What's the best way to clean a jute rug?

"You definitely want to vacuum a jute rug," says Kersey, explaining that the crevices between the woven rows collect lots of dirt and crumbs. "Use a high-powered vacuum, and be sure to go with the grain." According to Hunter, spot-cleaning is the way to go. But as Kersey notes, "It is crucial to avoid getting the material overly wet, as the fibers get brittle, and moisture can lead to mold and mildew." She recommends dabbing stains with a mixture of club soda and distilled white vinegar and avoiding bleach. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's care instructions. Additionally, it's important to note that many jute rugs are not suitable as outdoor rugs . "Jute rugs are fairly easy to maintain, but just remember you should not get jute wet as that could ruin the fibers of the rug," says interior designer Jennifer Hunter. If you want to place a jute rug outdoors, you may have to opt for one made with synthetic fibers.

How can you prevent a jute rug from shedding?

Due to the nature of the straw-like plant fibers, most jute rugs will shed slightly—some more than others. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent it, but regular vacuuming can help reduce shedding over time. You can also trim frayed edges and loose fibers with scissors if needed.

What type of rug pad should you use with a jute rug?

Jute rugs are relatively thin and firm compared to other types of area rugs . As such, both Hunter and Kersey recommend thicker, cushioned rug pads for enhanced comfort and softness underfoot. Kersey is a fan of heavy-duty felt pads. "The rubberized side will grip the floor, while the felt side will gently grip the rug," she explains.

The 10 Best Jute Rugs of 2023

Two types of jute rugs displayed on different indoor spaces — The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Jute is a renewable plant fiber with exceptional strength and versatility, making it an excellent choice for woven area rugs. The design-forward material typically has a light brown hue and raised surface, adding texture and dimension to any space.

"In its natural color, jute is a beautiful neutral choice," says designer Annie Kersey of Purple Cherry Architects. "The material is very easy to layer, so jute rugs are often used as a base to a layered rug concept."

We interviewed three designers for buying tips, then researched standout options for any space, considering quality, material, durability, ease of cleaning, style, and value. Our top picks include a wide variety of jute rugs, including no-shed, patterned, and indoor/outdoor options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug at Havenly.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

World Market Natural Basket Weave Jute Area Rug at World Market

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Serena & Lily Diamond Jute Rug at Serena And Lily

Jump to Review

Best Outdoor:

Ruggable Re-Jute Rug at Ruggable.com

Jump to Review

Best Size Options:

nuLoom Rigo Jute Area Rug at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best No-Shed:

Revival Hart Jute Rug at Revivalrugs.com

Jump to Review

Best Patterned:

Rugs USA Louie Diamond Checkerboard Jute Area Rug at Rugsusa.com

Jump to Review

Best Braided:

Rugs USA Jute Braided Area Rug at Rugsusa.com

Jump to Review

Best Striped:

Joss & Main Striped Jute Area Rug at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Blend:

Pottery Barn Chunky Wool/Jute Rug at Pottery Barn

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

Lulu And Georgia

View On Havenly.com View On Luluandgeorgia.com

What We Like

Handmade
Versatile design
Thick weave
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Larger sizes are pricey
Mild shedding

If we could only recommend one rug made with jute, we'd have to go with the Harriette from Lulu & Georgia. This handmade, artisanal-quality piece is woven from ultra-strong jute ropes. The undyed fibers are a golden straw-like hue, offering an endlessly versatile, down-to-earth aesthetic. From dining rooms and living rooms to bedrooms and entryways, the design works in every room and complements virtually any decor scheme.

With a half-inch height, the Harriette boasts a thick texture. It comes in six sizes ranging from a small mat to an oversized area rug. The bigger options are on the pricier side, but this is often to be expected with large area rugs.

Since there's no backing, you can flip it over if one side becomes permanently stained or discolored. Like most jute area rugs, this one may shed slightly. That said, regular vacuuming of the jute rug will minimize the effect, and you can always clip loose fibers with scissors.

Price at time of publish: $318 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 10 x 14 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1}

World Market

View On World Market

What We Like

Versatile design
Multiple sizes and shapes available
Raised surface and pleasant texture

What We Don't Like

Limited sizes
Some shedding may occur

World Market's take on the jute rug is this visually pleasing and endlessly versatile basket-weave design. It's woven from 100 percent jute fibers and features a warm, neutral hue. The basket weave creates a textured surface that adds dimension to any space.

Available in seven different sizes, you can purchase this product as either a runner or an area rug. Considering the versatility and timeless look, we think its price point is very reasonable. Just a heads up—World Market says that a bit of shedding is normal, but we don’t suspect that this rug will require much upkeep in general.

Price at time of publish: $150 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 8 feet, 2 x 3 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1}

Serena And Lily

View On Serena And Lily

What We Like

Handmade
Soft underfoot
Beachy sophistication

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Serena & Lily might be your best bet, if you're particularly interested in a high-end design and can swing the steep price. Note that the brand's Diamond Rug is hand-braided out of 100 percent jute ropes. Since the fibers are bleached, the surface is notably soft underfoot.

As the name suggests, this rug features a diamond pattern for added dimension, while the off-white hue lends to a sophisticated beachy vibe. It comes in six sizes ranging from a narrow runner to an oversized 12 x 18-foot rectangle. The bigger sizes are definitely an investment, but you can count on long-lasting quality.

Price at time of publish: $718 (6 x 9 feet)

_{Dimensions: 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 11 x 14 feet, 12 x 18 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1}

Ruggable

View On Ruggable.com

What We Like

Easy to clean
Washable
Won’t shed or fray

What We Don't Like

Limited large sizes
Synthetic jute

"I love a jute rug for outdoors," says Decorist interior designer Elise Payne. "But, a natural material would be better suited for a covered area, as it isn't quite as mildew-resistant as a synthetic rug." With this in mind, we recommend the Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug for outdoor use.

We tested this indoor/outdoor rug out for ourselves, and we were impressed with its smooth and soft texture underfoot. We also appreciated that it provided enough cushioning to protect our feet from rocks and other objects underneath the rug.

The faux-jute rug is handmade from recycled polyester and polyurethane, boasting a neutral and versatile look. Unlike those sourced from natural fibers, this is a machine-washable rug—and you won't have to worry about shedding or fraying.

Price at time of publish: $319 (5 x 7 feet)

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 7 feet, 2.5 x 10 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 5 x 7 feet, 6 x 9 feet | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Color Options: 2}

nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug, 5' x 8', Natural

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Handmade
Various shapes and colors

What We Don't Like

Prone to shedding
Edges fray over time

Looking for something a bit more affordable? Check out the nuLOOM Rigo. This wallet-friendly rug comes in a whopping 36 sizes and various shapes, including rectangular, oval, round, and square. It's even available in a small doormat or a long runner rug.

We like that the Rigo is handmade from 100 percent jute fibers. You can get a non-dyed option, which will have natural variances in color, or opt for navy, black, or off-white. The only things to note about this rug are that it's prone to shedding and may fray over time, though these effects are normal with jute.

Price at time of publish: $269 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 36 sizes | Shape: Rectangle, oval, round, runner, square | Material: Jute | Color Options: 11}

Revival Rugs

View On Revivalrugs.com

What We Like

Reasonably priced
Ultra-strong weave
Custom sizes available

What We Don't Like

Corners sometimes curl

Revival calls its Hart Rug "low-shed" as opposed to "no-shed," though you might find virtually no loose fibers in sight. This area rug is handmade from 100 percent unbleached jute and is loomed into an ultra-strong flatweave design. The surface is easy to clean with a vacuum, and you can flip it over in the event of a permanent stain.

Jute fibers are known for slight color variance, but Revival sorts them by shade to create a more streamlined look. Keep in mind that the corners might curl up slightly, but you can remedy the issue with corner grippers or rug tape. This reasonably priced area rug comes in 12 sizes, plus custom dimensions measuring up to 16 feet long.

Price at time of publish: $289 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 12 sizes available, as well as custom sizes | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1}

Louie Diamond Checkerboard Jute Area Rug

Rugs USA

View On Rugsusa.com

What We Like

Design-forward pattern
Various shapes and colors
Durable construction

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Not very soft

Although jute may be known for its natural color, it doesn’t have to be boring—just check out the Natural Louie Diamond Checkerboard Jute Area Rug from Rugs USA. This design-forward rug is made with 100 percent jute and features a checkerboard pattern that's sure to add visual interest to any room.

Available in eight sizes and two different colorways, there are plenty of options to suit your space. The rug's texture might be a bit rougher than some other jute rugs, but we think its unique design makes it well worth the price for those looking to invest in a patterned rug for their space.

Price at time of publish: $813 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 2 x 8 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 10x14 feet | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 2}

Rugs USA

View On Rugsusa.com

What We Like

Reasonably priced
Handmade
Various shapes and colors

What We Don't Like

Prone to shedding
Relatively thin

We also like this braided design from Rugs USA. It's handmade from 100 percent jute fibers. The braiding offers a boho aesthetic, but it pairs effortlessly with rustic, modern, farmhouse, and beachy design schemes alike.

This area rug comes in a dozen sizes and five shapes, including rectangular, round, oval, square, and runner. You can also choose from four colors, including un-dyed, off-white, black, and navy. While it's relatively thin (0.25 inches tall) and prone to shedding, the easy-to-clean design is durable and even pet-friendly.

Price at time of publish: $380 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 12 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, runner, square, oval, round | Material: Jute | Color Options: 11}

Joss & Main

View On Wayfair View On Jossandmain.com

What We Like

Handmade
Renewable materials
Versatile design

What We Don't Like

Not very soft
Larger sizes are pricey

This striped rug from Joss & Main is hand-loomed from a blend of jute and sisal. Like jute, sisal is a renewable, sustainable plant fiber, though it's not quite as soft. Since it doesn't have a backing, you can flip it over in the event of permanent discoloration.

Still, placing a rug pad underneath will prevent shifting while offering a little more softness underfoot. Though it only comes in one color, the dual-toned white and gray palette is perfectly neutral and versatile enough to work in various spaces. We only wish the larger sizes of this rug were a bit more affordable.

Price at time of publish: $970 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 10 x 14 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute, sisal | Color Options: 1}

Potterybarn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Handmade
Renewable materials
Four colors available

What We Don't Like

Larger sizes are expensive
Mild shedding

This chunky-woven rug from Pottery Barn is hand-loomed from 60 percent jute and 40 percent wool. Since the hides of sheep regrow remarkably fast, wool is considered a renewable material. It's also exceptionally soft, super insulating, and even flame-resistant.

You can expect mild shedding, though the wool helps keep it at a minimum. We like that this high-quality rug is available in seven sizes and four colors, including natural (un-dyed), black, gray, and a gray-ivory combo. The larger sizes are expensive, but you can count on consistent quality with Pottery Barn.

Price at time of publish: $499 (5 x 8 feet)

_{Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 10 x 14 feet, 2.5 x 9 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 12 x 18 feet, 2.5 x 12 feet, 6’ round, 8’ square | Shape: Rectangle, runner, round, square | Material: Jute, wool | Color Options: 6}

Final Verdict

Our number-one pick is the Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug. Made of 100 percent un-dyed jute, this handwoven, artisanal-quality piece is versatile and easy to clean. However, if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you can't go wrong with World Market's 100 percent jute Natural Basket Weave Jute Area Rug.

Material

Area rugs with "jute" in the product name are often made of 100 percent jute fibers, many of which we included in our recommendations above. However, you'll also find some blended with other natural carpet fibers, like sisal, seagrass, wool, cotton, or hemp. Then there are faux-jute rugs, which are typically made of thermoplastic, polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fibers.

Style

"Jute rugs are very versatile," says interior designer Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design. "Still, you'll want to consider your existing furnishings, your decor scheme, and how the style will complement your space."

Annie Kersey, a designer at Purple Cherry Architects, adds that there are various weaving techniques, each with a unique aesthetic. "The weave can be tight, small, and thin or heavy, thick, and braided," she tells The Spruce.

If you're going for a neutral look, Payne recommends un-dyed jute. Our Best Size Options pick, the nuLoom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug, is one option that offers this style.

Size

You'll want to consider the size as well. Before ordering anything, measure and re-measure your space, then figure out whether your furniture will be placed entirely on the rug or just partially. The most common area rug sizes include 5 by 8 feet, 6 by 9 feet, 8 by 10 feet, 9 by 12 feet, and 10 by 14 feet. However, some jute rugs are available in custom dimensions, including the Revival Hart Jute Rug, our Best No-Shed choice.

FAQ

What's the best way to clean a jute rug?

"You definitely want to vacuum a jute rug," says Kersey, explaining that the crevices between the woven rows collect lots of dirt and crumbs. "Use a high-powered vacuum, and be sure to go with the grain."
According to Hunter, spot-cleaning is the way to go. But as Kersey notes, "It is crucial to avoid getting the material overly wet, as the fibers get brittle, and moisture can lead to mold and mildew." She recommends dabbing stains with a mixture of club soda and distilled white vinegar and avoiding bleach. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's care instructions.
Additionally, it's important to note that many jute rugs are not suitable as outdoor rugs. "Jute rugs are fairly easy to maintain, but just remember you should not get jute wet as that could ruin the fibers of the rug," says interior designer Jennifer Hunter. If you want to place a jute rug outdoors, you may have to opt for one made with synthetic fibers.
How can you prevent a jute rug from shedding?

Due to the nature of the straw-like plant fibers, most jute rugs will shed slightly—some more than others. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent it, but regular vacuuming can help reduce shedding over time. You can also trim frayed edges and loose fibers with scissors if needed.
What type of rug pad should you use with a jute rug?

Jute rugs are relatively thin and firm compared to other types of area rugs. As such, both Hunter and Kersey recommend thicker, cushioned rug pads for enhanced comfort and softness underfoot. Kersey is a fan of heavy-duty felt pads. "The rubberized side will grip the floor, while the felt side will gently grip the rug," she explains.

Theresa Holland is a product tester and commerce writer specializing in textiles and home decor. For this story, she spoke with three interior designers, who offered buying tips, guidance on placement, and insight into maintenance. Holland spoke to Annie Kersey of Purple Cherry Architects, Decorist interior designer Elise Payne, and Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design.

Holland considered dozens of top-rated, best-selling jute rugs, narrowing it down based on appearance, quality, sizing options, and overall value. Holland has a braided jute rug from Rugs USA in her dining room. You can find more of her bylines on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and People.

This article was updated by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer for The Spruce, to include additional product picks, such as the washable Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug.

The 10 Best Affordable Rugs of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug

Best Budget

World Market Natural Basket Weave Jute Area Rug

Best Splurge

Serena & Lily Diamond Jute Rug

Best Outdoor

Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug

Best Size Options

nuLoom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug

Best No-Shed

Revival Hart Jute Rug

Best Patterned

Rugs USA Louie Diamond Checkerboard Jute Area Rug

Best Braided

Rugs USA Jute Braided Area Rug

Best Striped

Joss & Main Striped Hand-Loomed Jute White/Gray Area Rug

Best Blend

Pottery Barn Chunky Wool/Jute Rug

More from The Spruce

The 10 Best Jute Rugs of 2023

Best Overall

Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug

Best Budget

World Market Natural Basket Weave Jute Area Rug

Best Splurge

Serena & Lily Diamond Jute Rug

Best Outdoor

Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug

Best Size Options

nuLoom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug

Best No-Shed

Revival Hart Jute Rug

Best Patterned

Rugs USA Louie Diamond Checkerboard Jute Area Rug

Best Braided

Rugs USA Jute Braided Area Rug

Best Striped

Joss & Main Striped Hand-Loomed Jute White/Gray Area Rug

Best Blend

Pottery Barn Chunky Wool/Jute Rug

What to Look for in a Jute Rug

Material

Style

Size

Why Trust The Spruce?

More from The Spruce