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Just about any rug can make your bathroom, office, or living room feel that much cozier, but for some, the thought of using anything other than plants for their rugs can go against personal values, so finding a naturally-sourced rug is essential.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor rug for your backyard patio or a large area rug for your formal living room, here’s everything you need to know about natural fiber rugs, so you can shop with confidence.
1. What Are Natural Fiber Rugs?
Natural fiber rugs are made from naturally-sourced materials like jute, sisal, bamboo, and even hemp. Natural fiber rugs most often come in earthy, natural colors, but can sometimes come with printed designs and even in solid colors.
The beauty of natural fiber rugs is their durability and biodegradability. You know that no animals were harmed in order to make your rug and that it will go right back into the earth as naturally as it came out!
Most natural fiber rugs are flat-woven, meaning they lay flat on the floor, and have no pile height (cushiness). To learn more about flat-woven rugs, check out this article.
2. Sisal Rugs
One of the great attractions to natural fiber rugs is how affordable they can be. Sisal is one of the cheapest and most durable natural fiber rugs you can find. However, it may not be the most comfortable rug underfoot.
Sisal, or, “Agave sisalana,” is native to southern Mexico, but is cultivated in many parts of the world because it’s tough and fibrous -great for making rope and durable rugs!
If you’re looking for a great option for your outdoor patio or a highly trafficked area of your home, consider going with sisal -it just may not be the softest material available.
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3. Bamboo Rugs
Bamboo rugs can bring a sense of nature and zen into your home, and understandably so. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth, and in some places of the world, can grow almost an entire meter in a single day!
Bamboo rugs are most often flat and unwoven, but can sometimes be found woven into other types of fiber to increase durability. They’re not great for outdoor use, since they bleach in direct sunlight, but they can add a touch of warmth to tile floors, and also work well for rolling desk chairs.
4. Seagrass Rugs
If you’re looking for a more natural fiber rug that also comes with a touch of comfort underfoot, you should check out seagrass rugs. They often range from tinted green to khaki in color and are softer than bamboo and sisal.
They’re highly water-resistant, so seagrass rugs are a fantastic option for area rugs in both your kitchen and bathroom. Just because they’re water-resistant doesn’t mean they’re great for outside though.
Unfortunately, if left outdoors, seagrass rugs will often collect mold and mildew, so it’s best to leave them indoors.
5. Hemp Rugs
Another type of natural fiber rug you should consider for the high-traffic areas of your home is hemp. Hemp is grown and harvested like jute, sisal, and seagrass, and is just about as comfy underfoot.
While hemp rugs will fade and shed over time, they’re also hypoallergenic. They’re resistant to collecting dust, dirt, and debris from your floor, making them easier to clean and maintain when compared to wool and cotton rugs.
6. Jute Rugs
Of all the natural fiber rugs on this list, jute is easily the softest. In fact, you may be surprised at just how soft they can be. This makes them less durable than others on this list, so make sure you don’t place them in any highly trafficked areas of your home.
Jute is easy to clean, resistant to stains, and extremely affordable. So if you’re looking for the perfect natural fiber area rug for your formal dining room or den, you should consider jute as an option.
7. How to Care for Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural fiber rugs are surprisingly easy to take care of. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that natural fibers don’t mix well with lots of moisture, so if you can clean it without using any water, that’s your best bet.
If you need to get your natural fiber rug in order to clean it, make sure it dries completely and quickly before putting it back, so as to avoid mold or mildew forming in the fibers.
Conclusion
Natural fiber rugs are a great eco-friendly alternative to wool and silk and can save you a ton of money. If you consider the various types of natural fiber rugs, we think you’ll be able to find the perfect rug to suit your needs!
