This 'Quiet Pattern' Jute Rug Is in All My Favorite Rooms Right Now — And I Just Found a Version for Less Than £200

As someone who has been searching for a new rug ever since moving into my new rental a few months ago, I know exactly what a difference they make to a space (because mine is seriously lacking it right now). Whether fluffy wool or tight-woven jute, a bit of texture on the floor is that finishing touch that ties the room together.

But the reason so many of us struggle to find a style we like is because it needs to be something that is interesting enough to complement the space, but not so much so that it overpowers it. The best tip I've learned since being on the Livingetc team? When in doubt, go for natural materials. And in this case, go for John Lewis' Diamond Jute Rug.

Hugh Metcalf, our editor, owns this very rug (which has now gone viral on social media for looking like a much more expensive rug than its price tag). "Is the epitome of 'quiet pattern', taking checkerboard, something that can feel a little juvenile in some of its iterations, and giving it a more grown-up twist," he says.

And it's no secret that jute rugs have always been a minimalists best styling trick. The natural material adds warmth, texture, and a grounded, serene feel to any space, without too much color. With a subtle checkerboard pattern woven into the gold fibers, this style adds visual interest without being distracting; the perfect blend of subtle elegance and functionality.

So, what catapults this style to the top of the best rugs list in my book? Much of the praise it's receiving centers around the checkerboard weave. "It's such a clever design as the pattern is created by how the jute is woven together, and how the light interacts with it, meaning it's an optical illusion of sorts — the checkerboard pattern is more pronounced when you're stepped back than it does when you're standing on top of it," explains Hugh Metcalf.

Beyond the playful pattern, jute has an innate sense of timelessness about it, transcending both styles and eras. Similarly, you can position this kind of rug under a dining table, in a cozy bedroom, or even as the centerpiece of a modern living room. I truly can't think of a room where a rug like this one wouldn't work.

Still weighing up the pros and cons of a jute rug? Here are a few similar styles that have caught my eye lately.

Picking the right rug is important to curating a stylish home. While I am always a fan of something neutral and timeless, it is always worth checking out the latest rug trends before diving into your search.