Good Questions: Tips for Jute Rug?

I've got my eye on Ballard Designs' Coventry Jute Rug for our living room, in either brown or natural. Anyone have experience with this rug? Ballard doesn't offer swatches for this rug and I haven't had luck finding reviews online. I want to make sure it's a quality piece (durability and color) before shelling out the dough for it. Our cat loves to scratch the rug that's in the living room now, so any rug that replaces it will have to withstand kitty's claws. Also, we often eat in the living room; what's the best way to care for jute if something should spill on it? Can Scotchguard be used to protect it? Thanks! Laura

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Comments (10)

It's more money, but Dash and Albert has rugs with a very similar design (in several colors and many sizes)--theirs are polypropylene, which would be more durable and easy-to clean:
http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/diamond-khaki-white-indoor-outdoor-rug--RDB136

jute, or any of its natural cousins, is an invitation if your cat likes to claw. i had a small jute rug in the kitchen and between the cat and the occasional spill i had to toss it before a year was out. they cost less to purchase but aren't, imo, a good investment. these days i go for cotton or wool. those i can clean and the cat doesn't think they're huge scratching posts.

I was at a carpet store last week and was looking at a jute rug and the saleswoman said that I'd have "Issues" if I spilled something on it. My indication was that it wasn't an awesome choice if you're going for a lighter colour. Wish I had more info, sorry.

I've had jute rugs that held up relatively well to cat scratching, but they're pretty worthless when it comes to spills. The coarse natural fibers are super absorbent and don't respond well to cleaning products. Really not recommended for food areas.

Sounds like you need a wool rug....
...and Pedi-Paws for your cat.

Thanks everyone. No jute for me! And the cat does indeed need a claw-trimming. :)

Thanks for the American Country Home info. Nice rugs: free shipping.

Just don't do berber! My cat is constantly attached to that -- and not on purpose.

I had a jute rug it lasted about 8 months with a dog, never again.

beanorama-I have berber in my guest/rental bedroom. My dog would go in there and roll around scratch his back because its the only carpet in my house. I would not hear him and go looking for him he would be caught on the carpet with his color..bad stuff. Now I keep that door shut.