The Synthetic Alternative Solution To Jute Rugs (And If They're Worth The Money)

Jute and sisal rugs are naturally beautiful and offer a number of benefits, including being made from eco-friendly materials and creating a seamless sense of relaxed sophistication to any space. For all their pros, however, natural fiber rugs do have some real cons. Some downsides include that natural fiber rugs require certain approaches to cleaning them, they shed their fibers continually, and are notorious dirt traps, collecting debris underneath them. If you love the look of jute or sisal rugs but aren't wild about the prospect of cleaning, maintaining, and replacing them, maybe it's time to consider a synthetic alternative.

Synthetic sisal rugs could be a viable alternative to your desire for a long-lasting rug that has that natural vibe, without all of the difficulty of upkeep or the roughness of natural fibers. Synthetic sisal is made from nylon or polypropylene and boasts superior performance for high-traffic areas, in addition to being easier to clean than natural fiber options. TikTok creator @katefinchinteriors recommends synthetic alternatives to jute and sisal rugs, saying that as much as she loves the look of the natural fibers, she's not a fan of them due to how hard they are to keep clean and how hard they feel to walk on (via TikTok). Instead, she recommends the brand SynSisal, which specializes in artificial but natural-looking rugs. But are they truly worth the money?

For starters, many of the products SynSisal produces are aesthetically pleasing and crafted from 100% recovered nylon and plastic, making them sustainable despite being made from synthetic materials. According to SynSisal, their rugs are easy to clean as well and resists stains that are common in traditional jute and sisal rugs — all you have to do is vacuum regularly and spot treat spills to maintain their appearance. SynSisal generally has a strong reputation, and is often used across the country, from luxury apartments in Florida, a boutique hotel in South Carolina, and an historic hotel in England. But despite their prevalence in commercial settings, SynSisal can be installed in residential applications, too.

Perhaps one of the biggest factors to consider if you're looking into SynSisal rug products is the price point. Their area rugs begin at $969 for basic rug binding on a 4 by 6 foot area rug at sisalcarpet.com, which might very well be out of the question for homeowners on a budget. Should you be on the fence about whether a small area rug is worth nearly $1,000, you can always request samples from SynSisal for an affordable price to see how it looks and feels in person. If you're iffy about such a big purchase, however, you can opt for a much more affordable option like the iCustomRug Zara's 4x6 synthetic sisal rug on Amazon for $69, which is rated 4 out of 5 stars. No matter the type of rug you own, remember to employ the right tips to keep it looking pristine for years.