The right rug can really tie a room together. It can bring texture and interest into the plainest spaces, transforming dull hardwood or vinyl flooring into a feature. The best rugs can even fine-tune your room’s acoustics, absorbing sound to create a cozier, quieter space.
With three main types of rug to choose from – area rugs, accent rugs, and runners – and an endless variety of styles, not to mention the ever-increasing number of rug retailers, it can be hard to know how to choose a rug.
To save you time and the trouble of scrolling, I’ve spent hours scouring all the best places to buy rugs to bring you my top picks. These rugs are strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. They’re durable, dependable, and seriously stylish, too.
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or an outdoor rug, a statement piece or a classic pick, I’ve found the rug that’s right for you.
The Best New-In Rugs
Sizes: Four sizes, ranging from 3’x6’ to 9’x12’
Materials: Made of 100% wool with cotton backing
Thickness: Medium pile (0.5”)
Machine-washable: No
+Made from all-natural materials
+Hand-tufted in India
-Not machine-washable
-Doesn't have non-slip backing so may require a rug pad
Reminiscent of traditional Indian block print design, this floral rug nails English country style. Lovingly crafted with artisanal qualities, this will bring a cheerful and playful vibe to a living room or bedroom.
Sizes: One rectangle size, 8' x 10'
Materials: 20% cotton; 80% wool
Thickness: Flat pile
Machine-washable: No
+Handwoven kilim rug
+Hand dyed and antique-washed
+Other colors available
-Only one size is available
OKA's Alarik rug takes a total of 90 hours to complete, per rug. The yarn is turned by hand, dyed, and intricately woven into a pattern by hand – which requires a huge amount of skill. So you're getting a lot of expertise in one purchase here. The warm terracotta hue and subtle stripes will add a rustic charm to any room; so long as the space is big enough to accommodate the one-size.
Sizes: Three rectangle sizes, ranging from 6' x 9' to 9' x 12'
Materials: 82% wool, 18% cotton warp
Thickness: Flat pile
Machine-washable: No
+Handwoven
+Soothing blue hue with a vintage-feel
+Other colors available
-Rug pad is recommended but sold separately
The dynamic arrow motif on this Serena & Lily rug was designed to feel like the ebb and flow of the ocean, with a calming gray-blue hue that helps to relax any room. Its handwoven kilim-style will be a class addition to a coastal bedroom.
Sizes: Eight rectangle sizes, ranging from 2' x 3' to 12' x 15'
Materials: 58% Jute, 25% Wool, 8% Cotton, 7% Polyester and 2% Other Fibers
Thickness: Flat pile
Machine-washable: No
+Handcrafted on a loom
+Great for high-traffic areas
+Other colors available
-Jute isn't the most resilient to moisture but is incredibly strong and durable
The Keziah rug from Lulu & Georgia is made of a contemporary blend of jute, wool, and cotton to allow it to hold up to more modern living while boasting traditional artisanry and motifs. The low pile and durability of this flatweave rug are ideal for a heavily traveled hallway or casual seating area like in a sunroom or family room.
Sizes: Three rectangle sizes, ranging from 3' x 5' to 8' x 10'
Materials: PET
Thickness: Flat pile
Machine-washable: No
+Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
+Dirt and stain-resistant
+PET fiber is highly durable
+Handwoven and reversible
-Rug pad is recommended but sold separately
The McGee & Co team designed the Reva rug to bring a sense of warmth to high-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors. Because it doesn't have a backing, this rug is reversible which can extend its life by rotating and flipping, and it's super easy to clean. But the real winner is the soft, color-blocked stripe pattern.
Sizes: Seven rectangle sizes, ranging from 2' x 3' to 9' x 12'
Materials: Jute / Sisal
Thickness: Flat pile (0.1")
Machine-washable: No
+Hardwearing and made to last
+On-trend wavy border
+Handwoven
-Rug pad is recommended but sold separately
Made to last, this traditionally made jute rug has been finished with a wave detail to elevate it above your standard neutral rug. Perfect for an entryway or dining room, but be warned: jute and sisal don't take moisture well so maybe leave out the kitchen or mudrooms.
Best rugs to shop in 2024
Sizes: Four rectangular sizes, ranging from 2’x3’ to 6’x9’
Materials: 100% cotton chenille
Thickness: Flat pile (unspecified)
Machine-washable: No
+Made from all-natural materials
+Bright colors make a perfect accent piece
-Not machine-washable
-Rug pad sold separately
This leopard-print rug offers playful luxury for less, so it’s perfect for shoppers with tight budgets and big ideas for their space. The wild design has been woven in 100% cotton chenille, which should feel soft and sumptuous beneath your feet. With its natural, warm color palette of golds, browns, and burgundies, this rug will make a splash without overwhelming your room.
Sizes: Seven rectangular sizes, ranging from 2’6”x8’ to 12’x15’
Materials: 100% TENCEL Lyocell
Thickness: Flat pile (0.275”)
Machine-washable: No
+Made from sustainable materials
+Will complement most interior designs
-Unsuitable for high-traffic hallways
-High chance of shedding
This ivory rug will work well in a neutral living room. The design is understated, but never boring: the stonewash effect of the slightly raised threads creates tonal highs and lows. Woven from sustainable synthetic materials, with a slight sheen and a velvety feel, this rug is good for your room and good for the planet. Durable and well-designed, there’s just one drawback: this rug sheds. While the shedding should subside after the first to three months, it will never totally stop.
Sizes: 11 rectangular sizes, ranging from 2’x3’ to 10’x14’. Two round sizes, 6’ across and 8’ across
Materials: Polyester with a polyurethane coating
Thickness: Flat pile (0.125”)
Machine-washable: Yes
+Machine-washable
+Sold in 13 sizes
-Thicker rug cover and cushioned rug pad cost extra
If you have a dog, a cat, little ones who like to run riot, or you’re simply prone to slips and spills, this is the rug for you. Ruggable’s Impasto Slate Blue Rug is stain- and water-resistant, and it doesn’t show dirt or pet hair. Better yet, it’s completely machine-washable. Just detach your rug cover from your Ruggable rug pad, included in the price, and put it in your washing machine. It’s that easy to treat everyday stains and spills. For a deeper clean, give your rug a once-over with a vacuum for pet hair. The only downside is the flat pile: this rug is definitely on the thinner side. You can make it softer with a thicker rug cover and a cushioned rug pad, but you’ll have to pay extra.
Sizes: One round size, 3’ across
Materials: 100% jute with cotton backing
Thickness: Flat pile (0.16'')
Machine-washable: No
+Suitable for high-traffic areas
+Made from all-natural materials
+Easy to vacuum
-Not machine-washable
-Will require a rug pad, which is harder to source in round sizes
Curated by Kelly Clarkson, this ivory and black geometric rug mimicks a rustic, Southwestern style that nods to the Western interior design trend. The 0.16'' pile height makes it easy to vacuum and keep clean, even in your busiest rooms. We recommend pairing it with a rug pad to keep it (and all rugs for that matter) in place underfoot.
Sizes: Nine rectangular sizes, ranging from 2’6”x6’ to 9’6”x13’6”
Materials: 90% Jute, 10% cotton blend
Thickness: Flat pile (unspecified)
Machine-washable: No
+Suited to high-traffic areas
+Made from natural fibers
-Not machine-washable;
-Not suited to all spaces
The right runner can liven up all the dead hallway space in your home. It’s a great transitional piece that’s well-suited to high-traffic areas. This Target rug is one of my favorite hallway runner ideas. Each rug has been hand-made by artisan weavers, so there’s plenty of subtle variation to celebrate. With its braided texture and muted colors adding rustic charm, this rug would fit right in with a modern farmhouse. While this runner isn’t machine-washable, it’s designed to pick up dirt. For a quick, everyday clean, simply shake off any excess dirt and dust and give the rug a quick vacuum.
Sizes: Six rectangular sizes, ranging from 2’6”x7’ to 11’x14’
Materials: 100% New Zealand wool
Thickness: Medium pile (0.5”)
Machine-washable: No
+Made from premium organic materials
+Bright colors make a perfect accent piece
-Very expensive
-Not machine-washable
-Unsuitable for high-traffic areas
This statement rug has been hand-knotted from 100% New Zealand wool. With a deep blue base and terracotta, copper, and charcoal accents, this rug is reminiscent of tapestry. With a plush medium pile, it feels soft underfoot, and a one-inch fringe finish adds dimension. This is a rug of the highest quality, and it’s priced accordingly. If you’re looking for an accent rug that won’t break the bank, you’re better off shopping elsewhere. It's also pretty high-maintenance. This rug is unsuitable for pets and little ones and it should never be placed in high-traffic areas. It’s a beautiful luxury, but you can snag a statement piece for much less.
Sizes: 12 rectangular sizes, ranging from 3’x5’ to 12’x15’. One runner, 2’8”x8’
Materials: 100% polypropylene
Thickness: Medium pile (0.4”)
Machine-washable: No
+Stain-resistant
+Suitable for high traffic areas
-Not machine-washable
The Mae Traverse Stripes Rug is one of Rug USA’s newest designs, but it’s already one of their bestsellers. It’s easy to see why. The clean lines and geometric designs stand out, but the beige, gray, and charcoal tones blend in. This piece is made from 100% polypropylene. These soft synthetic fibers have been woven to create a rug that’s lightweight and highly stain-resistant. My only complaint is that it’s not machine-washable. You’ll either have to blot the stains and spills yourself, or take it in for professional rug cleaning.
Sizes: Three rectangular sizes, ranging from 3’x5’ to 8’x10’. One runner, 2’6”x9’.
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Thickness: Flat pile (0.2”)
Machine-washable: No
+Stain-resistant
+Super durable
+Low-maintenance
-Not machine-washable
Burrow works with some of the very best artisan weaving houses in India, so their rugs are made from high-quality materials and woven with traditional techniques. This light gray rug is one of their most classic pieces, and it works just as well outdoors as in. Its lightweight woven construction is vacuum-friendly, and the stain-resistant fibers won’t shed. Super durable and low-maintenance, this is one of the best outdoor rugs around.
Sizes: One oval size, 2’6”x5’3”
Materials: Polyester
Thickness: High pile (1.77”)
Machine-washable: No
+One of the most affordable rugs on the market
+Super soft
-Not machine-washable
-Less durable
Walmart has some pretty affordable furnishing picks if you know where to look, and their rug collection is no exception. Even the most expensive rug on their site still doesn’t scrape the hundred-dollar mark. With more than a thousand rugs on offer at Walmart, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t quality, but this oval rug is one of the good ones. Made with your safety in mind, there are anti-skid design features on the underside to save you slipping. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas or kids’ rooms, in particular. With a super-high pile count of 1.77 inches, it’s the plushest pick on our list. It should feel soft and luxurious beneath your feet: just bear in mind it won’t wear so well.
FAQs
Will a rug scratch or damage my floor?
A rug will only ruin your hardwood or vinyl flooring if it isn’t supported by a proper rug pad.
Picking the right rug pad is almost as important as picking the right rug. A rug pad is a thin sheet of material that protects both the rug on top and the floor underneath. It creates friction with the floor to hold the rug in place, preventing skidding and slipping.
If you’re adding a rug to a carpeted space, there’s less chance of damage, but it’s still worth investing in a rug pad to prolong the life of your carpet
How should I clean my rug?
To avoid the high charges of a professional rug cleaning service, it’s worth learning how to clean an area rug yourself.
For a quick, everyday clean, simply shake off any excess dirt and dust, and then lightly vacuum your rug. Give it a quick spritz with some antibacterial rug freshener, then hang out to dry.
Most rugs can be deep cleaned with rug or carpet shampoo, or a solution of warm water and dish soap in a pinch.
How should I choose the best rug for my space?
There’s no one way of decorating with rugs. With that said, here are a few tips and tricks.
First, consider the space itself, and what you use it for. Runners work best in high-traffic zones like hallways, as they’re designed to pick up dirt before it spreads to other rooms. The right area rug can anchor larger spaces, such as living rooms and bigger bedrooms, while an accent rug can add interest to any space.
Then, consider your color palette, and what you want your rug to do. Rugs in neutral colors will blend beautifully into the background, while rugs with bright colors or bold patterns will make a statement.
If you’re refurbishing a room, you’ll want to brush up on the latest rug trends to make a feature of your floor.
For everyone who wants to design around a rug, but just doesn’t know where to start, interiors tastemaker Tricia Guild has some tips for rugs and runners in interior design.
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