Seagrass vs sisal vs jute rugs: what are the main differences?
Natural fibre rugs are a staple in modern home decor designs - featuring neutral colour schemes and textures, an “au naturale” vibe, and a luxurious, hand-woven quality, natural fibre rugs are a must-have item for contemporary, eco-friendly homes.
Natural fibre rugs are made from sustainable fibres like jute, seagrass, and sisal - all fast-growing crops that are simple to harvest all year round. Considering 73% of millennials are willing to invest more for sustainable products (including home decor), it’s clear jute, seagrass, and sisal are such popular choices.
But what are the main differences between jute, seagrass, and sisal rugs? What fibres and weaves will look best in your home? In this blog, we compare the three styles for your benefit so you can make the best choice of ethical floor art for your home.
Seagrass Rugs
Image: Cool Green Science
Seagrass grows all over the world, but the grass used to make seagrass rugs is traditionally grown underwater in Asia’s wetlands including China’s saltwater paddies and other areas of the Pacific Rim. The seagrass is collected, cleaned, and dried, then woven into strong yarn.
Seagrass rugs differ from sisal and jute rugs because the fibres are grown underwater. The saline in seawater gives seagrass a natural wax-like coating, a smooth texture, and a natural sheen - making it resistant to water, spills, and dyes.
While you won’t find seagrass rugs in wonderfully vibrant colours like jute and sisal, your seagrass rug will be super resistant to stains - perfect for accident and spill-prone homes that have little ones running around.
Match your seagrass rug with timber or cane furniture, glass top coffee tables, and macrame wall art for a relaxed atmosphere in your living room, or place seagrass rugs in the high traffic areas of your home, like the hall or entryway. These attractive rugs can take the heat!
Jute Rugs
Image: Wikipedia
Jute is a vegetable fibre grown in tropical, high humidity countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. Jute can also be manufactured in Pakistan, but around 90% of all jute fibres are grown in Bangladesh. Jute loves and needs the moisture to grow - it doesn’t need lots of fertiliser or pesticides at all, making it one of the most eco-friendly fibres you can find on the market.
The actual production of jute fibres is time-consuming - the reeds are cut, bundled, and then soaked in water for long periods of time to separate and loosen the fibres (this method is called biological retting). Finally, non-fibrous matter is scraped away, softening the remaining fibres for weaving.
It’s 100% biodegradable, recyclable, durable, and chemical-free - naturally.
So what’s the main difference between jute and seagrass?
Jute is soft like cotton and other common fabrics, which means it can soak up colourful dyes and feature intricate, vibrant designs. However, when it comes to sisal vs jute rugs, sisal is a much coarser and durable fibre - ideal for outdoor entertainment areas and homes with pets.
Consider surrounding your neutral-coloured jute rug with indoor plants - the greener and leafier the better! Alternatively, if your living space needs a pop of colour, consider picking up one of our colourful patterned rugs and match it with beautiful cushions and throw blankets.
Sisal Rugs
Image: AgriHunt
Sisal is a long, stiff, and rugged fibre made from the agave plant which is traditionally found in Southern Mexico. However, most sisal is now grown in East Africa and produced in Belgium. While the agave plant has long, sword-like leaves, it seems to grow longer and finer in Africa, making it easier to produce and also easier to colour with natural dyes.
When comparing sisal vs jute rugs, the main difference is their texture and durability. Sisal is a stiffer fibre and feels coarse underfoot, making it the ideal fibre for outdoor rugs, entryways, hallway runners, and homes with pets. Jute, on the other hand, is soft and works better in living rooms and bedrooms.
Compared to seagrass, sisal has the advantage of being able to be dyed. Sisal rugs can come in bright colours and intricate designs, so you can easily find something to match your home decor perfectly.
Simone Sisal Flatweave Rug
Sisal rugs have a rougher, hairier texture to jute and seagrass rugs, so make sure to match your sisal rug with timber or cane furniture, indoor plants, and faux fur throw rugs and pillows. Alternatively, display your new sisal rug on your deck or outdoor entertainment area - place it under your outdoor dining table and keep the timber deck protected from high traffic in summer.
Seagrass, sisal, and jute rugs: which one will you be adding to your shopping cart?
Now you know the big differences between seagrass, sisal, and jute rugs - so now it’s time to choose which one is best for your home!
If you’re looking for bright colours and patterns, we recommend choosing a jute or sisal rug from our online store. We have mountains of natural fibre rugs in unique and intricate designs. You’re sure to find something stunning for your home decor design.
If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting rug for the high traffic areas in your home, we recommend a seagrass or sisal rug. Jute can take moderate traffic, but seagrass and sisal are the superior choice for busy homes!
Which rug will you choose? Shop online now - we have free shipping on orders over $300 and flexible payment methods like Zippay and Afterpay.
