The West Elm Jute Boucle Rug is handcrafted and available in the following sizes: 9’x12′, 8’x10′, 5’x8′, 2.5’x12′ (Runner), 2.5’x7′, and 2’x3′. It is fully reversible as it has no backing and is 100% jute. These rugs are made to Nest standards, meaning that they directly support the workers making the rugs.
Our Rating: 5 / 5 (See: How Leaf Score is calculated)
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Product Highlights
- Fully reversible since it has no backing
- Could last for up to 20 years with proper care
- Made to Nest standards, meaning they directly support the workers making the rugs
| Country of Origin: | India |
| Materials: | Jute |
| Certifications: | None listed |
Overview
Jute is a highly sustainable, rapidly renewable resource and is durable and neutral flax colored making it ideal for a variety of home décor styles. This means you’re more likely to keep the rug around instead of feeling the need to send it to landfill and buy something new to fit in with any style changes or home moves. Because these rugs are handmade, they could last for up to 20 years with proper care, compared to around 10 years for a power-loomed rug.
As with all natural-fiber rugs, some shedding of loose fibers is to be expected at first. This will diminish with regular vacuuming, typically within three to six months. A rug pad is recommended with this rug to prevent slipping and extend the life of the rug.
In 2014, West Elm became the first home retailer to join Fair Trade USA™. They offer a range of Fair Trade Certified™ products including rugs, bedding and furniture. They also aim to use GOTS certified cotton in all their bedding by 2020, demonstrating their further commitment to eco-friendly practices. However, this particular rug does not appear to carry any specific certifications, unfortunately.
Looking for more rugs? Check up our eco-friendly rug roundup here.
West Elm vs. Safavieh vs. VivaTerra
We favor the West Elm Jute Boucle Rug in this category because it is handmade to Nest standards and likely to last longer and perform better than most other jute rugs available. It is also reversible, unlike West Elm’s Sunbeam jute rugs which feature a cotton backing.
West Elm were the first home retailer to join Fair Trade USA™ and offer a range of Fair Trade Certified™ products in addition to using GOTS certified cotton in many products. While none of these standards apply specifically to this rug or their Sunbeam rug, it does demonstrate their growing commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Safavieh’s jute-only rugs (View Price on Amazon) are a close second in this category as Safavieh are certified by the Sustainable Furnishings Council as having demonstrated at least some commitment to environmentally sound manufacturing and ethical labor practices. We’d like to see more, but their steps in this direction are positive and important.
Safavieh Jute rugs are a great option if you’re looking for a chunkier rug with a richer hue but the West Elm Jute Boucle Rug is the winner in this category. If you’re looking for a paler, more uniform color and intend to use the rug in a high-traffic area, the seagrass rugs from Safavieh are a good option (View Price on Amazon). However, the Safavieh Seagrass rugs are less eco-friendly as they feature cotton edging and a synthetic polypropylene backing. VivaTerra also offer seagrass rugs which, like West Elm, are not backed by any eco-certifications but do appear to be eco-friendly in construction.