Natural Fibers to Warm Hearth and Home

When most of us think of decorating our homes, we think of rich, vibrant and warm colors. We think of tile, carpets, and linoleum. But many people are now making a switch from synthetic materials to natural fibers to obtain that nice homey feel and appearance. Here are my top choices for natural fiber rugs and materials that you can add to your home:

Seagrass

Seagrass is great for anyone who has young children in the home as this material is both very durable and is also water resistant. Better yet, it’s fairly inexpensive as well! Seagrass is exactly what it sounds like – grass (or reeds) that grow in the saltwater marshes of Asia and Europe.

Hemp

Hemp is another strong and very durable material, making it another top choice for those with pets or young children in the home. Hemp may seem rather coarse at first, but it will soften up with use. You will notice that in no time your hemp rug will feel like pure cotton.

Sisal

Sisal is derived from the plant Agave sisalana, a plant that originates in countries with hot, humid climates such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania, Kenya and the Philippines. The leaves of this plant are grown to about 4 feet in length, and then are used to make twine, ropes and rugs. Sisal may also be referred to as “sisal hemp”, though do not mistake sisal hemp for hemp; they are two very different natural fibers.

TIP: Sisal fibers are not suitable for any areas that will be getting wet (such as outside or in the washroom) and they do stain rather easily. This makes sisal more suitable for living rooms and bedrooms or any low-traffic areas of the home.

Jute

Jute is a softer, finer fiber than the above. Jute comes from the plant genus corchorus and is resistant to mold. Jute should not be placed in direct sunlight, however, as it does tend to fade rather easily.

Coir

I like using coir fibers for any items that are outside, such as by the front door or on the back porch. Coir is made from coconut husks and is extremely tough and is rot resistant.

Natural fibers can easily last any where from 5 to 15 years if properly cared for. They can be vacuumed just like any regular rug, and they can also be “sealed” with a protective coating to make them more durable (such as si-seal). Check out your local furnishing outlet today to see what they have in store!

photo by Am Y