What Are Seagrass Rugs?

What Are Seagrass Rugs?

It's hard to imagine that an inexpensive area rug can be durable, sustainable and stylish, but that's the magic of seagrass rugs. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of organic texture to your living room or a rug that will stand the test of time in the muddiest high traffic areas of your home, seagrass rugs can do it all. 

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Seagrass rugs are a type of woven natural fiber rug. 

The natural fibers that make up a seagrass rug are derived from dried sedge plants that are grown in saltwater marshes. (This means the material known as seagrass is neither a grass nor from the sea. Though t’s certainly an easier name to say than “sedgemarsh rug!”)

After the fibers are harvested, they are plied by hand and then woven into multiple different patterns, giving you a wide variety of styles to choose from. And because the fibers come from a plant that is easy to harvest and quick to regrow, they are among the most affordable and ecologically sustainable rugs you can buy. 

Seagrass rugs are the perfect balance of affordable, durable, stylish, and sustainable. 

Seagrass rugs are affordable

Seagrass rugs are made from plant fibers, which means material and manufacturing costs are significantly lower than artificial fiber rugs—and even many other natural fiber rugs. In fact, seagrass rugs are generally 50% less expensive than rugs that require more processing. 

Seagrass rugs are durable

Unlike many synthetic alternatives, Seagrass rugs are durable and easy to maintain. The natural fiber is highly stain and water resistant, which makes seagrass rugs a smart choice for high-traffic areas, such as porches and entryways. 

Seagrass rugs are sustainable

The plant that provides the natural fibers for seagrass rugs is easy to harvest and the reeds grow back quickly, which makes seagrass an eco-friendly solution for home decorating. While opting for practical convenience and making an environmentally conscious choice are often at odds with each other, choosing a seagrass rug allows you to have both without sacrificing style or quality.

Seagrass rugs are stylish

Because the stain-resistant fibers mean seagrass rugs can’t be dyed, each rug maintains its natural color. As the trend of "bringing nature indoors" has become more popular in recent years, seagrass rugs can lend a stylish organic look and feel to any room in your home. Colors like tan, beige, and khaki can be achieved with different weaves, which you can see in the “rug  color” selection on the seagrass rug product page

All About Seagrass Rugs

If you’re new to natural fiber rugs, you may have some questions about what a seagrass rug has to offer. The short answer is: plenty! These rugs are about as versatile and practical as you can get. From adding stylish organic color and texture to a living room to effortlessly standing up to the pummeling of a mudroom or entryway, seagrass rugs can do it all. 

Read on for more details about these all purpose rugs. 

What do seagrass rugs feel like? 

Seagrass rugs are relatively soft and smooth. While it’s true that seagrass rugs are made from plant fibers, they aren’t simply long strands of grass woven together. The fibers are plied into strands that are then woven into a rug that feels similar to very soft, smooth rope. Their softness doesn’t quite compare to wool, but these rugs certainly feel nice when you walk on them with bare feet! 

Are Seagrass Rugs Easy to Clean?

Seagrass rugs are made from non-porous natural fibers, which makes routine cleaning very easy. Like most natural fiber rugs, dirt does not cling to seagrass fibers. Regular vacuuming with a high suction setting and no beater bar is the best way to keep your seagrass rug clean.  

If you spill something on your seagrass rug, the main thing to remember when cleaning the spill is to keep the moisture you’re using to a minimum and soak up any liquid as quickly as possible–and always blot, never rub or scrub. 

For dry spills, sweep up any excess and use a dull knife to scrape off anything that sticks to the rug. 

If scraping and blotting aren’t doing the trick, we recommend using Host Dry Carpet Cleaner

Because seagrass rugs are nonporous, they are naturally stain resistant. Even so, they are vulnerable to light staining from foods like red wine and tomato sauce. If either of these spill on your seagrass rug, clean the rug as soon as possible to avoid potential stains. 

More information is available in our blog post How to Clean Seagrass Rugs.  

Can I Use a Seagrass Rug Outside?

Because seagrass rugs are made from natural fiber that is dried prior to weaving, seagrass rugs are not an ideal all weather rug. Rain and humidity will wreak havoc on your seagrass rug, so we recommend keeping it indoors. However, if you live in a place with low humidity and are willing to bring your rug inside when it rains, a seagrass rug can make a great addition to a porch or patio. 

Are Seagrass Rugs Pet Friendly?

Yes! Whether it’s tracking dirt in from romping outside all day or less a polite deposit on your rug, seagrass rugs are perfect for pets. The natural fiber material is stain resistant and easy to clean. Plus, the thick, tight weave and secure binding of a seagrass rug means it can stand up to the sharpest cat claws and the most rough and tumble dogs. 

Do Seagrass Rugs Cause Allergies?

Despite its name, seagrass rugs are not made from grass. They don’t give off pollen or any other allergen, and are actually less likely to trap dust because the fibers are non-porous. While a seagrass rug may not be as hypoallergenic as a polypropylene rug, it is still a great choice for anyone with allergies. 

Seagrass Rugs Are a Perfect Option 

Seagrass rugs are among the most practical rugs you can buy. They have the ultimate combination of affordability, durability, sustainability, and style. Add to that how easy they are to clean and maintain and it’s easy to see why these are among our most popular rugs. And to take your seagrass rug to the next level, be sure to add a rug pad for extra comfort!

To experience the wonder of these rugs for yourself, take a look at our wide selection of custom seagrass rugs

 

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