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Home Decorating Design Dilemma

Best type of natural fiber area rug (seagrass, sisal, jute, etc)

4 years ago

I am redoing our home office in a beachy theme. I'd like to get a natural fiber area rug in seagrass, sisal, jute, or a blend, etc. What is the best type for a room where a chair with wheels might be rolling over it? I would prefer something softer on bare feet but I'll sacrifice that for durability, lack of shredding, etc. I like the look of seagrass and sisal the best but I'll consider others. Thanks.

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Comments (2)

Zalco/bring back Sophie!
4 years ago
Google sea grass. I have heard it is excellent. I wanted to post a link to the article that said so, but since the link is from a blogger who has criticized Houzz, it is blocked.
Jilly
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I only have experience with jute and sisal:

Sisal runner I bought in 2004 and still have (on tile, two houses). Has held up wonderfully, even with cats thinking it’s there for their claw sharpening exercises. Very minimal shedding. I clean under it like I would any other rug. I love it, plan to have it forever.

Chunky jute runner I bought for my dad’s house (over two yrs ago). Sheds terribly. He’s moving this year and isn’t going to put it in the new place. It looks great, but is too dirty.

Both rugs above are comfortable to me barefoot, and I’m someone with very sensitive feet. And they’d hold up great to chairs. They have a smooth feel, but with light bumpiness ... actually feels good to me (like a smooth pebble shower floor). Ours aren’t scratchy at all.

These are just my own experiences — I have friends who have jute and love it. It’s possible my dad’s being so sheddy is just an anomaly. Or how it’s made/different manufacturers, I don’t know. But for a bigger area rug, and wanting a smoother feel, I’d definitely go with sisal over jute.

I’d love to know about sea grass, too, hope someone shares if they have it. I love natural fiber rugs so much! They’re so versatile and good-looking.
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Sisal stains badly. Even water stains it. If it's mixed with wool, it doesn't stain as badly. But, you probably will see a left over water mark. Jute and coir aren't super durable. I think it has to do with the shortness of the actual fibers. . Try seagrass. It repels water (somewhat, usually beads up first and then soaks in) and is easier to clean up than other others (was able to get koolaid out of it). It has long fibers and if something gets pulled out, you can usually tuck it back in.
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To me, seagrass is an exceptional material, far superior to sisal and yes, there is a big difference between the two. Seagrass is made from sea grass of course " mostly found in China where the majority of the rugs originate. Since it is grown in water, the product is basically non-absorbent and is a strong, sturdy fiber. The absorbency aspect is very important: seagrass is not easily stained. If something is spilled on it " coffee or coke " it can easily be cleaned with a damp towel - and it will eventually dry without leaving a spot or watermark. Sisal on the other hand is made from the agave plant. Spill something on light colored sisal and you might as well throw it out. If you try to get a coffee or coke spill out with a damp towel, you will get a lasting watermark stain. The only way to prevent the watermark on sisal is to wet the entire rug " not a viable solution. I found the better material at http://www.perfectlyhomerugs.com/servlet/Categories?keyword=seagrass Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.perfectlyhomerugs.com This post was edited by Chennapawankumar on Wed, Dec 17, 14 at 10:18
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LOL! I never thought of greek key as 80s.. but it is definitely not an era I'd like to channel through my decor! Thanks for the recommends.. I've never heard of Natural Home Rugs but I saw a few in there I like for other spaces in my home. Boop.. oh there are plenty of rugs I like on Horchow-- but of course they arent the ones in my price range. You've shared some gorgeous rugs but a few are way too contemporary for my style and I am just not loving the sweater weaves. I am going to check out some broadloom options and a few local stores. Surely I'll find something. I don't think my requirements are all that unusual.
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