Are Hemp Rugs Soft? How Hemp Compares to Other Natural Fibers
Are hemp rugs soft? For a natural fiber rug, yes. Hemp rugs have a smooth surface and a soft feel underfoot, with a texture similar to jute. Below, you'll find what hemp rugs are made of, how they compare to other natural fibers, and where they work best in your home.
What is a hemp grass rug made of?
Our hemp rugs are made from hemp grass, a cultivated mountain grass fiber harvested on the higher-altitude slopes of the Pacific Rim. After the grass is cut and dried, the fiber is separated from the core of the stalk. The outer skin stays on, which produces a stronger, more resistant yarn.
The retained outer skin also gives hemp its smooth texture and subtle sheen. Because the fiber is non-porous, the same surface that feels comfortable underfoot helps repel liquids and stains. Hemp grass is renewable and biodegradable, and growing it improves soil condition, which makes it a good crop for rotation.
The Hemp Grass collection is handwoven from 100% hemp and left undyed. It comes in two natural shades:
- Autumn Brush: a warm shade with brown tones
- Winter Walk: a cooler shade with light gray tones
Hemp Rug in Autumn Brush
Hemp Rug in Winter Walk
How soft is a hemp rug?
Hemp rugs fall in the middle of the natural fiber softness range. Sisal and seagrass feel firmer and coarser underfoot, and wool offers the most cushion. Hemp and jute both have a smooth, even surface that feels comfortable to walk across.
Two details shape how our Hemp Grass rugs feel. They are handwoven with a ¼-inch pile height, so the rug lies low with a firm, even feel. The fiber's smooth surface keeps the texture from feeling scratchy, which sets hemp apart from coarser natural fibers like sisal.
How does hemp compare to other natural fiber rugs?
Each natural fiber has its own feel underfoot, which affects where it works best in your home. Here's how hemp compares to the most common alternatives.
Hemp vs. jute rugs
Hemp and jute are the closest match in softness. Both feel soft underfoot and share a similar textured look. The main differences are in the surface and the weave. Hemp's non-porous fiber is smoother and helps repel liquids. Jute rugs are typically thicker and chunkier, with a more rustic texture.
Hemp vs. sisal rugs
Sisal is one of the most durable natural fibers. Its coarser texture holds up well in entryways, hallways, and other high-traffic areas. Hemp feels noticeably smoother and softer underfoot. If comfort is the priority, hemp is the better fit. For heavy foot traffic, a Sisal rug is the more practical choice.
Hemp vs. seagrass rugs
Seagrass is firm underfoot, with tightly woven fibers and natural stain resistance suited to high-traffic spaces like entryways and dining rooms. Hemp has a softer feel, so it works in rooms where comfort matters more, including bedrooms. Seagrass rugs are the stronger option when durability comes first.
Hemp vs. wool rugs
Wool is the softer of the two, with a plush, cushioned feel suited to bedrooms and living rooms where you want warmth underfoot. Hemp has a lower profile and a natural, textured look that pairs well with relaxed, organic interiors. Wool rugs also come in a wider range of colors, while our Hemp Grass collection comes in two undyed natural shades.
What affects how soft a hemp rug feels?
A few factors change how a hemp rug feels.
Handwoven construction. Our Hemp Grass rugs are hand-loomed, so the weave varies slightly from one area of the rug to the next. These small differences in tension and texture give the surface a more organic feel than a machine-made rug.
Backing. Each rug has an attached non-slip backing that helps keep it in place on hard floors.
Rug pad. A rug pad is the simplest way to make a hemp rug feel softer. We offer two indoor rug pads, both ⅛-inch thick. The Honeycomb Pad adds cushioning, protects floors, and keeps the rug in place. The Attached Pad: Indoor is latex-free and secured directly to the rug, adding cushion and keeping corners from curling.
Where do hemp rugs work best?
Hemp's soft feel and liquid-repelling surface make it versatile across most rooms in the home.
Living rooms
A hemp rug under the coffee table anchors a seating area and adds natural texture. The soft feel underfoot suits a room where people gather.
Dining rooms
The non-porous surface helps repel liquids, which is useful under a dining table. Size the rug so chairs stay on it when pulled out. Our measuring guide covers dimensions for common table sizes..
Bedrooms
Hemp is soft enough for a bedroom, where sisal and seagrass can feel too firm. Place it under the bed or alongside it for a comfortable first step in the morning.
Stair landings and hallways
Custom sizing up to 13 feet wide and 91 feet long, plus custom shapes, lets a hemp rug fit landings, hallways, and irregular spaces.
Our Hemp Grass rugs are made for indoor use. For covered porches and patios, our Performance outdoor rugs are designed for the elements.
How do you clean a hemp rug?
Dirt
Hemp rugs are easy to maintain because dirt rests loosely in the weave, where a vacuum can pick it up. Vacuum about every two weeks, even when the rug looks clean, using a strong suction-only vacuum without a beater bar. Make several passes in different directions to pull dirt out of the weave.
Moisture
Hemp's surface helps repel spills, but the fiber can absorb moisture if liquid sits too long. Blot spills right away with clean white paper or cloth towels, working from the outside of the spill inward. Keep blotting until no moisture transfers to the towel. For red wine or tomato sauce, dab the spot with a white cloth dampened with club soda.
Beyond spot cleaning, stick to dry cleaning methods. Steam cleaning and wet shampoos saturate the fibers and can lead to mold or mildew. Our guide on how to clean hemp rugs covers stain removal step by step.
Next steps for choosing a hemp rug
Hemp offers natural texture with a softer, smoother feel than sisal or seagrass, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces. Because each rug is handwoven and undyed, color and weave vary naturally.
Order free samples to feel the texture in your own space before you commit. Samples show the texture, though the color of your finished rug may differ. When you're ready, explore our full Hemp Grass collection, or book a free design consultation for help choosing the right fiber for your room.
