Natural home decor has been a popular interior design trend for many years now. There is something very calming about surrounding yourself with natural colours, textures and materials. Whether it is wooden furniture or the addition of plants around the house, adding natural elements to your home makes it look warm and cozy. A great way to add texture and warmth to your home is through jute and sisal rugs.
What Is The Difference Between Jute & Sisal?
Both jute and sisal are natural fibres that originate from different parts of the world. Jute comes from India and is a very popular material when it comes to home decor and furniture. Sisal, on the other hand, can be found in Mexico and some parts of South America.
Appearance
The first difference between jute and sisal that you will be able to see with your eyes is the colour. Jute rugs or runners will always be a little lighter than sisal. This happens due to the composition of the material and how it is processed. Jute usually goes through a bleaching process to remove any impurities resulting in a cream or tan colour.
Texture
Jute rugs are softer to the touch compared to sisal. The overall texture of sisal can be rough to the touch and in appearance as well. Jute has a smoother feel and looks to it, so if you’re looking for a rug you can sit on for a long time, then jute might be the one for you.
Durability
While both materials are very durable, sisal rugs would last longer than jute. The dense texture of sisal along with tightly packed fibres is what makes it a little more resistant to wear and tear. Moreover, sisal has high resistance to moisture making it the perfect choice for areas such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Things To Look For When Choosing a Rug
It is important to remember certain things before you purchase jute and sisal rugs. The location of the rug, size, shape, colour and design make a huge difference when it comes to choosing a rug.
Location
Where you will be placing the rug will help you decide whether you need a jute or a sisal rug for your home. As mentioned before, sisal rugs tend to be more durable than jute rugs, which is why we recommend getting one for high-traffic areas. If you need the entryway, then sisal would be perfect. While jute might not be as durable, the texture of it is soft and smooth making it perfect for areas where you might be walking barefoot. So, the bedroom and living room are where your jute rugs would go.
Size and Shape
Before you consider the size and shape of the rug, consider the size and shape of the room. If you plan on covering the entire floor with a rug, then measuring out your room will help a lot. In this case, a rectangular shaped rug would be ideal. Additionally, you also need to keep in mind the kind of furniture you will be pairing your rugs with. For example, a bed will take up most of the space in a bedroom, so you will only need a rug as a filler for the room. So, a small round rug in the corner or a small or medium (depending on the amount of empty space you have) rectangular rug would do the job.
Colour and Design
Buying jute and sisal rugs doesn’t mean that you will only get one colour to work with. They are available in a variety of colours and designs. You can easily find a blue or a terracotta jute rug for your home. With jute and sisal, it is more about the texture of the material which is what makes it look so unique compared to say a Persian or wool rug. Jute and sisal rugs also come with a variety of patterns and designs for you to choose from. Striped rugs, braided borders or handwoven rugs are a few designs that you will come across.
Decorating With Jute And Sisal Rugs
It is surprisingly easy to incorporate jute and sisal rugs into your home. They sit well with different types of interior decoration styles. Whether you’re going for a modern minimalist look, contemporary, coastal or bohemian look, jute and sisal rugs are versatile enough to fit in.
The Classic Boho Layers
The bohemian interior style is known for layering things for that “more is more” look. The layering rug technique is a common trope for this interior style. Moreover, jute and sisal rugs are considered perfect for bohemian interiors. You can use a neutral-coloured jute or sisal rug and top it with different types of rugs and runners.
Use as a Statement Piece
Jute and sisal rugs stand out because of their texture. But if you’re looking for a statement piece, look for something with a unique design and colour. Braided jute rugs have a very distinctive look that is perfect for a statement piece. Pair the statement rug with neutral furniture pieces to really draw attention to the rug.
Throw It All Together!
If you’re going for an all-natural coastal look for your home, then it’s time to throw all your natural elements together. Pair wood furniture and rattan furniture with a jute or sisal rug. Let the natural colours and textures take over the room just like in the image you see above.
Beachy Vibe
Go for a coastal-inspired look. Use natural elements such as rattan decor, macrame and jute or sisal rugs and runners. Jute and sisal are perfect for a rustic coastal design. Moreover, jute and sisal paired with flowy fabrics, white linens and wooden furniture results in that breezy look we associate with coastal interiors.
Natural Accents
Jute and sisal rugs look great with wooden furniture. The natural element and the colours complement each other quite well. Pair wooden armchairs, shelves and coffee table with a jute rug in the living room. For your dining room, we recommend going for a softwood dining table set and pairing it with a sisal rug.
