Often mislabeled and misunderstood for being the same material, sisal, and jute are vastly different materials and offer different solutions. Whilst sisal is indigenous to Mexico, Jute is more commonly found in the more humid and rain-dense climates of the Indian subcontinent. Whilst Sisal is extracted from the leaves of the Agave Sisalana plant, Jute fibers are extracted from the stalks of the Corchorus plant which means that the fibers themselves are rich in lignin and cellulose which makes them softer and more pliable. Sisal on the hand is stiffer and more resilient to water and aging.
As rugs, both of these materials have a lot to offer. “Sisal is a stiffer fiber and feels rough underfoot. It is durable and can be woven tightly lending itself well to stair runners and runners. Jute is a softer material and is more suited for living spaces and bedrooms rather than high-traffic zones,” says Elisabeth Lyons Becker, Design Director at MDI Interior Design. It’s not a question of whether jute or sisal is better but a question of which material suits your needs and your space best. Both of these natural materials make for beautiful rugs and honor ancient crafts of weaving. Bring jute into your living areas and let sisal tackle the entrances and hallways to maximize their strengths.