Jute is a renewable plant fiber 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.
“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, and then researched standout options for any space, considering quality, material, durability, ease of cleaning, style, and value. In addition to our standard research and expert guidance on this topic, we also surveyed our editors, who evaluated their experiences with ordering from a variety of rug retailers, including Rugs USA, Ruggable, and Wayfair.
Our top picks include a wide variety of jute rugs, including no-shed, patterned, and indoor/outdoor options.
Best Overall: Lulu & Georgia Harriette Jute Rug
- Handmade
- Versatile design
- Thick weave
- Easy to clean
- 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 that feels both durable and high-quality. It comes in six sizes ranging from a small mat to an oversized area rug.
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.
Best Budget: World Market Natural Basket Weave Jute Area Rug (Best Jute Rugs)
- Versatile design
- Multiple sizes and shapes available
- Raised surface and pleasant texture
- 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 it’s an exceptionally value-packed pick. 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.
Best Splurge: Serena & Lily Diamond Jute Rug
- Handmade
- Soft underfoot
- Beachy sophistication
- May need more regular maintenance
Serena & Lily might be your best bet if you’re particularly interested in a high-end design and luxurious texture. 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. 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 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.
Best Outdoor: Ruggable Re-Jute Rug
- Easy to clean
- Washable
- Won’t shed or fray
- 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.
Additionally, based on survey results from our editors, Ruggable is one of the most highly-favored rug retailers on this list. Although many respondents have reported difficulties placing and removing Ruggable’s rug pads, we’ve found that the convenience and easy care outweigh the minor struggle. Considering their top-notch customer service, mostly pleasant shopping experiences, and large catalog, we’re confident that you’ll find what you need from the retailer.
- Handmade
- Various shapes and colors
- Simple and timeless look
- Prone to shedding
- Edges fray over time
If you’re looking for a rug that’ll fit your space perfectly, check out the nuLOOM Rigo. This value-packed 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.
Plus, if you opt to order this rug on Amazon, you can enjoy fast shipping times and easy returns. The mega-retailer is one of our editors’ favorite one-stop shops for rugs because of its convenience, extensive catalog, and renowned reliability.
Best No-Shed: Revival Hart Jute Rug
- Ultra-strong weave
- Custom sizes available
- Easy to clean
- 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 area rug comes in 12 sizes, plus custom dimensions measuring up to 16 feet long.
What’s more, our editors have praised Revival’s products’ outstanding quality in our survey, saying that the retailer’s higher price tags are justified and worth the splurge.