With their unique weave, earthy elegance, and versatility, jute rugs can make a stylish, functional addition to any space. We’ve tested more than 100 rugs in The Lab and at home, and jute rugs are among our favorites due to their texture and more rustic, farmhouse-inspired feel.
Jute rugs are made with jute fibers, a renewable plant with exceptional strength and versatility, making it an excellent choice for woven area rugs.1 The design-forward material typically has a light brown hue and raised surface, adding texture and dimension to any space.
To find the best jute rugs available, we put them to the test. We rolled out a mix of jute rugs from top brands with our team of testers, who walked on them, wore them out, and even spilled dirt, water, and more on their surfaces.
Over the course of our testing, we found that while jute can be a bit delicate in the face of liquids and dirt, it’s an excellent rug material for high-traffic areas that see many feet (and even pet paws.) Our favorite picks include a wide variety of jute rugs, including no-shed, patterned, and indoor/outdoor options, all with solid durability and attractive styling.
The Harriette from Lulu & Georgia is a standout jute rug from its fibers to its overall durability. We love that it’s handmade, woven from ultra-strong jute ropes to create a final product that features artisanal-level quality. The undyed fibers are a golden straw-like hue, which makes the rug’s color endlessly versatile for use in a variety of rooms and across aesthetics.
“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.” From dining rooms and living rooms to bedrooms and entryways, the design works in every room and complements virtually any decor scheme.
This particular jute rug sits 0.5 inches tall, which provides a nicely thick texture that feels high-quality in hand and under foot. Available in six sizes, we love that you can opt to purchase it in a small mat or an oversized area rug (or even choose multiple sizes if you want to use it in multiple rooms!)
Another detail we love about this jute rug is it doesn’t have any backing. This makes it easy to flip over if one side becomes permanently stained or discolored with wear. Like most jute area rugs, this one may shed slightly. However, regular vacuuming of the jute rug will minimize the effect, and you can always clip loose fibers with scissors.
Size Options: 6 | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1
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.
“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.
When we tested this indoor/outdoor jute rug, we were impressed with its smooth, soft texture underfoot. Made from recycled polyester and polyurethane, synthetic jute like this can be a bit prickly, but that wasn’t the case at all. We also liked that, thanks to the included rug pad, it was cushioned enough to protect our bare feet from rocks and other objects when used outside.
Because this Ruggable Re-Jute rug is made with synthetic fibers instead of natural, you won’t have to worry about any shedding or fraying. We also love that it’s machine-washable; when we popped this rug into the wash, it came out looking like new.
Over the course of three months of at-home testing, we were also impressed with the rug’s overall durability. In addition to holding onto its fibers, keeping its original shape post-wash, and handling traffic like a pro, we loved that it was virtually indestructible for pets. The low pile prevented even cat claws from getting into the fibers and making any noticeable changes to the texture or appearance.
Size Options: 5 | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Color Options: 2
If you’re looking for a rug that’ll fit your space perfectly, check out the handmade nuLOOM Rigo. This value-packed rug comes in a whopping 40 sizes and various shapes, including rectangular, oval, round, and square. It’s even available in a small doormat or a long runner rug.
In our testing, we were particularly pleased by this jute rug’s durability. We placed it right inside our front door, where it received a ton of foot traffic over the course of six months. To our surprise, it remained completely stain-free—and that’s after we dragged in all kinds of dirt, debris, and mud. After everything we put this rug through, it wound up looking like it was still brand-new.
When it comes to color choices, you can opt for a non-dyed option, which will have natural variances in color, or for navy, black, or off-white. Our only concern with this rug? We were hesitant to vacuum it while testing, since we think the high suction of a typical vacuum would likely pull up the fibers and cause damage. However, we had no trouble simply brushing or shaking dirt off.
Size Options: 40 | Shape: Rectangle, oval, round, runner, square | Material: Jute | Color Options: 11
What’s the best way to clean a jute rug?
“You definitely want to vacuum a jute rug,” says Annie Kersey, a designer at Purple Cherry Architects. Because of the woven texture, the crevices between the rows collect lots of dirt and crumbs. “Use a high-powered vacuum, and be sure to go with the grain.” For spot-cleaning, 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.
World Market’s take on the jute rug is this visually pleasing and endlessly versatile basket-weave design. It features a warm, neutral hue of natural jute. 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 it’s an exceptionally value-packed pick. Although World Market recommends that this rug is only professionally cleaned, we don’t suspect that this rug will require much upkeep in general.
Size Options: 7 | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1
Serena & Lily might be your best bet if you’re particularly interested in a high-end design and luxurious texture. Since the fibers are bleached, the surface is notably soft underfoot. However, it may need more consistent maintenance to uphold its quality compared to other options, with regular vacuuming and spot treatment as needed.
As the name suggests, this hand-braided 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. This product is definitely a splurge, but you can count on long-lasting quality.
Size Options: 5 | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1
If you’re looking for a jute rug that’ll add warmth and eye-catching texture to your space, Revival’s Hart Rug is a great choice. This area rug comes in 12 sizes, plus custom dimensions measuring up to 16 feet long. We like that it’s “low shed”—other jute rugs might be labeled “no-shed,” but during our real-world testing we found that it lost virtually no fibers.
This area rug is handmade from 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. We had no trouble getting dirt and even baby spit-up out of the rug’s fibers; it spot-cleaned nicely, leaving no stains behind with nothing but a cloth.
Jute fibers are known for slight color variance, but Revival sorts them by shade to create a more streamlined look. We did find that the corners curl up slightly, but you can remedy the issue with corner grippers or rug tape. Overall, we really liked the way this jute pick held up to medium foot traffic, including everything from crawling infants to pets and their claws.
Size Options: 12, as well as custom sizes | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1
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 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.
Our editors have also praised Rugs USA for the retailer’s affordability, customer service, and catalog size. However, some respondents have noted some inconsistency in terms of product quality, so we definitely recommend checking the product reviews before making a purchase.
Size Options: 8 | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 2
We also like this braided design from Rugs USA. The braiding offers a boho design style, but it pairs effortlessly with rustic, modern, farmhouse, and beachy design schemes alike.
This area rug comes in 35 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), the easy-to-clean design is durable and even pet-friendly.
Size Options: 35 | Shape: Rectangle, runner, square, oval, round | Material: Jute | Color Options: 11
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.1 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.
This rug is available on Wayfair, which ended up being a surprise standout in our rug retailer survey. Our editors were very impressed by the quality of the rugs, especially considering the low price tags.
Size Options: 5 | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Jute, sisal | Color Options: 1
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.
We were impressed by the feel of Pottery Barn’s Chunky Wool/Jute Rug from the moment we first touched it. This high-quality woven rug looks and feels luxurious, and unlike many jute rugs, it’s wonderfully soft. That’s thanks to its 60 percent jute and 40 percent wool fibers, which makes it softer, more insulating, and even flame-resistant compared to others on our list.3
Thanks to that blend of jute and wool fibers, we also experienced less shedding when we put this rug to the test. It was a great indoor addition, though we’d suggest placing it somewhere it won’t wind up covered in food (we tried it under a dining table, which isn’t the best placement since its weave is so thick and tricky to vacuum.)
We also like that this handmade, slightly fluffy rug is available in seven sizes and four colors, including natural (which is undyed), black, gray, and a gray-ivory combo.
Just keep in mind that this rug isn’t a great fit for high-traffic areas. We found it was one of the most difficult to clean; unlike easy-care options like Ruggable’s Border Braid Re-Jute Rug that can be tossed in the wash, Pottery Barn’s rug stains pretty easily. That being said, when it comes to styling and softness, this jute pick is hard to beat.
Size Options: 12 | Shape: Rectangle, runner, round, square | Material: Jute, wool | Color Options: 6
With a unique design that doesn’t detract from the natural beauty of woven jute, the Blue Anna Scalloped Jute Area Rug is truly one of the most stylish picks on the market. It has scalloped edges, adding movement and shaping your space. The rug even features a charming pop of color along the border that we love.
This hand-braided jute rug is both pet-friendly and suitable for high-traffic areas. So whether you want to upgrade your living space with a rectangular area rug or add some visual appeal to your entryway with the runner size, we think the Blue Anna Scalloped Jute Rug is a great pick. Just note that some shoppers reported a strong odor upon arrival, which went away in time.
Size Options: 6 | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 3
Sometimes, small details can make all the difference. This gorgeous jute rug from Hearth & Hand and Magnolia Home features knotted tassels along the hem, which provides a subtle textural contrast that we love. We think it adds a fun flair while not being overly distracting.
Because this rug is bleached, it has a lighter and slightly cooler-toned hue compared to other options on this list. If your decor isn’t warm, undyed jute may feel out of place, making this a great option to consider. Additionally, this product is an accent rug, not an area rug, which makes it suitable for smaller rooms. Just note that there are only two sizes available.
Size Options: 2 | Shape: Rectangle, runner | Material: Jute | Color Options: 1
How We Tested the Jute Rugs
At The Spruce, we’ve tested dozens of different types of rugs, including a variety of jute and jute blend rugs. Our testing has spanned two years and over 100 rugs from popular brands and retailers.
To find the best jute rugs, we conducted testing in our lab and at home in different environments. During our lab testing process, we measured each rug, noted the construction, feel, and quality of the materials, and put them through standardized testing to determine how easy each was to vacuum, wash (or spot-clean), and how they handled water.
Overall, we found that jute rugs are best used indoors—while they can be quite durable to foot traffic, water can cause staining and damage to the appearance of the jute fibers, especially if you opt for a natural, undyed jute rug.
For more insights and a look at how our favorite jute rugs would hold up to long-term use, we brought them into our homes. We tested these rugs for up to six months, collecting insights into how they wore, felt, and washed at the one, two, three, and six month marks along the way. We put the rugs to work in households with high levels of foot traffic, kids and pets, and rooms with frequent spills or food scattered on the floor.
The best jute rugs, according to our findings, were those that handled foot traffic, cleaning, and general wear without developing stains or discoloration. We wound up liking the rugs that were easy to clean most of all, but we also found that even some difficult-to-care-for options (like Pottery Barn’s Chunky Wool/Jute Rug) were soft enough and attractive enough to win a place in our homes for good.
To round out our list of the best jute rugs, we combined the insights we gleaned from testing a variety of different jute options with research into other highly rated and well-reviewed products. We included additional rugs that we thought would hold up well in terms of durability and appearance based on our findings, and we opted to add some more colorful and style-forward choices.
How to Shop for a Jute Rug
Look for Natural Jute Fibers or a Synthetic Alternative
Area rugs with “jute” in the product name are often made of 100 percent jute fibers, including the Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug. Jute is known for its neutral brownish hue, coarse texture, and durability. The natural fiber is also biodegradable and compostable.
You’ll also find some blended with other natural carpet fibers, like sisal, seagrass, wool, cotton, or hemp. Just note that the addition of other fibers can alter the texture, appearance, and price point of your jute rug. Our favorite blended option is the Pottery Barn Chunky Wool/Jute Rug, which is made with both jute and wool, which gives it a softer texture underfoot.
Additionally, it’s important to note that most jute rugs are not suitable as outdoor rugs because of their unique fibers, unless explicitly stated. “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.
Faux-jute rugs, which are typically made of thermoplastic, polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers can sometimes offer stain-resistant qualities, making them easier to care for. Ruggable’s Border Braid Re-Jute, is made from synthetic materials but is also more durable than other picks on our list. Plus, it’s the only option on this list that’s suitable for outdoor use.
Consider the Size and Shape Your Space Needs
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 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, and 10 x 14 feet.
We love that the nuLoom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug is available in 40 sizes to suit your needs. However, some jute rugs are available in custom dimensions, including the Revival Hart Jute Rug.
You’ll also want to think about the shape of your rug when shopping, as many rugs are available in rectangle, runner, square, round, and oval shapes. Room layout, foot traffic, and furniture arrangement should all be considered when deciding what shape will work best with your space.
Don’t Forget About Color and 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 says.
If you’re going for neutral, Payne recommends un-dyed jute. The nuLoom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug is one option that offers this style. However, if you want to add a pop of color, that pick is also available in 10 other colors.
While many jute rugs tend to have a similar look, there are some options with unique stylistic details that elevate traditional jute without taking away from the natural charm. For one, we love the Blue Anna Scalloped Jute 6′ x 9′ Area Rug, since it has an appealing scalloped border and a pop of color. We also like the Magnolia Bleached Jute Fringe Rug, which has knotted tassels along the edge. Although subtle, the contrast in texture between the main section and the border is a nice touch.
There aren’t a ton of jute rugs that have bold colors and designs on the market. However, the Urban Outfitters Vivian Woven Jute Rug, has an eye-catching bohemian-style pattern that we can’t get enough of.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a shopping writer for The Spruce specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor. For this story, our team spoke with three interior designers, who offered buying tips, guidance on placement, and insight into maintenance. Pineda considered dozens of top-rated, best-selling jute rugs, narrowing them down based on appearance, quality, sizing options, and overall value.
Pineda also incorporated rug retailer survey insights for more detailed shopping considerations. She pored through survey results from our very own editors, considering product quality, catalog size, shopping experience, price range, return policy, shipping times, and customer service.
Our Experts:
- Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects
- Elise Payne, decorist interior designer at Cascadia Design Build
- Jennifer Hunter, interior designer at Jennifer Hunter Design
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce