Natural Fiber Rugs Compliment Any Floor

Natural fiber rugs aren’t the kind of rugs you might be imagining. They may appear rugged and scruffy compared to a hand-tufted wool rug, but these rugs feature just as many benefits as wool. There are more material varieties of natural fiber rugs available, including sisal, bamboo and jute. They’re easy to clean, can be used indoors and outdoors, and bring a natural beauty that compliments any floor. Here’s a look at some of those natural area rugs, and what they can do for you.

While there are three basic materials for natural fiber rugs, these materials vary in their make, feel and overall look. Sisal rugs are extremely durable, with coarse fibers that come off surprisingly soft. Jute rugs are as strong as hardwood floors, making them a cheaper alternative to the hardwood floor. Bamboo rugs are, like jute, as hardwearing as hardwood floors, and just as beautiful. All three of these rugs are excellent in high traffic areas like hallways and doorways, or in homes with pets or kids, due to their resiliency.

Cleaning is always a pain, and anything that eases the cleaning routine certainly helps. Rugs made from natural fibers are fairly low maintenance, even compared to other area rugs. As long as they’re vacuumed on a regular basis, they will preserve their integrity for years to come. Wiping up dirt with a damp cloth on a bamboo rug is the easiest way to pick up excess dirt, while getting a sisal rug too wet can warp it. Check the tags for specific instructions on how to clean your rugs, but for the most part, natural fiber rugs don’t require the same cleaning efforts that other rugs do.

Many rugs can’t be used both indoors and outdoors. Yet considering that natural fibers rugs come from the outdoors, it makes sense that you should be able to use them in both places. Wool rugs in the outdoors tend to soak up mildew and mold faster, while natural fiber rugs tend to stand up to the elements better. Sisal rugs, like mentioned earlier, shouldn’t get too wet or they risk warping. As long as your patio or porch doesn’t get too much moisture or humidity, sisal rugs are a great addition to the outdoors. Bamboo rugs fair better outdoors, but try to avoid placing them in direct sunlight so their color won’t fade as fast.

By Nadia Osman
Published: 2/4/2008
 
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