The best area rugs bring a transformative element to your space—no expensive remodel or DIY project required. The most challenging part about getting a new rug, in our opinion, is the actual shopping.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose just one—not to mention all of the different styles you might be looking for. If you have pets or kids, you’ll want to lean toward an option that can handle (or hide) messes and vacuum easily, like a machine-washable, low-pile, or stain-resistant rug. If you’re looking for a rug to place in a high-traffic area of your home like your entryway, durability and a soft underfoot are key—especially if you’re a bare-feet household.
All things considered, we’ve taken some of the guesswork out of online shopping for your next carpet. In our buying guide, you’ll find a curated selection of top picks from some of our favorite brands (in addition to other great options that score high design marks in our books). Each review contains an AD editor’s testimony as to what makes each rug stand out, how they use it in their space, and what’s something buyers should keep in mind. After all, the last thing you want is an online purchase that feels like you’ve had the rug pulled from under you.
Shop Our Top Picks For The Best Area Rugs
[Editor’s note: These rugs are available in a variety of sizes and/or shapes. If you’re looking for something smaller, larger, or in a different shape, click through to the product, and you’ll most likely find the best rug size for you.]
Best Wool Rug
Specs
- Materials: 100% Wool
- Pile Height: 0.5"
- Sizes available: 2.5" x 9"; 5" x 8"; 6" x 9"; 8" x 10"; 9" x 12"; 10" x 14", custom sizes available
Cleaning and instructions
This rug is not machine washable. Vacuum only and professional care required for stains.
Keep in mind
The weight of the rug is one of my favorite things, but laying it yourself is something to be aware of—it’s certainly not easy to maneuver. Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved and it can be noticeable for days or weeks. The website warns of shedding but I haven’t had any experience of that.
“The Grand Rug from Nordic Knots was originally chosen for my living room owing to minimal aesthetic, but with an interesting shot of color—something I find is surprisingly difficult to achieve. I dropped into the new SoHo store in New York to pick up a few sample options, which are generously sized 8x8 free swatches (available to take home or order online), and settled on the Pale Green. The tone and saturation strike a great balance, but I am most impressed by the weight and texture of the pile, which is dense and feels luxurious underfoot.” —Lisa Aiken, Condé Nast executive fashion director
Best Vintage-Inspired Rug
Specs
- Materials: Wool, viscose
- Pile Height: .3”
- Sizes available: 3’x5’, 2”6’x7’, 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
Cleaning and care instructions
Vacuum regularly on low power (and without a beater brush, which might cause damage). Remove spills immediately—if liquid, blot with a clean, un-dyed cloth by pressing firmly around the spill to absorb as much as possible. For hard-to-remove stains, professional rug cleaning is recommended.
Keep in mind
The design on the rug I received looks ever-so-slightly less sharp than how the site images depict the product—the colors are more diffused and the knots seem just a little bit thicker. I’d definitely place this rug in the low pile category, but it has a much fluffier look than what I was expecting. That said, I think it’s still a beautiful rug, especially if you’re looking for something with a softer look.
“Plagued by decision fatigue, it took me the longest time to select an area rug for my living room. That is, until AD featured Walton Goggins’ Hudson Valley home. Amidst the actor’s contemporary art collection and moody darkwood interiors, it was the selection of vintage rugs that intrigued me the most. In an effort to make my apartment look like I, too, lived in a beautifully decorated home, I opted for a vintage-inspired rug from Quince, a brand that makes home goods I thoroughly trust. The rug arrived in two sturdy layers of plastic that were easy to slice through with a box cutter. Upon unfurling the design, it immediately clung to my floor, looking like it’d been sitting in place for years. It’s not a particularly high-pile carpet (exactly what I was looking for), and I’ve noticed very minimal piling (nothing that a quick vacuum can’t handle). I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a traditional-looking rug design that’s not too traditional.” —Audrey Lee, shopping editor
Best Jute Rug
Specs
- Materials: 100% natural, unbleached jute
- Pile Height: Flatweave, approximately .2" thick (5 to 6mm)
- Sizes available: 2' x 3'; 3' x 5'; 4' x 6'; 5' x 8'; 6' x 9'; 7' x 7'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'; 12' x 16'; 2'6" x 9'; 2'6" x 12
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not machine washable. The rug should be cleaned with a non-rotary, low-powered vacuum. It cannot be dry-cleaned or steam-cleaned. In case of spills, the liquid should be blotted with a paper towel or cloth. Jute is very absorbent, so it should be kept away from excessive moisture.
Keep in mind
The rug took about a week to lay completely flat on the floor—I had to place heavy books on the corners to keep it from curling up. Also, since it was folded instead of rolled, the creases of the folds took a couple of weeks to flatten out. It’s pretty hefty, but I could manage carrying the 8' x 10' rug up three flights of stairs on my own.
“I love a jute rug as a neutral, durable, area rug. This one softened up a multipurpose guest room/office that’s frequented by cats who enjoy clawing the furniture, a.k.a. this rug can handle some claws and not look worse for the wear. This large, affordable rug is the perfect way to add texture to a space without dominating the design, and it seems incredibly durable.” —Zoë Sessums, contributor
Best Washable Rug
Specs
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Pile Height: 2mm
- Sizes available: 2x3, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, 10x14
Cleaning and care instructions
Shake, sweep, or vacuum to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Ruggable recommends treating small stains with their spot cleaner and stain remover or soap and water. For deep cleanings, detach the rug cover from its pad, machine wash the cover separately in cold water using a mild, non-bleach detergent and tumble-dry on air fluff mode or lay flat.
Keep in mind
My only caveat is that paws, chair and table legs, and beyond leave pretty deep imprints on this rug. You can smooth it out by rubbing it softly, but the imprint doesn’t fade on its own.
“This rug was designed by New American Voices honoree Hema Persad as part of Architectural Digest's collection with Ruggable. My apartment has a lot of neutral colors (mainly beige, white, black, and light wood) with small pops of colors in throw blankets, coffee table books, etc., so I love that the rug mirrors that with a neutral color palette that features just a tiny hint of blue. It fits perfectly in my space and was super easy to set up—the velcro underlay is game changing since I have an energetic puppy at home and it really holds the rug in place, even when she’s being rough with it. It was also super easy to clean when she had an accident on it too. With a little soap the rug looks good as new!” —Stefanie Lindenbaum; director, production and activation
Best Designer Rug
Specs
- Materials: 100% Viscose
- Pile Height: 1/3”
- Sizes available: 8’x10’, 9’x12’, 10’x14’, and 12’x15’
Cleaning and care instructions
Indoor only, keep away from high moisture. Spot clean as necessary with a clean, white cloth. Clip any frays or snags with scissors, and vacuum on low.
Keep in mind
If you’re placing any heavy furniture on top of the rug, the pile might bunch up a bit around the feet of the piece.
“I wasn’t surprised to see that Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Village rug was one of the many enviable Lulu & Georgia moments in Mandy Moore’s home—having owned it for about six months myself, I know it’s a compliment magnet. Scorned by many rugs in my time, I’d finally given up on finding one that checked all my boxes—but this one does. Its contemporary look is neutral enough to align with lots of different aesthetics, whether you’re looking to add some whimsy to a midcentury decor scheme or bring some edge to a cottagecore setup. My primary beef with rugs is rooted in the shedding—I can’t stand seeing how much material gets sucked up when I’m vacuuming or how it bunches up from general wear and tear (it would then migrate to other corners of my space, and I simply couldn’t keep up). This viscose pile miraculously doesn’t shed at all—and very minimally when I’m vacuuming. The material has an elegant sheen to it that looks and feels almost like velvet, so it’s a dream to walk across, and it even brightens up the room a bit.” —Audrey Lee, shopping editor
Other Area Rugs We've Tested (And Loved)
Specs
- Materials: 100% wool blend
- Pile Height: 0.5"
- Sizes available: 5' x 8'; 7.5' x 9'; 9' x 12'
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not washable. Vacuum clean regularly using low suction and less pressure, spot clean only with water and mild soap. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.
Keep in mind
As Castlery notes on their website, this rug is prone to shedding at first. So far, it hasn’t been visually apparent: I’ve just had to empty out my vacuum a little more frequently due to wool build-up. I worried that my two cats would destroy anything even remotely shaggy, but I have yet to see any evidence of their frequent scratching. In fact, they’ve abandoned some of their favorite spots to lounge on this soft, squishy rug!
“My living room has a lot of colorful accents, so I gravitated toward this rug as a solid, neutral-but-not-boring option to balance out the space and separate my living space from my dining area. After years of walking across my old flat-weave rug, the plushness of this 100% wool, handmade creation is a major upgrade. The smallest size (5' x 8') is perfect for the room, and I love the subtle fringed edges. This rug isn’t overly heavy (I carried it up to my fifth-floor apartment with only a moderate amount of sweat) but it feels well-made and sturdy. It laid flat immediately upon unrolling, without any pesky curled edges.” —Lizzie Soufleris, Visuals editor
Specs
- Materials: Wool
- Pile Height: 0.59 inches
- Sizes available: 2’x3’, 4’x6’, 5’x7’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’, 12’x15’
Cleaning and care instructions
Spot clean with a clean, damp cloth. If the stain persists, AllModern suggests using a mild, textile-appropriate cleaner.
Keep in mind
There is some minimal shedding that occurs over time, which is typical for this type of rug. Keong notes that despite some other reviewers’ notes on this shedding all the time, she doesn’t feel it requires much maintenance.
“I was influenced to buy this rug after my colleague Audrey put it in a Black Friday guide (this kind of inception happens to the very best of us). It was on super sale, which it honestly seems to be all the time, but despite the approachable price point, it has a very high-end, almost Nordic Knots-esque style—without actually falling into dupe territory. Its handsome pattern that resembles a quilted design, along with its thick weave, feels much more expensive than the price point would suggest. Initially, I bought it to prevent noise transfer, but the rug has lent a welcome boost of coziness and color to my bedroom. In person, the color skews slightly more deep orange than the rusty red depicted online, but I still love the way it looks and would co-sign any other budget shopper buying it for their home.” —Lori Keong, shopping director
Specs
- Materials: 100% New Zealand wool on recycled PET warp
- Pile height: approximately .3" thick (7-8mm)
- Sizes available: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’, 10’x14’, custom
Cleaning and care instructions
Machine wash on delicate setting. For larger sizes, it’s recommended using a 60-lb washing machine (the large kind you find at a laundromat) rather than a home washing machine.
Keep in mind
This rug is on the thinner side, so having a rug pad has definitely been essential to prevent slippage.
“I regularly eat on the couch while watching TV and movies, putting any living room rug in the danger zone. Having something durable that I don’t worry about cleaning when I inevitably spill my dinner (or a far too large helping of popcorn) has been a big weight off my shoulders. While I haven’t yet had any big enough snafus to need to put this rug into the washing machine, it’s been very easy to keep fresh with a quick vacuum or spot clean. Though it’s less plush than my previous rug, it still brings coziness to the space. A thinner design has also meant less shedding than a typical wool rug, so I don’t have to empty the canister on my vacuum multiple times during a cleaning session. The braided stripes are slightly raised from the base layer of the rug, but I haven’t found that it attracts any additional dust or crumbs because of it. My design sensibilities are pretty eclectic, so this striped design was the perfect “neutral” for me while still making its own visual statement. The warm-toned stripes aren’t too loud, and play well against the brown velvet of my corner sectional.” —Lauren Arzbaecher, shopping producer
Specs
- Materials: 100% polyester
- Pile Height: 0.25 inch
- Sizes available: 5'0" x 7'6"; 2'3" x 3'9"; 2'6" x 7'6"; 3'6" x 5'6"; 7'9" x 9'9"; 8'6" x 11'6"; 9'3" x 13'
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not washable. The instructions say it can be hosed dry, which is handy! You can also wipe it clean with a damp cloth and hang it dry. It’s also recommended that it be vacuumed without a beater bar.
Keep in mind
Something I really love about this rug is that it’s made with recycled materials. Yes, it’s polyester, but it really doesn’t look or feel like it—I totally thought it was wool when I first rolled it out in my space. And that fact makes it way more affordable than similarly styled rugs that are 100% wool. That said, it’s definitely on the thinner side, so I’d highly recommend a rug pad or backing of some sort.
“Let’s just get down to brass tacks: This rug is cute. With chocolate brown stripes set on a light charcoal gray background, it’s fairly neutral but still has some personality. It’s perfect for a home without a lot of conflicting colors and patterns (though I will note that it’s available in several other colorways). Designed by Joanna Gaines, it’d look very at-home in a space sporting her signature farmhouse style, a cozy cabin, or a Scandinavian space.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
Specs
- Materials: 100% wool
- Pile height: 0.25 inch
- Sizes available: 5' x 8'; 6' x 9'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'; 12' x 18'; 2.5' x 9'
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not washable. Vacuum regularly and/or shake, blot spills immediately with a white cloth, professional rug cleaning recommended as needed.
Keep in mind
This rug is definitely on the more delicate and thinner side than what I am used to—I would keep this in mind before purchasing. It’s extremely soft; however, I would not describe it as being plush. Luckily we haven’t had any spills or accidents yet and have not had to experience the cleaning process. But since it is a bit delicate, I am assuming that this might not be a simple task in the future, especially since the site recommends professional rug cleaning. Overall, I would choose this rug more for style than practicality reasons.
“Moving into my boyfriend’s apartment has also meant that a revamp of his former bachelor pad is underway. (It would be unfair to say that he didn’t try with his decor though—a headboard AND footboard? Good job, hun.) One of the first things we decided to tackle was the living room and this Pottery Barn Merrin oriental rug was the perfect choice to blend both of our styles: charming and chic, without being too busy or overtly feminine. The chambray multishade we chose has slight hints of grayish blue embedded in beige but still feels like a neutral grounding the room, which leads me to believe this would work in many different setups. A side note: The delivery team was super helpful and unpacked/set up the piece swiftly, moving any furniture out of the way and placing everything back to its original spot!” —Rebecca Grambone, contributor
Specs
- Materials: Wool
- Pile Height: Flatweave
- Sizes available: 5'7" x 7'10"; 6'7" x 9'10"; 8'2" x 11'6"; 9'10" x 13'2"
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not machine washable. Water-based spills (think juice, coffee, or even pet accidents), can be cleaned with water; you’ll want to use a gentle detergent for any oil-based spills. For that, Armadillo sells their Barefoot rug cleaner, which is safe for natural fibers like wool. Armadillo has a pretty helpful guide to cleaning your rug on their website.
Keep in mind
There were zero surprises on the unboxing—the rug looked and felt exactly as it was presented online. Unlike other wool rugs I’ve had, this one has mercifully shed very little, outside of a few tufts of fiber on the edges every once in a while. Given the flatweave construction and the fact that it’s a solid-ish shade, it can show dust and dirt faster than some other rugs. Be prepared to vacuum often—though, doing that helps maintain the health of your rug long-term anyway. (This may be less of an issue with lighter colors, like Seed or Calico.)
“This high-end rug, which is made by Australian B-Corp brand Armadillo, uses a soumak weave—a flatweave technique that yields a chevron pattern. I ordered the Chambray color, though it also comes in Bisque, a rusty shade, and Jade, an earthy sage. The rug body is composed entirely of Italian and Argentinian wool, and there’s a small strip of white cotton fringe on the ends. These rugs add dimension to a space, but quietly—so maximalists, this may not be the one for you. They work well for most other decor schemes, though, whether you lean minimalist, organic, or eclectic. Because it’s a tight weave, this seems like a great pick for a higher-traffic environment.” —Lila Allen, contributor
Specs
- Materials: 100% Wool
- Pile Height: 0.3"
- Sizes available: 5" x 8"; 6" x 9"; 8" x 10"; 9" x 12"; 10" x 14
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is machine washable: One tablespoon of clear, unscented detergent on a cold gentle cycle recommended. Blot spills immediately and vacuum on low.
Keep in mind
Most non-vintage rugs I’ve had are under the $1,000 range. Because it’s so durable and true to how it's pictured, I think it’s worth the investment but the price is still something to keep in mind depending on your budget.
“I always say my Brooklyn apartment has a ‘moody midcentury’ vibe, so this rug naturally fits into the space. Since deep burgundy is the throughline in my color scheme, I went with the ‘ruby’ option, which looks just as rich in person as it does online. The floral details—my favorite feature—give the rug a modern romance that I don’t see as often in the market. Luckily I haven’t had to clean stains off, though the washable design makes it easy to blot small messes and turn to the washing machine for larger ones. I give it a thorough vacuum every week or so and haven’t noticed much fraying beyond a little around the perimeter, which I don’t mind since it gives the rug a more vintage and lived-in look.” —Nashia Baker, senior shopping editor
Specs
- Materials: 100% Polypropylene
- Pile Height: 0.25”
- Sizes available: Custom
Cleaning and care instructions
This rug is not washable. Vacuum clean regularly using low suction and less pressure.
Keep in mind
I’ve had it for almost a year now and can safely say it’s easy to vacuum and clean, with no signs of snags or wear. It’s also beautifully serged along the edges and hasn’t needed to be taped down or paired with a rug pad underneath.
“This rug was customized exactly to my space, which is one of the many reasons I’d recommend Stark for a challenging project. The people at Stark have been doing what they do for over 85 years so it’s not surprising that it’s incredibly well made. Stark’s team unpacked and laid the rug out for me, helped place my furniture back on top of it, and even took photos to ensure the rug fit the space well. Aside from filling a room with awkward dimensions, I needed a textile that was durable (hello dog who loves to dig and make a mess!), easy to clean, and still neutral; this indoor-outdoor blend suited my space perfectly.” —Rachel Fletcher, contributor
Shop More AD-Approved Area Rug Brands
Here you’ll find even more fluffy rugs, some made with synthetic fibers (read: a breeze to clean), hand-knotted beauties, and choices for every color palette imaginable. Think high-quality, well-reviewed, aesthetically pleasing picks in a variety of styles, textures, and price ranges.
Lots of the stock in West Elm’s rug section is easy on the eyes—from Persian rug styles to outdoor rug designs, the retailer has carpeting for every area of the home. This high-quality, flatweave rug is a minimalist’s dream that would look equally lovely in a living room, loft, or dining room. Seen here in sand, it’s also available in granite (a light gray). For something with more of an earthy, calming vibe, this handwoven blue jute rug is strong, sustainable, and derived from plants; plus available in seven different sizes.
The hardest part about choosing a textile from Rugs USA will be narrowing down your choices. Known for their interior designer and celebrity-led collabs with names like Arvin Olano and Ashley Tisdale, each rug is handmade and has the distinctive flair of a custom piece at approachable prices. Standouts include the textured Fritz wool rug with a subtle checkerboard design and the Maren shag rug, which is a plush bestseller.
For true interior aficionados, Design Within Reach’s area rug inventory caters to the most discerning design shoppers. Beni Rugs, HAY, and Muuto are just a few of the names you’ll find in the mix, but we also don’t think you should sleep on the retailer’s carpet collection designed in-house. The Mae Tonal Border Rug seen here can give your space some richness thanks to the deep burgundy hue and unexpected outer edge carvings, while the high-pile Borderline Wool Moroccan rug from Beni adds graphic stripes and texture underfoot.
Etsy is a great rug resource for a few reasons—its inventory ranges from bespoke creations you can commission to one-of-a-kind vintage finds. The now-ubiquitous checkered pattern is especially well represented—see Aarica Nichole’s green check rug in her Dallas home for inspiration—and the Scandinavian-inspired design we found below offers a contemporary take on the motif. We also sourced this handmade, Turkish wool rug, inspired by the tree of life and crafted by Indian artisans,from, Oriental Looms, a woman-owned business specializing in custom Persian, Moroccan, Beni Ourain, and other rug styles.
How We Tested
There are many factors we considered for each of our reviews to give you the insight you need to select the best area rug for your home. Here’s where we really narrowed down:
Quality control: While thousands of companies produce rugs, it’s hard to know who won’t try to sell you unsavory materials or a carpet that sheds like crazy. That’s why we’ve used our brand expertise and design discernment to bring you options from labels you can trust (because we trust them enough to buy from them ourselves!). From brands like Castlery and Wayfair who also produce a sensational sectional or bookshelf, to more indie names like Revival or Nordic Knots, who specialize in the all things rugs, we scoured the market for the most upscale and the most accessibly priced.
Delivery and assembly: Waiting months on end for the purchase you need to tie your room together is not it. Did the rug arrive within the guaranteed delivery window? Was the packaging basically saran wrap and rubber bands or heavy duty tarping? We wanted to let you know exactly what to expect from your purchases and called out anything surprising.
Sizing: Size matters when it comes to finding the perfect carpet for your space—the last thing you want to do is order a rug that barely covers the floor or get something so oversized it’s creeping up your walls. That’s why our reviews provide exact measurements for the styles we tested as well as all the sizes available on the retail site.
What makes this rug unique? Obviously, a rug that is easy on the eyes is our number one priority. Does the design fit a clear aesthetic? Does it function particularly well in a specific area of the house? Incredibly easy to care for? Our reviews were crafted to give insight on why each rug could be the right rug for your Scandi oasis or Mid-century abode. We also wrote about any ingenious details that show how thoughtful the designer was as well as why the piece was just what our tester was looking for.
What to keep in mind: Nobody’s perfect and beauty can be in the eye of the beholder—which is why each rug also has a note detailing what a potential buyer should keep in mind. For example—if assembly was particularly difficult, the rug is extremely delicate or hard to clean, and who the design might not be suited for. We aim to keep tabs on any surprises that might arise so you don’t have to.