Jute Rugs on Hardwood Floors: The Complete Guide to Safe and Stylish Flooring
We aren’t sure where the rumors started, but over the years, jute rugs have gotten a bad rap. This natural fiber rug has a reputation of harming hardwood floors and being hard to maintain, but these claims are simply not true.
Jute is a naturally soft and durable material. While prone to absorbing moisture and lacking grip without a rug pad, with proper installation tactics and cleaning practices, a jute rug can be both a stylish and functional addition to any room.
The truth about jute rugs and hardwood floors
Jute rugs and hardwood floors naturally complement one another. Both are made from natural materials, but provide a textural contrast. However, many people worry that jute rugs aren’t safe for hardwood floors. There are concerns that the jute rug will scratch the surface of the hardwood floors or absorb moisture to the point that it will warp the surface below. People also avoid jute because they are afraid it is a safety hazard. Jute tends to slip around when not secured to the floor.
The good news is that jute is not inherently damaging to wood surfaces. More so, it can cause problems when not placed in the right conditions or cared for properly. But, as you’ll see, these issues are easy to avoid. With the right upkeep, jute rugs and hardwood floors are a match made in heaven.
Common misconceptions debunked
There are a lot of myths out there surrounding jute rugs on hardwood floors. As mentioned, people think that jute is a scratchy fiber that is going to slip around and mark up hardwood floors. The truth is, a jute rug is soft to the touch. In fact, it’s softer than many synthetic rugs, especially when paired with quality rug pads.
Another misconception is that jute rugs shed more than other materials, and that the shedding can damage the floor. In reality, all rugs shed, and the presence of shedding does not mean your jute rug is in poor condition. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent rug shedding. For starters, opt for a high-quality jute rug with a tight weave to minimize loose fibers. Careful vacuuming and investment in rug backs and pads will also help.
Lastly, there is the false narrative around jute warping hardwood floors due to moisture. Jute does not naturally emit moisture, but it can trap moisture when it gets wet. The trick is to avoid placing jute rugs in areas where they are going to come into contact with liquid regularly. You should also clean up spills on them as soon as possible. Basically, if you keep them dry, then there won’t be any issues.
When damage can occur
Moisture is not the only element you want to avoid to make your jute rug safe for hardwood floors. Rug-related damage can also occur when you use the incorrect pad materials beneath it. Some synthetic rug pads can trap debris beneath them and scratch the floor. They also often contain adhesives or chemicals that can bleed and damage the floor finish.
To avoid this, use a rug pad made of rubber or one with a honeycomb design. Both will provide a firm foundation for your jute rug, preventing it from slipping and scuffing. They also don’t have adhesives or chemicals that will interact with hardwood flooring.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when a jute rug sits on a hardwood floor, it keeps the sunlight from bleaching that part of the surface. To prevent uneven discoloration, practice rotating your rug regularly. Purchasing high-quality jute rugs will also prevent you from having to deal with any dye transferring from the rug to your flooring due to cleaning or moisture.
Benefits of jute rugs for hardwood floor owners
Now that we’ve debunked all the claims around jute and wood floors not working together, let's talk about why this pairing is an iconic duo. One of the major benefits of jute rugs on hardwood floors is how harmoniously the two blend in interior design. Beyond aesthetics, this combination of materials offers practical benefits for anyone looking for both beauty and functionality in a space.
Aesthetic advantages
Jute rugs on hardwood floors have a lot of design advantages. Jute fibers naturally have organic, varied textures. Even when made with the same weave, no two rugs are exactly alike. The unique patterns of each rug create visual interest that enhances rather than competes with the wood grain detail. Jute also comes in natural tan and beige tones, which easily complement both light and dark wood flooring without clashing. The jute actually adds warmth and softness to a room while allowing the beautiful wood elements to shine.
If having an eco-friendly home design is important to you, then there's another reason to opt for jute for your hardwood floors. Both jute and wood are renewable and biodegradable. Additionally, they are both crafted from natural materials that promote biophilic design.
Practical advantages
Aside from looking fabulous on wood floors and being soft underfoot, jute rugs have benefits that extend beyond styling and comfort. Jute has natural sound-damping properties. It works perfectly in rooms where you might host company or if you have an open concept layout with lots of echoes.
With the right placement, jute rugs on hardwood floors safeguard surfaces. Placing furniture legs over an area rug protects the flooring from scratches. Jute material is also incredibly breathable. No matter the weather, it can withstand the change of indoor temperature from season to season — something that many synthetic options cannot do.
Protect your jute rugs and hardwood floors: the perfect natural pairing
Now that jute is back on the menu, you can design your home to your heart's content! Get started by looking through our entire catalogue of natural fiber jute rugs. You can customize the sizing of any jute rug to the needs of your space, and you can also order one that comes with an attached rug pad. If you already have a jute rug but are looking to secure it on the floor, check out our solid indoor rug pad and honeycomb rug pad. Whatever you decide, you can move forward with confidence that a jute rug on a hardwood floor is a winning combination.
