The Ultimate Guide to Jute Rugs

A jute rug is an excellent addition to your home décor if you aim for an organic look. However, there is more to this natural fiber rug. Today, we are going to discuss the origin, usages, and how to take care of natural jute rugs so you could enjoy their fullest life.

Natural desi braided round jute rug in a boho living room with a rattan table — The organic look, done right: braided jute grounding a boho living room. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

The Origin of Jute

Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads, and used to produce various robes and rug materials because of their durability. Unlike cotton, this plant is a rain-fed crop that requires no fertilizer or insecticides. For generations, jute has played an integral role in Bengali, West Bengali, and Assamese culture in Asia. These locals started to produce and trade various jute products locally as well as internationally since the British colony.

Openwork circles of life jute rug beside rattan chairs and a plant — the woven beauty of jute fiber — Openwork weaving shows off what jute fiber can do in skilled hands. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

What Is a Jute Rug?

A natural jute rug is typically handwoven using dried fibers from the jute plant. Jute area rugs are not very heavy, compared to wool rugs, and they are not as light, compared to cotton rugs. Because of their durability and affordability, jute mats continued to be produced in many sizes, colors, and styles.

White trim round jute rug handwoven from natural fiber, styled in a dining room with wicker chairs — Handwoven jute with a crisp white border, at home under a dining set. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

What Does a Jute Rug Feel Like?

Jute is a natural fiber that has natural texture and strength. Thus, a jute area rug would not be the softest rug for your feet. It does feel soothing on your feet. Your first step on it would feel something like a little foot massage. However, you would not enjoy lying on it for a long time.

Seafoam turquoise round jute rug in a modern living room with a rattan chair — textured jute underfoot — That gentle foot-massage texture, in a seafoam shade. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

Why Are Jute Rugs so Popular?

1. Organic Looks

The main reason that jute area rugs remain one of the most popular floor rugs is because of their organic textures that bring a natural feel to your life. For example, a natural jute mat will provide organic texture and warmth to your living room, bedroom, dining room, or kitchen. So, for those who love and appreciate nature and the outdoors, a jute floor rug would be a perfect choice for you.

Green round jute rug by a sunny window with a white side table — organic natural texture at home — Sunlight, greenery and jute — the outdoors, invited in. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

2. Multi Purposes

The weave of jute area rugs varies based on the purpose of the rug. While several of them are sturdy enough to serve in a busy traffic area as doormats, others are woven loosely for usage in bedrooms or dens. Long formats work beautifully in hallways too — see our runner rug collection for high-traffic spots.

Yellow rectangular jute runner in a bright room with console and macrame — jute rugs for every purpose — A jute runner brightens a pass-through space and takes the traffic in stride. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

3. Durability

Jute rugs are very durable because of their strong, natural jute fibers. They are ideal for high-traffic areas like dining rooms, entryways, and family rooms where daily life happens.

Green round jute rug under a round dining table — durable jute for high-traffic dining areas — Dining chairs slide, crumbs fall, jute shrugs it all off. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

4. Color Choices

Though jute plants naturally have a tan color, they can easily be dyed just about every color. Black, white, green, and red is the most dyed colors for jute rugs. They are popular colors for a jute area rug or a jute runner rug.

Dyed red round jute rug in a boho living room with floor cushions — jute takes color beautifully — Proof jute is not just tan: a rich dyed red round in a lounge-y boho corner. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

5. Great Selections

Jute rugs come in many designs, sizes, and styles. Conventionally, they range from 3 ft long to 12 ft long, making it easy to find a jute rug that matches your styles or needs. However, if you have a larger space and would like to customize a rug size, MAIA HOMES is well known for accommodating customers' requests with exceptional customer service. So, if you are in love with a jute rug that is not available in the size or color you want, MAIA HOMES will make your dream come true by bringing the carpet to life.

Bright pink round jute rug with natural border in a dining room — jute in every style and size — From natural tan to bright pink — the selection goes wherever your style does. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

6. Environmental Friendliness

As you may have known by now, jute woven rugs are the product of jute fibers, which are 100% biodegradable. It will start to break down and decompose when it comes into contact with water. So, it decays back into the soil, leaving no waste behind. Additionally, growing jute crops does not require any pesticides or fertilizers, making it very safe for the environment.

Coral sunny round jute rug in a boho dining room with macrame — eco-friendly biodegradable fiber — Beautiful now, biodegradable later — jute is the guilt-free layer. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

7. Lightness

Their piles are also lightweight, perfect for decorators who love to move and change the looks of their living space. They can be easily moved around for decoration purposes.

8. Softness and Comfort

Although they are very durable, jute rugs are relatively softer than sisal rugs and plusher than most natural fibers rugs, making them suitable for everyday use and commercial use. Because of their soft piles, jute woven rugs are perfect for rooms where you would walk barefoot comfortably and can comprehensively appreciate the natural fibers underneath your feet.

Gray round jute rug under a boho home office desk with rattan chair — comfortable jute for barefoot spaces — Soft enough for bare feet through a whole workday. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

How Do You Take Care of a Jute Rug?

1. Regular Maintenance

Like most rugs, jute rugs require some maintenance if you would like to extend their life to the fullest. Though these natural fiber jute rugs can easily hide any dust and dirt, we recommend shaking, brushing, or vacuuming twice a week to keep any dust and dirt from building up over time. We suggest removing the beater bar suction before you vacuum. And, always use the lowest suction power.

2. How to Remove Stains from a Jute Rug

If you spill on a jute fiber rug, blot the stain right away with a wet cloth or towel. If any stain resists, you can also mix equal parts of water and vinegar. One common mistake is that people tend to rub their jute rug abrasively, hoping to remove stains. This could damage the fibers and spread out the stain even more. So, avoid rubbing back and forth. If you are not able to remove the stains from the method above, try using mild detergent or soap mixed with warm water, and use a wet cloth to wash them.

3. Avoid Humidity

Humidity could make a jute natural fiber rug become loose, stained, or moldy. It implies that you should not place a jute woven rug in a bathroom or anywhere near water. Steaming a jute carpet is not recommended as well.

Green round jute rug between two cream sofas in a dry, bright living room — the ideal spot for jute care — Dry, bright living spaces are where jute lives longest. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

Where to Find Beautiful and Great Quality Jute Rugs?

Jute rugs are typically made in India and the regions nearby. If you are looking for a beautifully woven jute rug to bring some natural beauty into your home, we recommend checking out MAIA HOMES — our handwoven pieces have been spotted by editors at Domino, Remodelista, and Design Milk.

MAIA HOMES offers a curated selection of beautifully woven jute rugs such as scalloped jute rugs and braided jute rugs, which are hand-woven individually in India. We guarantee you will discover something unique and tasteful. And if your taste runs bold, jute makes the perfect calm base layer for a maximalist room — our Maximalism 101 guide shows you how to build on it.

So, if you are looking for creative ways to let a bit of the outside in, consider the eco-friendly decorative accent jute rugs. You have learned about what it is made of, and how it is being made. You have also understood their benefits and how to take care of one. So, why not? Go explore the MAIA HOMES jute rug collection today. If you are still undecided, check out a variety of rugs, from jute to cotton, or even wool hand-tufted floor rugs for more options.

Oversized zebra hand-tufted wool rug in an earthy living room — a plush wool alternative to jute — Craving more plush underfoot? Hand-tufted wool is jute's cozier cousin. Styled by MAIA HOMES — shop it here.

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