rug 101

Which Natural Rug Fibers are Best Suited to Your Home

• 25 June 2021
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• 4 Min Read
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• By Jaipur Rugs

Natural fibers include jute, sisal, wool, hemp, bamboo, and silk which have a tight construction, can support intricate designs, and have natural tonal hues that make them a great addition to any home.

When choosing a rug for your home, style and strength matter in equal parts. They should feel just as good as they look and also last a lifetime. And to ensure that, being aware of the fibers and material of the rug is very important. And when it comes to checking all that off your list, there’s nothing better than natural fiber rugs. Natural fibers include jute, sisal, wool, hemp, bamboo, and silk which have a tight construction, can support intricate designs, and have natural tonal hues that make them a great addition to any home. Moreover, if you are a homeowner who is conscious about their decisions as far as sustainability goes, natural fiber rugs are your best option as they help you maintain a chemical-free, natural environment as opposed to synthetic fibers. But, when picking out natural fiber rugs like jute rugs, wool rugs, sisal rugs, etc., how do you know which one will suit your home the best? Each has distinct qualities and offers a different set of advantages, knowing which will help you make a more well-informed choice. 

Jute rugs

Starting off with one of the most affordable and versatile rug fibers, Jute is soft, has high tensile strength, a beautiful natural luster, uniformity, and of course, has a wonderful natural earthy tone. Jute is a fiber that is harvested from the tall stalks and outer layers of the jute plant. Indian and Bangladesh are the largest suppliers of jute worldwide and it is often referred to as ‘burlap’ or ‘gunny cloth’. 

Jute rugs’ strength comes from their fibers which are 3 to 13 feet long, and are eco-friendly, biodegradable, as well as recyclable. It is no wonder that jute is a frontrunner when it comes to sustainable natural fiber rug options. Its natural light tan shade gives it the name ‘the golden fiber’, but it can also be dyed into many more wonderful colors. Be it solid jute rugs or patterned ones, you can never go wrong with these. Given that it is soft, jute rugs are best suited for light to medium traffic areas like bedrooms, study rooms, etc. Just remember to keep your jute rug away from direct sunlight as it can make the rug vulnerable to yellowing. 

Wool rugs

Harvested by shearing sheep, wool is one of the most durable options out there when it comes to natural fiber and the material of rugs. Wool is a fantastic insulator and it limits the transfer of heat as well as cold from interiors to exteriors. This means that if you want to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, wool rugs might just be the best choice for you. 

Wool rugs come in an excellent variety of colors as wool is easy to dye. It is also soil resistant and also repels oily stains. Another quality that makes wool a grey fiber for making rugs is that it is flame retardant. It also wears exceptionally well and doesn’t give in to crushing. 

However, you should also keep in mind to not keep your wool rugs under direct sunlight, and be extra careful with drinks around it as it tends to stain easily with dye-like liquids like red wine, juice, etc. 

While buying a wool rug can definitely be an investment, it is one that you will be content with for a long time. It is no less than an heirloom and can last you decades!

Sisal rugs

SIsal is an excellent, long, strong, and durable natural fiber, and offers one of the best eco-friendly options when it comes to fibers and the material of a rug. It is harvested from the leaves of the agave plant and its stiff fibers are spun into yarns which are well-suited for weaving rugs and carpets. Much like jute, sisal also has a natural tan shade which is aesthetic as is but also absorbs dyes very easily. This is why you can find sisal rugs in a variety of exciting color palettes.

Given that sisal rugs aren’t as soft as wool or jute, they are best suited for high traffic areas like halls, entrances, and even commercial or official spaces. 

Silk rugs

Unarguably of the most luxurious natural fibers to make rugs out of, silk has been a favorite ever since rug weaving came into being. Silk is harvested from the silkworm larva’s cocoon and is the most expensive fiber used in making rugs. This is why you will often find silk mixed with wool to cut down costs and make it more affordable for purchase. When it comes to 100% silk rugs they are nothing less than pieces of art that are soft, delicate, and have a lustrous sheen. 

When cleaning silk rugs, make sure to steer clear of hot water, detergents, steam cleaning, or vacuuming that involves brush attachments. In fact, it might be a good idea to hand the matter to a rug cleaning expert. 

If you are buying a pure silk rug, you might want to consider hanging them on the wall instead of placing them underfoot. If mixed with wool, they can be perfect additions to your home as they add elegance and warmth to any space.

Now that you know all about the major natural fiber rugs, you will be able to make an informed decision, and pick the one best suited for your budget, purpose, and requirements. You can browse through Jaipur Rugs’ stunning collection of jute rugs, wool rugs, sisal rugs, and silk rugs, among others, and pick one (or more) to give your home an eye-catching makeover.