There is an array of fibers that you can choose from to decorate your house, and to complement your new set of wooden furniture. HomeQuicks comes up with a compact list of differences between jute, sisal, and seagrass.
On a friendly note…
It is advisable to use articles made of combination fibers, rather than using just one. This will not only make them more durable, but also boost the aesthetic appeal.
Decoration is part and parcel of aesthetics. And decorating with natural, biodegradable substances seems to be the trend these days. The concept of choosing Eco-friendly furniture for decoration is more like ‘old wine in a new bottle’ scenario.
Natural fibers have been in use since ages, in the oriental world; but the West was banking more on synthetic substitutes. Now, with globalization, and the increase in trade, commerce, and tourism, the idea of using vegetable materials like vegetable fibers have topped the list of home decor, not only for furniture, but also for rugs and mats. Today we are spoiled for choices with an array of fabrics to pick from, like, jute, cotton, sisal, wool, seagrass; and we are enthralled to have the prettiest and the most befitting one for our home. Read this article further to know the differences between jute, sisal, and seagrass, before you pull up your socks to decorate your abode of happiness for the festive season.
Jute, Sisal, Sea grass: Properties and Advantages
JUTE
Jute is one of the renowned vegetable fibers from which jute rugs are made. It is easily available and is also cost-efficient. It is available in golden color. It is quite sturdy and was thus used by many in making durable like gunny bags. In ancient times, people in Asia also used it to spin clothes that they wore. This proved quite economical. Though it is mainly popular because of its quality of being a great fiber in most parts of the world, its culinary uses can’t be ignored. It is widely used in Africa and parts of Middle-east as herb in food. The two variants are named as White jute and Tossa jute. It finds its main use in the rope industry where it is used to make ropes, and also in the matting industry. It has gained its popularity as the second most-used vegetable fiber, the first being cotton.
SISAL
Sisal is yet another vegetable fiber, native to Central America. It is obtained from the leaves of the sisal plant. The fiber is extremely coarse. Unlike jute, sisal can’t be used in the fabric industry. It finds ample use in the making of rugs, mats, and ropes, keeping in mind its high durability. The fiber also is used in making decorative and ornamental items. It is also used in paper industry. Oflate, due to its durability and coarse nature, the fiber is being used in making furniture and plastic. It is also used in the construction industry. The fiber, at its natural state is straw-colored. However, with the headway progress all square, this fiber also faces stiff completion from the artificial synthetic fibers, like most natural fibers do. However, this happens to be a favorite among those who are in favor of using natural fibers.
SEAGRASS
As the name suggests, this is a type of grass that grows near the sea. Seagrass grows in coastal areas. They are flowering plants. They grow in such a way that they resemble grasslands when they grow in their full size together. They are rich in sediments and hence often used as fertilizers. They also find their use as stuffing for mattresses and pillows. They are also used to make mats. One of the many properties of sea grass is that it’s non-inflammable. Quite interestingly, it is also used as a soundproof material. It also serves as mulch. Its durability is exploited by using it as a packaging ingredient. It is also used in several countries as a cattle feed. This doesn’t limit the uses. It is also used in the paper industry, not to forget the lasting ropes, which also come from them.
Comparison and Differences
Native to
- Jute – India, Bangladesh
-
Sisal – Mexico, America
-
Seagrass – India, Sri Lanka
Obtained from
- Jute – Stem
-
Sisal – Leaves
-
Seagrass – Reed
Durability
- Jute – High durability
-
Sisal – The most durable
-
Seagrass – More durable than jute
Jute is obtained from the stalk, or the stem, instead of the leaves. This makes the fiber very soft when compared to other fibers such as sisal or seagrass, but limits its durability. Therefore, it is a good option to be used in low-traffic areas like bedroom or home library. Seagrass is highly durable and sturdy, so much that it can be used easily to make furniture. Sisal, however is the sturdiest of all. It is apt for both commercial and residential purposes, with high-traffic area like living area space. When compared on the basis of softness, jute is the softest of all.
Twine Power
- Jute – Average
- Sisal – Great
- Seagrass – Good
Eco-friendly
- Jute – Yes
-
Sisal – Yes
-
Seagrass – Yes
Price
- Jute – High
-
Sisal – Higher
-
Seagrass – Highest
The information furnished above would help you to make suitable choices for the kind of area rugs that you would want to select for your decor. However, it is advisable to know in a nutshell, the usability of these rugs for different areas.
Jute rugs are durable and easily maintained. But, it is not an ideal choice for areas which remain moist longer. For example, it is not a great choice for bathroom or kitchen areas. Also, if you plan to have jute area rugs spread outside, care should be taken that it is not left moist. Therefore, it is ideally used in bedrooms, hallways, porch areas, living areas etc.
Sisal rugs are suitable for hardwood flooring style. It can be placed in seating areas, near the beds, and also you can place them at the entrances. It is resistant greatly to moisture and sunlight. You can also place sisal rugs in commercial places, like your own boutique or have them in your office. They are known for their durability. However, not a great choice for stairs, as they tend to lose their friction after prolonged use.
If you have kids or pets around, and always risk ruining the floors by their occasional tantrums, then you have something to save your day. Get a Seagrass area rug and spread it across in any part of the house without a second thought. These rugs are sturdy to great heights, and have this natural quality to remain dry. They are resistant to moisture. It can also hide stains on it. They are smooth and hence would be good for your feet too.
Every fiber has its pros and cons. Considering your requirements and expectations, choose any of these fibers to add that sense of style to your home or office. You can have them spread in the bedroom, staircase, living area, or porch, absolutely anywhere.