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Livingetc
Livingetc
Julia Demer

Designers Claim Jute Rugs Go With Literally Everything — And We're Eyeing These 12

Jute rugs.

When in doubt, jute rugs are always a winner. They add warmth, texture, and a grounded, earthy feel to any space. Their natural golden fiber makes for seamless styling, whether your style skews more minimalist, boho, or classic — jute rugs are a homeowner’s go-to!

Jute is forever timeless, but woven rugs are having a major moment right now. Interior designer Cynthia Tran of CYNTHIA LANANH design studio attributes this to the ongoing organic luxe trend — you know, irregular edges, reactive stoneware glazes, and such. A jute rug lends an ‘understated elegance paired with relaxed functionality,’ Cynthia muses, ‘making it a great foundation to ground a seating area or dining area.’

They're one of the best rug materials for a modern home, and, luckily, I know a thing or two about where to buy rugs, and jute varieties are no exception. It's all in a day's work for me to run around the city testing top picks in person and scouring online listings, so rest assured you're in expert hands.

At their best, jute rugs are the perfect glue that brings together seemingly dissimilar colors and styles within a room. These 12 are just what you’ve been searching for. Harmonious interiors ahead!

John Pawson's home in Oxfordshire, UK (Image credit: Phaidon)

Round Jute Rugs

Jute Runners

Colored Jute Rugs

Rectangular Jute Rugs

Q&A

I talked to experts. From styling tips to cleaning, find answers to your jute rug-related inquires here.

What are the pros and cons of jute rugs?

The pros of jute rugs? They’re affordable, durable, and have the same maintenance needs as a domestic house cat — virtually nonexistent. The cons? They shed a little. A small price to pay for all the good they bring to the table.

Why are jute rugs the perfect minimalist piece of decor?

Even an ultra-minimalist who wants as little decor as possible in their home can't deny the impact of a rug. In fact, they're a minimalist designer secret. Helping to zone space, create a focal point, a rug is really a fantastic decorative tool.

From leading architect and renowned minimalist John Pawson (above) to London design firm, Studio Nune, to the soothing colors used by Danish studio Norm Architects, all the most popular minimalist designers have completed one design or another with the addition of a simple jute rug.

Jute rugs have long been fashionable, favored for their natural look and working to soften just about every room in the home. They are made from jute plants, grown in Asia, but a lot of their appeal comes from the budget friendly price point you can find them at.

Armadillo has just launched its latest rug collection, Mojave, made with an Indo Nepali hand-knotted Tibetan weave and inspired by ephemeral desert landscapes. Mojave is available in three soothing tones - Natural, Cashew and Laurel. They are all beautiful, if on the pricey side. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more interesting patterns, A Rum Fellow have worked on jute combinations which mean you get the natural look with a touch of pattern and interest, instead of the standard flat weave. On the more budget friendly end of the scale, the likes of La Redoute and even Wayfair are always a great shout.

How Should I Clean Jute Rugs?

Curious about how to clean jute rugs? Well, according to interior designer Becky Shea of Becky Shea Design, they're incredibly low-maintenance. Since jute rugs naturally repel dirt and dust, generally all that's needed is regular vacuuming to keep them looking fresh.

But, as we all know, accidents happen — wine spills, pet messes, the whole nine yards. For those out-of-the-ordinary stains, interior designer Cynthia Tran recommends careful spot cleaning with a solvent suitable for natural fibers like jute.

What Rooms Are Best Suited for Jute Rugs?

According to interior designer Becky Shea, ‘Jute rugs are exceptionally versatile and can be used in various rooms throughout your home.’ Given their durability, these rugs are great for high-traffic areas like living rooms and bonus rooms. ‘The natural fibers provide a robust surface that can withstand daily wear and tear while still maintaining a beautiful appearance,’ she explains.

Interior expert Cynthia Tran enjoys placing jute rugs in transitional spaces — those inside-outside areas like sunrooms, covered patios, and entryways. Jute rugs are strong and easy to clean, making them ideal for areas where stains are inevitable. In fact, they're so durable they can even be placed outside, making backyards feel warm and inviting.

If you adore the natural, laid-back luxury look, Becky Shea has a suggestion: try a jute rug in the bedroom. They create a serene feeling that’s highly conducive to R&R.

How Should Jute Rugs Be Styled?

For designers like Becky Shea, jute rugs are the perfect foundational layer. Their neutral tones and intricate textures make them ideal for layering with softer, cozier rugs on top, creating a rich, textured look. And if layering isn’t your thing, solo jute rugs can make rooms feel grounded and effortlessly cool.

Cynthia Tran embraces the natural appeal of jute, pairing these woven rugs with natural woods like ebony or white oak tables. She suggests balancing the look ‘with something softer like a velvet fabric dining chair or armchair.’ To further the feeling of earthiness, organic shapes and ample potted plants are a must!

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