Updated: 16-Mar-2021
Natural fibres are a great way to bring nature into your home. Somehow they can work as a statement and blend into the background too.
I was browsing on Instagram when I was struck by the choice of natural fibres. Jute, sisal, seagrass, rattan, coir and many others. I was also struck by the countless uses they have.
Try to achieve a balance of materials to avoid a feeling of overwhelm in a room.
Make little changes to test out the new feeling. Covering a feature wall takes a lot of commitment. But an easy place to start off is a doormat. How much commitment does that take?
Jute is among the cheapest natural fibres. It grows in warm, humid areas such as India, Bangladesh and China. Jute storage baskets are practical because of their strength and highly decorative too.
Rattan is the oldest natural fibre used in furniture-making. It’s similar to bamboo but does not have a hollow centre. Rattan fibres are braided together to form furniture and other goods. This butler’s tray would make a stylish bedside table or occasional furniture in any room. It has the feel of a tropical conservatory, wouldn’t you say?
Sisal is one of the strongest natural fibres. It’s hard-wearing and strong. When you walk on it your feet get a natural massage. Sisal or other natural fibres aren’t recommended for areas that get wet as water can make the fibres mouldy (though there are treatments available). So a beautiful sisal rug is not something to waste in a kitchen…
Natural fibres are 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. They look good too.
Seagrass isn’t a type of grass at all, despite the name. It’s a flowering plant with long leaves that grows under the sea. It’s usually woven like rattan or held together with fine cotton threads. Seagrass makes an excellent textured wall covering, particularly for a large feature wall.
Coir is made from the fibres of a coconut. It’s extremely durable and also easy to clean. Just give a coir doormat the occasional beating and sprinkle with a little water. A coir doormat signals to visitors that they’re entering an eco-friendly natural home. And it tells them a bit about who you are… 🙂
Another way of introducing natural fibres to your home is to make your own rug. This tutorial will show you how to make a rope rug – it’s up to you to choose the type of rope but I’m guessing you’ll choose a natural fibre 🙂
