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What natural fiber rug is best for what room? What are the pros and cons of each of the natural fibers used in rugs? In this article you will learn:

• The benefits and drawbacks of each type of fiber. 
• Which natural fiber is best for which room of your house.

The best natural fibers for rugs are: sisal, jute, and seagrass. We will go over each one in detail.

SIsal Fiber RUGS

What Rooms?

Works Best In:

• Hallway
• Living Room
• High Traffic Areas

Avoid:

• Stairs
• Bathroom
• Outdoors

Sisal a strong and durable natural fiber that is derived from the long, green leaves of the ‘agave sisalana’ cactus plant. It is a sustainably harvested natural plant fiber used to make rope and twine as well as carpets and rugs. The cream-colored  look of sisal is a favorite of interior designers.

Sisal rugs are naturally flame-retardant, long-lasting and great for high-traffic areas. They are very absorbent, so should not be used in humid areas.

Sisal rugs are static resistant and repel dust. They can however, stain easily and are not the softest material for bare feet. Sisal rugs can be vacuumed but not steam cleaned. They can become slippery with wear, so should not be used on stairs.

Pros

• Durable
• Naturally flame retardant
• Great for high traffic areas
• Static resistant
• Repels dust
• Biodegradable and renewable resource
• Can be dyed
• Dirt falls through it 

Cons

• Absorbent
• Stains easily
• Rough and coarse texture
• Water will leave a mark
• Becomes slippery with wear

JUTE Fiber RUGS

What Rooms?

Works Best In:

• Pet Free Homes
• Living Room
• Dining Room
• Bedroom
• Office
• Medium Traffic Areas

Avoid:

• Bathrooms
• Outdoors
• Sunny areas

Jute is a vegetable fiber that is spun into coarse, strong threads. Jute is the softest of the natural plant fibers, and has a similar feel to cotton. It has a silkiness and shine that is pleasing to the senses. It’s woven brown and tan colors fit most decors and hides dirt well.

They are meant for low to medium traffic areas, and are perfect for living rooms and dining halls. Jute rugs are inexpensive, non-toxic and are environmentally friendly because jute does not require pesticides or fertilizers to grow.

They are anti-static, naturally fire resistant and require minimal maintenance, regular vacuuming is enough to get rid of dirt. They cannot be steam cleaned but can be spot cleaned. They are quite absorbent so should not be used in humid areas.

Pros

• Soft
• Inexpensive
• Anti-static
• Fire resistant
• Minimal maintenance
• Eco-friendly
• Good sound and heat insulation

Cons

• Cannot be steam cleaned
• May fade in sunlight
• Will wear out in high traffic areas
• Doesn’t react well to water
• Hangs on to odors

Sea Grass Fiber Rugs

Works Best In:

Works Best In:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Dining Room
• Entryway
• Bedroom
• High-Traffic Areas

Avoid:

• Outdoors

Sea grass grows in low-lying areas of the Asia-Pacific region. The reeds are thick and rigid. Sea grass rugs are environmentally friendly, affordable, non-porous and incredibly water resistant.

With a sea grass rug, there is no need to worry about water damage, excessive staining or mold or mildew build up. Dirt is easily swept away and pet accidents will not absorb and ruin your rug.

Sea grass rugs have a light sheen and come in a variety of textures. The color usually starts as a light green that over time, fades to khaki. They are allergen free, stain resistant, durable and wonderful for high-traffic areas.

Sea grass rugs feel great on bare feet. They do not take dye well, so do not come in a variety of colors, but their natural color goes with just about any decor. Wonderful in a kitchen or bathroom.

Pros

• Durable
• Affordable
• Anti-static and does not attract dust or dirt
• Simple to maintain
• Water and stain resistant
• Feels good on bare feet
• Excellent for high-traffic areas
• Good insulation

Cons

• Should not be used outdoors
• Can beslippery
• Can’t be dyed

To Summarize, the Best Natural Fiber Rugs chosen by Room:

• Bedroom – Jute because it looks beautiful, and is soft.
• Kitchen and Dining Room– Sea Grass because it won’t absorb spills and it repels dirt. 
• Hallway -Sisal because it holds up under high traffic and dirt falls right through it.
• Living Room -Sisal because it can come in various colors.
• Bathroom and Entryway -Sea Grass for its water repelling properties.
• Office – Jute for its soft, timeless look.

Where to Shop for Natural Fiber Rugs

There are plenty of options online for shopping for natural fiber rugs. Some of my favorites are listed below:

• Amazon carries the brands Safavieh and NuLoom, both companies make exceptionally beautiful natural fiber area rugs. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a natural fiber rug for a specific room in your home, I hope that the above information has helped you in making a choice.

Natural fiber rugs are a beautiful addition to your home, they are the jeans of the interior fashion world and go with just about any decor.  With the above information, you should be able to make an informed choice on the type of material that is best for you.

Searching for more information about cotton rugs? Check out our deep dive article here!

Please leave any questions you have in the comments below, we always answer!

This post was originally published on November 29, 2019.