The Different Types of Natural Fibre Rugs – Jute, Sisal, Seagrass, & More

Natural fibre rugs are a stylish, sustainable way to bring warmth and texture into your home. From soft, cosy wool to durable sisal and rustic jute, each fibre offers something unique. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, drawbacks, and styling tips for each type – helping you find your home’s perfect match.

What Is a Natural Fibre Rug?

A natural fibre rug is made using materials derived from plants or animals – like jute, sisal, seagrass, hemp, wool, or cotton. These fibres offer a beautifully organic texture and often a more sustainable, eco-conscious alternative to synthetic rugs, which are typically made from man-made materials such as polypropylene or nylon.

Featuring our Ancoats Green Jute Rug.

Embracing Natural Decor 

Bringing natural decor elements into your home is a beautiful way to add depth, texture, and style to your space. Natural fibre rugs, with their raw, earthy tones and woven finishes, can ground a room and make it look thoughtfully decorated. They're also a more sustainable choice, made from natural and renewable materials like jute, wool, or sisal, offering an alternative to synthetic fibres without sacrificing style. If you're looking to make more conscious design decisions, incorporating natural fibres is a great option. 

Featuring our Jute Extra Natural Brown Rug.

Their Benefits and Disadvantages

Natural fibre rugs offer a lot in terms of style, texture, and sustainability – but like any material, they come with both benefits and drawbacks. Here's a balanced look at what to expect:

Benefits:

• Eco-friendly: Natural fibre rugs are eco-friendly, as they’re made from renewable, and often biodegradable, materials such as jute, wool, sisal, or seagrass.
• Texture: They add beautiful texture and a grounded, natural feel to interiors.
• Style Versatility: Their neutral, earthy tones blend easily with a wide range of interior styles and colour schemes. Many of these natural fibres can also be dyed for even more design options. 
• Durability: Many natural fibres, like sisal and wool, are long-lasting and suitable for high-traffic areas.

Disadvantages:

• Moisture Sensitivity: Some fibres (like jute or seagrass) are sensitive to moisture and can become stained or damaged in humid or damp environments.
• Rougher Underfoot: Certain materials, such as sisal, can feel coarse compared to synthetic or plush rugs.
• Maintenance: Natural fibre rugs are often more difficult to clean and may require professional care to remove deep stains or spills.
• Durability: While many natural fibres are durable, some – like jute or cotton – are less hard-wearing and better suited to lower-traffic areas. 

Understanding these pros and cons can help you choose the right natural rug for your space and lifestyle.

Types of Natural Fibre Rugs

Natural fibre rugs come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique texture, durability, and look. Whether you're after something soft and cosy or structured and hard-wearing, there's a natural fibre rug to suit every room. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options and how to style them.

Jute Rugs 

Jute rugs are a favourite for their soft, earthy texture and laid-back, organic look. Usually, when you think of a natural fibre rug, it’s jute. Made from plant fibres, they’re one of the most eco-friendly options available. Jute is naturally warm in tone, making it easy to blend into neutral or boho-inspired interiors, but it can also be dyed other colours. While it’s softer underfoot than sisal or seagrass, it’s also less durable, so it’s best suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms or snug corners. Jute rugs are also perfect for layering with other rugs for a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Featuring our Whitefield Boucle Tassel Natural Jute Runner Rug.

Sisal Rugs

Sisal rugs are known for their strength and durability, making them a great choice for busy areas like hallways, living rooms, or home offices. Made from the tough fibres of the agave plant, sisal has a crisp, textured feel and a natural, earthy look that suits minimalist and modern spaces. It’s more hardwearing than jute, but also rougher underfoot, so it may not be ideal for areas where you want extra comfort. Pair with sleek furniture for a clean, contemporary finish or light wood for a boho-inspired look.

Featuring our Origins Sisal Light Beige With Sand Border Rug.

Seagrass Rugs

Seagrass rugs are crafted from natural grasses grown in coastal waters, giving them a unique, slightly glossy finish and a tight, smooth weave. They're naturally resistant to stains and water, making them a practical option for dining areas, kitchens, or entryways. Seagrass tends to come in green and beige tones that lighten over time, blending beautifully with natural wood and muted palettes. While they’re durable and low-maintenance, they’re not particularly soft. Style with rustic or coastal-inspired decor for a relaxed, effortless look.

Featuring our Natural Green Seagrass Rug.

Hemp Rugs

Hemp rugs are a sturdy, sustainable choice with a naturally textured, slightly coarse feel that softens beautifully over time with regular use. Made from the robust fibres of the hemp plant, they’re highly durable and well-suited to high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, or busy family spaces. Hemp also has natural antibacterial properties and resists mould and mildew, making it a practical option for your home. They bring a raw, organic character to a space and can be dyed in a variety of colours, offering more flexibility in styling. Pair with natural woods, woven accents, or earthy tones for a warm, grounded look.

Featuring our Hemp Multicoloured Rug.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are incredibly soft and luxurious, offering a plush feel that makes any room look cosy and inviting. As a natural fibre, wool is perfect for creating intricate designs rich in colour and detail, making it a favourite for both traditional and modern styles. It’s exceptionally durable and can withstand high foot traffic with ease – lasting for decades when properly cared for. Naturally stain-resistant, wool rugs are easier to maintain than many expect, and their hypoallergenic properties make them a good choice for allergy-sensitive homes. Wool is also more flame-resistant than synthetic fibres, making it ideal for living rooms with fireplaces. While wool rugs often come with a higher price tag, their quality, beauty, and long-term value more than justify the investment.

Featuring our Morris & Co Artichoke Floral Wool Rug.

Cotton Rugs 

Cotton rugs are made from the fibres of the cotton plant – a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material that’s loved for its softness and versatility. Cotton holds dye extremely well, which means these rugs are available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, giving you plenty of design flexibility. They’re soft, fairly durable, and easy to clean, making them a great choice for bedrooms, nurseries, and living rooms. Often, cotton is blended with other fibres, like wool, to enhance durability and create rugs that are both stylish and practical. 

Featuring our Anya Natural Ivory Cotton & Wool Rug.

Other Natural Fibres

Many people look for hessian or rattan rugs, but what they’re really after is often jute or other natural fibre rugs, as they’re much easier to find and have a wider range of styles available.

How to Clean Natural Fibre Rugs

Cleaning natural fibre rugs requires a gentle approach to maintain their texture and avoid damage. Hoover regularly to remove dust and dirt using a suction-only setting – do not use the hoover’s brush bar as this can pull on the fibres and damage them. Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid rubbing, as it can spread stains. For tougher marks, use a mild soap and water solution, but always test on an inconspicuous area first. Never oversaturate, as moisture can damage natural fibres. For deep cleaning, professional rug cleaning is recommended. Regularly rotate your rugs to ensure even wear and sun exposure. 

Which Is the Best Choice for Your Home?

The best natural fibre rug for your home depends on a few key factors: your interior style, how much foot traffic the space sees, how often it needs cleaning, your comfort preferences, and your budget. 

For high-traffic areas, sisal or hemp are durable choices, while jute or cotton offer a softer feel for quieter spaces. Wool is ideal for those seeking long-lasting luxury and warmth, though it comes at a higher price point. Ultimately, each fibre brings its own charm, so choose what fits both your lifestyle and your interior decor style.

Featuring our Nova Natural Round Jute Rug.

Finding Your Perfect Natural Fibre Rug

Natural fibre rugs offer a beautiful balance of style, comfort, and sustainability. With so many textures, tones, and designs to choose from, there’s something for every home. Explore our full collection of natural fibre rugs and find the one that’s right for you.