Jute Upholstery Fabric

Jute Upholstery Fabric - Calgary Interiors

Jute Upholstery Fabric

There are plenty of different textile options to choose from when you are beginning an upholstery project, and sometimes this can be overwhelming! There are lots of fabrics with different colourways, durability levels, and other features. The fabric you choose will depend on the needs of you and your home– largely related to the lifestyle you lead. One such fabric option is jute, which can be a great choice for upholstery from a practical and aesthetic viewpoint. 

Read on to learn more about this upholstery fabric option and whether or not it will be a good fit for your project.

What Is Jute?

First of all, what is jute fabric, anyway? Jute is a natural fiber that is produced the most of any other natural fabrics, besides cotton. One of the great things about it is that it is easy to grow, so it makes it a very sustainable fabric option. It can be used for apparel or for upholstery purposes. You may have jute already in your home and not even realize it– it can be found in rugs or carpets, as well as on furniture coverings. 

Jute Upholstery Fabric - Calgary Interiors (1)

Pros of Jute Upholstery Fabric

There are some great pros to working with jute for an upholstery fabric, which we will go over below.

Texture

Jute has a particular texture that can help to add some visual interest to your space. It has a coarse texture that resembles an open weave, and often consists of two variations of the same colour. For instance, if the fabric is light brown, it may feature threads in two different shades of this light brown to make up the fabric itself. 

Mix with Other Textiles

Jute also mixes well with other textiles in your home. This means that you do not have to only use jute fabric in the entire space. For instance, jute and leather work very well together! Jute can do well as an accent to your space in order to achieve this mixing of textiles– for example, by upholstering an ottoman or throw pillows in jute.

Durability

In addition to its aesthetic value, jute is well loved for upholstery because the fibers are strong and durable. This will be important when you are using it for furniture that will see a lot of use– after all, you do not want to have to reupholster the piece too soon because it did not stand up to wear and tear! 

Jute Upholstery Fabric - Calgary Interiors

Cons of Jute Upholstery Fabric

Of course, just as jute has some great perks, the textile does have its drawbacks as well. We will go over some of the cons of this fabric choice below.

Sun Damage

Jute fabric does turn yellow if exposed to sunlight for too long, so this is certainly something to be aware of. For this reason, it will not be a good choice for upholstering outdoor furniture, or for any furniture that sits in direct sunlight for too long– for instance, an armchair right by your window.

Wrinkling

While jute is strong and durable, it is also prone to wrinkling. This can become an issue if your jute upholstered furniture is going to see a lot of use, or you have small children or pets in the home. Wrinkling makes your furniture look older and worn faster. Because the fabric is not wrinkle resistant, it may also crease or crumple, making the furniture look messy. 

Weak to Moisture

Jute is also weak to moisture. It is often said to be moisture wicking, but when constantly exposed to moisture, the fabric begins to lose its strength. This can affect both the durability and the longevity of the textile, as well as of the furniture piece itself that you have upholstered in jute. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is upholstery jute?

Jute is a material that is often used for upholstery. It is durable and used to make furniture such as sofas or chairs. It’s natural colour ranges from light tan to golden brown, though it can be dyed many other colours. Typically, you do see jute appearing in its natural colours for a more earthy look.

What is jute fabric used for?

Jute fabric is something that can be used for both apparel and upholstery purposes in your home! Often, it is used to make bags, shoes, and accessories in the fashion industry. For furniture for interior design, jute is often used for curtains, chair coverings, sofas, chairs, and ottomans. The fabric is a natural fabric and it can also be blended with other fabrics or fibers, such as cotton, in order to adopt certain other characteristics of the other fabric. This is seen in the fashion use of the fabric, as well as when it is being used for upholstery purposes. 

What color is jute fabric?

Luckily, jute fabric does not only come in one colour! Naturally, jute fabric appears in shades of light brown. There are also off white varieties of jute, though many consider these forms to be inferior to the brown variations. Jute can also be dyed just about any colour you can think of, so if you want something bolder or more colourful, you can still achieve that while using jute! Jute fabric features an open weave texture, similar to that of some canvases, for instance. It also adds visual interest to your space with its texture, and not just with colour!

Is jute fabric breathable?

Jute fabric is one that you may not be familiar with, but it is actually the natural fiber that is produced the most, after cotton. One of the reasons for this is because it is strong and highly breathable, too. That is why it can be considered to be a good fabric for apparel applications, as well as for upholstery projects around your home. It is also moisture wicking and quick drying, which can be great for clothing if you expect to sweat a lot, or for upholstery if you expect spills or live with pets or small children.