A fabulous rug never goes out of style. And if you choose a well made design in a quality natural fibre like jute, wool or linen, you’ll find it only improves with time. But how do the fibres compare in terms of durability, which is best for your home, and what are the telltale signs of rug quality to look for? Armadillo, makers of the finest handcrafted and sustainable natural fibre rugs, have the answers.
Natural fibre versus synthetic rugs
Regular foot traffic means your rugs experience considerable wear and tear, so it pays to buy the best you can afford so they last the distance.
While synthetic rugs and those made from low-grade natural fibres can be picked up cheaply, they don’t compare with the beauty, durability and versatility of a well-made rug crafted from superior materials. Plus, if a synthetic or poor-quality rug is treated with chemicals, it can off-gas for years, which is detrimental to the health of your home.
“Synthetic rugs might be able to imitate the look of natural materials, but your underfoot experience will be very different. Pure jute, wool and linen have inherent life and warmth, and feel instantly and subconsciously grounding,” says Jodie Fried, co-founder of Armadillo.
How fibre quality affects looks & longevity
“When it comes to natural fibres, there are varying degrees in quality,” says Jodie. “At Armadillo, we only use the finest jute, wool and linen. You’ll notice they have a softer, more authentic lustre and overall appearance, throwing the light in a more responsive way. They also offer unmatched durability, require less frequent cleaning, and have greater longevity than lower-quality materials.”
Jute rugs
Unlike other plant-fibre rugs like sisal and seagrass, jute rugs feel wonderfully soft and supple underfoot, while offering impressive durability. Known for its warm, shiny hue and silky texture, jute is often referred to as the ‘golden fibre’. Equally at home in a room where you might walk barefoot, such as a bedroom or living room, or a high-traffic spot like a hallway, a jute rug is the ultimate multitasker.
As jute is a fast-growing plant that requires no chemical pesticides and only rainwater to grow, and is 100% biodegradable and recyclable, a jute rug is an environmentally responsible choice too.
“For a busy part of the home, consider a high-quality densely woven jute rug, like our Mojave, which is supremely durable, but will soften and wear in beautifully over time,” says Jodie.
As for the tell-tale sign of a quality jute rug; “Look for one that is golden tan in hue. If it has grey undertones, it was likely made from older jute and will have a shorter lifespan,” Jodie says.
Wool rugs
When it comes to warmth and cosiness underfoot, a wool rug is hard to beat. Wool is naturally stain-resistant, so it works a treat in busy family homes, and robust enough to spring back to shape even after furniture has been placed on it for long periods. With its cocooning feel, a wool rug makes a great choice for living spaces, family rooms and bedrooms where comfort is a priority. Picking a style made from sustainably sourced wool that features natural dyes and no nasty chemicals, makes your wool rug an ethical choice too.
Wool comes in different grades, which impacts how well it wears, resists stains and fluffs. Higher quality wool rugs have a luxurious sheen, feel incredibly soft underfoot, hardly fluff, offers superior stain resistance, and will look stunning for years.
“For the utmost luxury in a room such as a primary bedroom or a formal living space, you cannot go past a wool rug like our Eden rug, which is imbued with unrivalled softness and interplays with the light in an exceptional way,” says Sally Pottharst, co-founder of Armadillo. “Meanwhile, for more understated luxury, our Corsica rug combines the indulgent handle of wool with the exquisite lustre of linen.
“If you are seeking a warm, cosy surface, we recommend a wool rug with a thicker pile. Our Petra rug has a cloud-like surface you can scrunch your toes into,” she says.
When it comes to assessing the quality of a wool rug; “It should be truly soft to the touch,” she says. “Look for a high knot count and a denser pile that sits plush and proud.”
Linen rugs
If you’re keen to bring texture and laidback elegance to your interior, a linen rug is well worth considering. Linen rugs are generally hand-knotted and have a naturally irregular surface, which gives them a lovely, tactile feel. This, combined with their lustrous sheen, means they bring a sense of laid-back elegance to a space. They’re also slimmer than a thick, woollen rug, allowing you to add comfort to your interior, without the bulk.
Strong, sustainable and irresistible to the touch, linen rugs make a good choice for parts of your home with moderate footfall, such as bedrooms, formal living areas, dining rooms, and home offices. To ensure your linen rug is crafted responsibly, check that it’s made from organic or certified flax fibres.
“A high-quality linen rug will become softer and silker with use,” says Sally. “However, the quality of a rug also lies in its construction. When you turn over a well-made rug, you will often find the back to be as beautiful as the front – it’s where you can discern its strength and sturdiness.”
Armadillo is the first Australian and American rug brand to become a Certified B Corporation, which recognises that it meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability.
