly, maintaining its appearance for longer (this is particularly useful for jute rugs placed in high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms).

I have multiple jute rugs in my house, and I just love the warm texture and timeless appeal that they give to each space. They are also a practical choice for our hard-working family home. If you’re looking for a rug that combines a natural aesthetic with effortless style, a jute rug is a versatile investment that’s definitely worth considering!

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