Ramie is also very comparable to linen and is also of a plant fiber from an East Asian plant. Ramie is natural white in color, inexpensive and often mistaken for linen. Ramie has a high luster and an unusual resistance to bacteria and molds making it also a great fabric for outdoors, although it is extremely absorbent and dries quickly. Ramie has been tested to be three to five times stronger than cotton and twice as strong as flax.
Natural fibered rugs have gained tremendous popularity over the years, as they blend well with all types of design styles and interior colors. Natural rugs work with the glamorous modern eames styles, but also marry well with the antique scandinavian antiques, and act like a neutralizer with fussy overly ornate baroque and french furniture. The natural fibers make it an excellent candidate to combine with the classic Swedish paint colors as many of the natural rug colors are beige or cream. Hemp fabric withstands water better than any other textile product making it an ideal fabric for outdoors, as well as for upholstery. Jute rugs are being showcased more often than luxury Persian rugs and Oriental carpets in renowned magazines such as Elle, Veranda and Architectural Digest.
Jute is most often seen in sacks, rope, twine, and seen most frequently in rugs. Jute rugs are clean and often times they don’t show the dirt like synthetic rugs. While some find them comfortable, others say they are uncomfortable compared to plush tufted carpets. Jute rugs are hand-braided and hand-sewn. Jute, being a natural fiber rug adjusts to its environment. Dryer or more humid environments will cause the rug fibers to expand and contract.
I personally have owned many different types of natural rugs. I have a 12 x 16 Jute in our living room, sea grass in our kitchen and sisal in our basement. Each one is different, and every brand will differ. While some of them are not thick, others are very heavy and sturdy. I personally have had over 9 natural rugs and have loved them. You just cannot go wrong with natural fiber rugs.
These beautiful natural fabrics are HEMP! Aren’t they beautiful? From Enviro Textile.