Add a Touch of Organic Warmth With Small Handwoven Rugs
In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for natural handwoven rugs made from renewable materials like jute, wool, cotton, and sisal. These rugs provide an array of benefits beyond their visual appeal. From their sustainability to their unique artisanal touches, small handwoven rugs can add a cozy, eco-friendly accent to any living space.
While large area rugs make a dramatic statement, smaller handwoven rugs around 2' x 3' to 4' x 6' have their own charm and utility. These rugs are easy to incorporate into entryways, bedrooms, nurseries, and small nooks. Their lighter footprint allows you to move them between rooms with ease. Read on to discover why you should consider adding one of these organic, artisanal beauties to your home.
Benefits of Natural Fiber Handwoven Rugs
Sustainability
One of the best aspects of handwoven rugs made from natural fibers is their sustainability. Materials like jute, wool, cotton, and sisal are all derived from renewable resources. These biodegradable materials avoid the harmful pollutants created in the manufacture of synthetic fibers like polypropylene. Rugs made from natural raw materials can be composted at the end of their lifecycle rather than entering landfills.
In addition, traditional handweaving techniques utilize far less energy than mass production. Handweaving rugs is an artisanal craft passed down through generations. By supporting this cultural heritage as well as environmental stewardship, consumers can make a difference with each handwoven rug purchase.
Health and Wellness
Natural fiber rugs also offer health upsides within your living spaces. Wool rugs, for instance, regulate humidity well and also absorb sound. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms, where their breathability helps maintain a comfortable environment. Wool's sound absorbing qualities ensure you and your family get a good night's sleep without ambient noise disturbances.
The materials used in natural rugs like sisal, sea grass, and mountain grass also tend to feel soothing underfoot. Unlike synthetic options, they don't emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. With people spending so much time at home now, creating a healthy space is more essential than ever before.
Quality and Uniqueness
Beyond environmental and wellness benefits, handwoven natural fiber rugs also provide enduring quality and uniqueness. Each artisan rug has slight inconsistencies that add to its character--no two are ever exactly alike. The handweaving process creates durable rugs able to withstand decades of footsteps. And you can feel confident knowing your rug was crafted ethically by artisans, not mass-produced by machines.
Materials Used in Natural Fiber Rugs
Now that you know the advantages of small handwoven rugs, let's look at some of the specific natural materials used to create these textured works of art.
Jute Rugs
Jute comes from the jute plant, which thrives in warm and humid regions. Jute rugs offer an affordable, eco-friendly floor covering option thanks to their biodegradable and recyclable nature. The fibers have a soft, silky texture that develops a gorgeous patina over time. Jute's natural caramel, brown and earthy tan hues complement both rustic farmhouse and modern spaces.
Wool Rugs
From Peruvian highlands sheep to New Zealand lambs, wool makes a wonderfully soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant rug fiber. Wool rugs tend to be on the pricier end, but their longevity offsets the cost over time. Wool rugs come in every hue and lend a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully. They work well in high-traffic areas while regulating temperature and humidity.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs have a lighter weight feel compared to wool, but still offer durability for daily wear and tear. Cotton is a breathable, hypoallergenic material that makes for a good choice if you suffer from allergies. From vividly colored tribal patterns to simple, natural hues, cotton rugs come in endless varieties. They work especially well for airy, casual spaces that get a lot of sunlight.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal comes from the Agave sisalana plant native to southern Mexico. Sisal rugs rank as one of the strongest natural rug fibers, with excellent durability and stain resistance. The coarse, textured material is ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial settings. Sisal rugs also absorb sound well. Their natural honey-beige color lends a neutral, down-to-earth vibe.
Design and Placement Tips
To help you find the perfect handwoven rug, let's go over some sizing considerations and placement suggestions.
Size Guide
Some typical dimensions for small natural fiber rugs include:
- 2' x 3' - Great for layering in front of sinks, next to beds, at entryways
- 3' x 5' - Provides ample coverage for lounge chairs or underneath dining tables
- 4' x 6' - Covers sectionals and other small seating arrangements nicely
Placement Suggestions
Think about where you want to enhance your decor with a natural touch. Handwoven rugs work well:
- Next to front doors for a warm welcome
- Underneath living room furniture to delimit cozy conversation areas
- Beside bedroom beds to start and end days with plush comfort
- In nurseries to provide cushioned play areas for babies and toddlers
- Layered on top of larger area rugs to provide visual interest
Get creative and don't be afraid to move your rug to different spots until you find the perfect fit.
Style Pairings
Handwoven natural rugs infuse spaces with texture and warmth. They pair nicely with styles like:
- Boho - Jute and cotton rugs complement the laidback bohemian aesthetic.
- Modern - Sisal and jute rugs lend an organic vibe to sleek, contemporary rooms.
- Traditional - Wool rugs with ornate detailing feel right at home in traditional settings.
Top Picks From Our Collection
Ready to welcome one of these eco-friendly accents into your abode? Here are some of our top-selling handwoven collections.
Chaste Jute Rugs
Our Chaste collection offers simple woven jute rugs in a choice of popular sizes and colors like grey, ivory and charcoal. The handwoven sari jute has a slight variation in shading that adds character. Each purchase supports our cooperative of expert artisan weavers in India.
Braided Cotton Rugs
For breezy southwestern-inspired style, browse our braided cotton rugs. These reversible rugs come in dynamic diamond, stripe and zigzag patterns. The durable cotton stands up well to everyday wear. Place one of these bright, cheery rugs in a high-sunlight room.
Wool Kilim Rugs
Our hand-knotted Wool Kilim rugs reflect centuries of Turkish weaving traditions. Each vegetable dyed wool rug features elaborate tribal motifs and elegant lattice designs. The flatweave construction and muted color palette lend an earthy, vintage vibe perfect for boho spaces.
Small handwoven rugs are eco-friendly and made from renewable materials. Beyond being an excellent decor choice, they bring healthy indoor air quality, sound absorption, and natural comfort underfoot. Place one in an entry, bedroom, nursery or living area to add a touch of organic warmth. Browse our collections to find the perfect handcrafted rug to make your house feel more like home.