Jute Rug Guide + Living Room Update

Jute rugs are versatile, durable, and work with just about any decor style! So here are the pros and cons and cleaning tips.

I took last week off for a little family vacation for the kid's winter break. But, I'm so excited to be back sharing a living room update!

Remember my recent post about making a big mistake when I made over my living room for the 2018 spring One Room Challenge and my plans to fix it?

Well, we've got some progress!

On the lists of things to do. Swap out the blue floral rug for something more calming and neutral. To create a less formal look here.

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And that's exactly what I did. For this new rug, I went back to an old favorite of mine.

A warm and textural jute rug.

I had my previous jute rug for about 3 years and absolutely loved it! The only reason I got rid of it is because my cat had basically ruined the tasseled edges.

A quick tip from me to you, if you have a cat, a tasseled rug is not a good idea. {we got our rug before the cat, so we learned this the hard way}

Over the years I've gotten lots of questions about my jute rug. Is it scratchy? Is it durable? Can I vacuum it?

And since the newest addition to our living room is another jute rug. I thought it was the perfect time to share the pros and cons I've discovered over the year.

Jute Rugs - Pros

There are so many things to love about a natural fiber rug like jute.

~Jute rugs {and most natural fiber rugs in general} are relatively inexpensive compared to their counterparts. Even large sizes like 8x10 or even 9x12 {are perfect sizes for a larger room} won't break the bank.

~ Jute rugs are very versatile. I have seen jute rugs used in modern farmhouse spaces and every interior style in between and it always works! You can dress it up all Mark D Sikes like, or make it casual like Studio McGee.

~They are low maintenance and will hide a multitude of sins. A quick pass of the vacuum and you're good to go. Spills? You can easily spot clean it with no worries. Just don't use any hydrogen peroxide, which might discolor the fibers.

~ Not only are Jute rugs low maintenance they are also super durable. Making them perfect for high traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, family rooms, and dining rooms. 

~One of the best things about jute rugs is the warmth and texture it adds to any space without competing for attention with the rest of your decor.

~ They are also great for layering with smaller patterned rugs or a funky cowhide rug for an eclectic look.

Jute Rugs - Cons

While I love jute rugs, there are a couple of things that may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, for me, they were never deal breakers.

~ Jute rugs are not plush and soft like wool or synthetic fiber rugs. Now while they are not silky smooth. The ones I purchased wasn't super scratchy either. But, if I had a crawling baby, it probably wouldn't be my first choice. To me, they actually feel good underfoot. Almost like a little foot massage every time you walk on it hehe. Plus many of the jute rugs on the market now are mixed fiber making them much softer than their old school equivalents.

~ Jute rugs {and other natural fiber rugs} have a tendency to shed. However, for me, most of the shedding stayed under the rug, and having a rug pad really helped. The shedding under the rug will look like dust but it's the fibers that have collected there over time. It's nothing a vacuum can't handle, but I can understand someone not wanting to deal with that.

How To Clean A Jute Rug

A few tips on how I've kept my jute rug looking fresh and clean over the years. These suggestions are based on what I do and info from wikiHow.

~ Use a stiff bristle to clean spills as soon as possible. Like anything else, once the stain sets in it's harder to clean.

~ Like any other rug you need to vacuum your jute rug regularly. I aim for once or twice a week. You also need to vacuum underneath every so often because the shedding will accumulate there over time.

~ If you have any dried-up food or solid stains. Scrape it off using a butter knife and vacuum it up.

6 Affordable Jute Rugs

Now that I've shared the pros and cons with you of owning a jute rug. If you are interested in getting one for your home.

I have compiled a list of 6 affordable jute rugs, including the two that I own {1 & 6}.

1.| 2. | 3. | 4. | 5.| 6.

Living Room Update So Far

I have to say I'm really liking the neutral and calming backdrop of the jute rug in the living room versus the blue rug.

Also, the tall Ikea shelves have been replaced with my blue console table. It's amazing how open the room feels now without them.

There's still more to do like hang the artwork and replace that table in the corner with a tall {faux} plant. But I'm loving these changes so far!

I personally love jute rugs! After having our first one for over 3 years and purchasing our second now, it's safe to say I'm definitely team Jute rug!

Alright friends, I hope you found this post helpful and it has given you a little more clarity around jute rugs. If you still have questions, feel free to leave it below.