West Elm's jute rugs are affordable, made from natural fibers, and their neutral texture makes them easy to incorporate into a home. The drawback is that jute absorbs humidity, so you'll need a dry environment to keep them clean. If used on a porch or patio, they can get moldy. Jute's also not as soft underfoot as wool, but it can be very durable and easy to keep clean indoors. We like the selection of neutral patterns they have right now...
I've been considering a jute rug for the living room, but hadn't known that little fact about jute absorbing humidity. My apartment's not particularly humid, but now I'm nervous about something happening and the wood floor underneath being destroyed. *shudder*
view nantarea's profile
nantarea, a jute rug should be fine in your living room. Just don't use one outside or in a bathroom. Humidity's only a problem if the rug actually gets misty or wet.
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I wanted to like these rugs because of their simplicity and color but I have had a bad experience. I have an older Jack Russell Terrier and likes to roll on the rug and within four months the rug fell apart. I have a felt rug I bought from a store in San Francisco several years ago for about the same cost and it looks great and no problems. I think these West Elm rugs are very cheaply made.
view LoriSF's profile