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The 13 Best Area Rugs for Every Style, Tested and Reviewed

A compilation of modern, jute, and wool options that will spice up your space.

The AllModern Ovid Rug on a wooden floor

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

A great rug can instantly transform your space, adding texture, color, or coziness to any room. From long-lasting wool rugs to plush options for added warmth, there's a rug fit for every style and need. 

"When it comes to a high-quality rug, the two most important factors are construction and material," says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer of CW Interiors. "For example, hand-knotted rugs are extremely durable. They're also typically constructed with superior wool which, in turn, adds to their durability."

To determine the best options, we've tested over 130 rugs to date, evaluating them on quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. In addition to Woolsey, we also tapped designer Erin Gates, founder of the blog Elements of Style, designer Max Humphrey, and Andi Morse of Morse Design, for expert insight.

AllModern Ovid Area Rug

AllModern

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • Its low pile and ease of cleaning make it ideal for high-traffic areas in the house.

What Could Be Improved
  • It has a thin backing and may require an additional pad for extra cushion.

If you want an affordable, traditional rug to enhance your living space, the AllModern Ovid Rug is an excellent choice. Despite its low pile, the rug is less bristly than similar models and has a consistent texture. The low-pile and stain-resistant viscose material makes it particularly suitable for areas in the house with high foot traffic, such as corridors and entryways, though we do recommend placing a rug pad beneath it for extra cushioning. The thin backing also makes it easy to roll up and carry around the house, making it ideal for those who relocate frequently. 

When we scratched it with a pet brush, the rug lost some fibers but didn’t show any significant signs of wear. It was also easy to clean in our testing; we were amazed by how completely the coffee grounds were removed by vacuuming. After two months of use, the rug has held up impressively well—it's easy to care for, and the busy pattern hides dirt beautifully. Although it’s power-loomed, the rug has a faded, vintage look, so it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more modern statement piece. Even so, it’s sophisticated, budget-friendly, and ideal for high-traffic areas. 

Material: Viscose | Pile: 0 to 0.25 inches | Sizes: Five sizes ranging from 3.17 x 4.5 feet to 7.83 x 10.75 feet

Walmart SAFAVIEH Milan Shag Collection SG180-1414

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s soft, plush, and holds up well to wear and tear.

What Could Be Improved
  • Fine particles can get trapped in the higher pile.

Not all high-quality rugs have to break the bank, and the Safavieh Milan Shag Accent rug makes for an affordable, cozy choice. We found the rug thicker and softer than others we tested, and its texture was comparable to that of carpet samples carried in stores. The plush material was impressively comfortable, and we think this rug would be the perfect spot to cuddle up with a book. 

While the pet brush initially made the rug look frayed and frizzy during our testing, it quickly returned to normal once we ran our hand over it. Its pile also held up well after we walked and laid on it. The rug’s performance fell short during the vacuum lab test, though. While the coffee grounds weren’t visible, we noticed that they were actually trapped in the high pile and fell to the floor once we picked up the rug. It seemed to perform better during long-term testing, though—after two months of weekly vacuuming, we've noticed no issues with texture or quality. Regardless, the rug made up for it during the chocolate syrup test, as we removed 95% of the stain after cleaning. 

Overall, the rug’s affordable price and plush material make it a great option. Plus, it’s available in many versatile colors to complement any space or design. 

Material: Polypropylene | Pile: 2 inches | Sizes: 83 sizes, ranging from 2 x 3 feet to 11 x 16 feet

Best Washable

Ruggable Kamran Rug

Ruggable Kamran Rug

Ruggable

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • It's super easy to keep clean thanks to a removable cover that can be thrown in the washing machine.

What Could Be Improved
  • The border stitching is very visible. 

Whether you have children running around the house or furry friends nearby, a washable rug certainly makes life easier. Ruggable's Kamran Rug stood out in our testing due to its impressive stain resistance. It’s crafted from polyester and features a water-resistant, polyurethane barrier. During our stain test, we were able to eliminate 95% of the red wine stain and 100% of the coffee stain. The dry dirt vanished completely after vacuuming, and there was no visible proof that there had ever been dirt, coffee, or wine on the surface.

Even after enduring two months of use—and a few rounds of cat vomit—this rug has maintained its appearance. If you’re still not convinced, the rug also comes with a removable, washable cover that can be easily detached for cleaning and reattached to the rug pad, making it a great choice for mess-prone households.

We found the rug’s fibers to be dense, soft, and consistent throughout, with no shedding even after clawing the rug. The rug pad kept the rug securely in place in our testing, and it didn’t shift at all when we kicked it with our foot or vacuumed it. We also appreciated how the rug lay completely flat and was easy to smooth out on our own. Note that the border stitching is very visible when it catches the light, so if that would bother you, you may want to explore other options. Still, we think this rug’s durability, stain-resistance, and soft texture make it an excellent pick. Plus, since it comes in 13 sizes, including areas, runners, and rounds, you can easily find an option to suit your space.

Material: Polyester | Pile: 0.13 inches | Sizes: 13 sizes, ranging from 2 x 3 feet to 10 x 14 feet

Safavieh Crystal Collection

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s durable and easy to clean.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s a bit slippery and may require a non-slip pad.

Between scratching and shedding, pets are inherently messy, and pet owners need a rug that is durable and easy to clean. Luckily, Safavieh’s Crystal Collection area rug checks all the boxes. It is available in seven colors, each featuring a unique medallion style that can complement various home decor styles. While the ribbed fiber isn't particularly plush, it is still moderately soft. We noticed that the rug’s edges curled upward, and it felt a bit slippery underfoot, so we recommend adding a rug pad beneath it.   

The rug excelled during the scratch test, as the pet brush didn’t pull up any fibers or leave any visible scratches on the material. It performed similarly well during the cleaning test; we removed 98% of the coffee grounds with one pass of the vacuum, and we eliminated 97% of the chocolate syrup stain with ease. It has held up well throughout two months of use, with its heaviness keeping it secure as we clean or walk over it. Given its durability and easy cleaning, this would be a good, long-lasting pick for those with pets at home.  

Material: Polypropylene | Pile: 0.25 inches | Sizes: 34 sizes, ranging from 3 x 5 feet to 11 x 16 feet

Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Oriental Area Rug

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.3/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What Stands Out
  • This rug is easy to clean.

What Could Be Improved
  • It is thin and not very soft on bare feet.

Area rugs have the ability to create a vibe in any room, and this vintage-inspired option can transform your space into a more old-fashioned atmosphere. The rug’s faded look exudes an antique feel, and no two rugs are exactly the same. While this choice may not be ideal for those seeking a more vibrant aesthetic, the distressed look might even reduce the appearance of wear and tear over time—after two months of use, we've noticed no matting, staining, or changes in texture.

We noticed that the rug has a warm, matte texture, though it lacks any plushness. The low pile makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. It didn’t show wear after clawing it with a pet brush or walking on it. The cleaning process was also a breeze; we removed the coffee grounds effortlessly, and the rug maintained the same appearance post-vacuuming. Since it doesn’t have a non-skid pad, you may want to add one to keep it secure, though we noticed that the rug seemed to slide right off it when we did. 

We found that the flat, matte material was not overly comfortable on bare feet. While it doesn’t offer the coziest feel, its low pile and hassle-free cleaning make it ideal for mudrooms and other highly frequented areas.

Material: Polyester | Pile: 0.13 inches | Sizes: 11 sizes, ranging from 2.25 x 3.75 feet to 9.5 x 14 feet

Best Traditional

IKEA Vedbäk Rug

IKEA Vedbäk Rug

IKEA

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.2/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • It doesn’t absorb liquid stains and is incredibly easy to clean.

What Could Be Improved
  • The ripples in the middle may cause tripping.

The Ikea Vedbak rug is ideal for those seeking a more traditional accent. We found the rug thicker and softer than others we tested, and observed that the cozy texture was consistent throughout. The rug maintained its appearance after we clawed it with the pet brush and held up well after we walked on it. We found the rug plush and dense enough to be used in high-traffic areas without degrading. While it laid flat at the edges, there were a few ripples throughout the rug, which we think could cause tripping. That said, we recommend adding an anti-slip pad under the rug to prevent it from shifting. 

We were particularly impressed by how easy this rug was to clean. The vacuum cleaned all the grounds, even at a low speed, and the rug showed no signs of wear afterward. We were also able to remove 100% of the chocolate syrup stain and noticed that the liquid sat on top of the rug without absorbing it. After two months of consistent use, the rug has remained as soft and plush as it was on day one, adding a touch of warmth to our space. The rug is available in three colors and boasts a subtle floral pattern. With its simple design, ample durability, and ease of cleaning, this rug would fit well in a dining room or living room. 

Material: Polypropylene and synthetic rubber backing | Pile: Not Specified | Sizes: 4.33 x 6.4 feet, 5.58 x 7.58 feet, 6.58 x 9.83 feet

Project 62 Eyelash Woven Shag Rug

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s cozy and comfortable.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's difficult to get stains out.

Plush and cozy, this shag rug from Target's Project 62 collection will keep your feet from getting cold on the chilly hardwood floor. The soft texture is consistent throughout, adding a layer of plush comfort to any space. The pet brush made the rug even softer and fuller, so much so that we debated brushing all of it to make the rug more plush. The trade-off, however, is the resulting frayed strands and fainter shade. 

The vacuum glided over the shaggy rug without getting stuck, and it picked up the coffee grounds easily. Just keep in mind that, despite its plush texture, this rug is surprisingly lightweight, so you may want to hold it down with your foot as you vacuum. It took about five minutes to clean the chocolate syrup stain with a cleaner spray, and the material lightened a bit as it had with the pet brush. After blotting, the stain eventually came out. The rug laid flat after we walked on it, and, even without a non-slip mat, stayed pretty secure on the floor. Throughout two months of use, this rug looks and feels the same as it did when we first started using it.

We appreciate that the rug is neutral enough to blend seamlessly with any home decor, while its woven design adds a subtle flair. Though it may not perform as well in high-traffic areas like entrances and doorways, this rug would be a great addition to any bedroom or living area. 

Material: 88% Polypropylene, 12% Polyester | Pile: 1 inch | Sizes: Seven sizes, ranging from 2.4 x 4.75 feet to 9 x 12 feet

Revival Hart Jute Rug

Revival

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What Stands Out
  • It’s easy to clean and doesn’t slide around the floor.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t lay completely flat.

Crafted from durable, braided fabric, this jute rug is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The low-shed, biodegradable material has a natural appearance that complements outdoor environments. It can stand alone or be layered under other rugs for a more stylized look. We noticed, though, that it didn't lay flat and continued to flip up at the corners despite trying to keep them down. Regardless, we appreciated that the rug did not slip or shift around after walking on it. 

The fabric looked slightly roughed up after clawing it with the pet brush, but since the texture was a bit rough initially, the difference wasn’t too noticeable. Since the material is coarse, we wouldn't recommend walking on this rug with bare feet. Even so, the rough texture contributes to its durability, allowing it to withstand two months of use with no changes in quality. Given its coarse feel, we think this rug would be well-suited for a mudroom or outdoor area where you would typically walk with shoes on. 

Though the rug was rougher than the others we tested, it was also much easier to clean. The vacuum picked up the coffee grounds impressively well, leaving behind no residue, though some of the rug’s fabric made its way into the vacuum bin as well. 

Material: Natural jute | Pile: 0.2 inches | Sizes: 12 sizes, ranging from 2 x 3 feet to 12 x 16 feet (plus the option to customize)

Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

Revival

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • It has a high-quality feel and adds a subtle pop of color to your space.

What Could Be Improved
  • The dense material is stiff, and liquid stains may be hard to remove.

If you’re in search of a stylish statement piece, consider adding this decorative wool rug to your home. We found the ombre coloring perfectly muted, offering a subtle warmth to any space. It is also one of the most dense rugs that we tested with fibers closely packed together, resulting in a high-quality feel. The dense texture felt stiff, though it wasn’t scratchy. 

After scratching the rug with the pet brush, a small ball of fibers came off. Once we vacuumed the scratched area, however, we could hardly tell where the fibers came from. The vacuum also suctioned up the coffee grounds effortlessly in our testing. After using a cleaning solution and blotting the chocolate syrup stain, we removed only 65% of the stain, and there was a noticeable mark where it had been. Due to the fairly high pile, removing pet hair proved a bit difficult, though our pet rake simplified the process.

The rug held up well after walking on it, and its low pile makes us expect it to be suitable for high-traffic areas. Since the fibers are stained throughout, not just on top, the color is designed to stay vibrant over time. We're big fans of the ombre pattern, which is subtle enough to blend into our decor while still adding a pop of color to our space. Throughout two months of use, the rug has maintained its appearance with no signs of wear. The rug is on the pricier side, but if you want a high-quality pick to add a pop of color to your bedroom or playroom, it’s worth the buy. 

Material: Wool | Pile: 0.3 inches | Sizes: Seven sizes, ranging from 4 x 6 feet to 8 x 10 feet (plus the option to customize)

Best Textured

IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug

Ikea Lydersholm Rug

IKEA

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • Its large size is ideal for big spaces, and its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas inside and outside.

What Could Be Improved
  • The thin, coarse material may be painful on bare feet.

If you’re looking for a large rug to use in your living room or on your outdoor patio, this woven one from Ikea may be the perfect pick. The Lydersholm Rug is hands down one of the most durable rugs we tested. It held up well during the clawing test—no fibers came out, and the material looked almost as good as new. 

The rug is also very easy to clean. The coffee grounds came up after a single pass of the vacuum, and the pile remained unchanged afterward. The chocolate syrup also cleaned up relatively well, although some liquid got caught in the gaps of the chorded weave, leaving behind a dark stain. The woven chords are coarse, similar to the texture of rope, and the pile is nearly non-existent. While this choice may not be comfortable to walk barefoot on, the durable design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The low pile height was not at all affected by our feet, and our footprints made no lasting impact on its appearance. We recommend adding an anti-slip mat beneath it to keep the rug secure. 

Given the rug’s durability and ease of cleaning dry dirt, we think this would be ideal for heavy-use areas, specifically places where you often walk with shoes on. It has held up well throughout two months of high foot traffic and frequent cleaning, with no noticeable changes. We also found its price was appropriate given its large size and the fact that it will likely last through years of wear. Though it's not the most vibrant option, its natural, rustic look will blend seamlessly in outdoor areas and mudrooms. 

Material: Polypropylene, synthetic latex backing | Pile: Not Specified | Sizes: 5.25 x 7.58 feet, 6.58 x 9.83 feet

Best Contemporary

AllModern Walker Area Rug

AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

AllModern

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What Stands Out
  • The checkered pattern is fun and fresh.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have skid-proof backing and may be difficult to clean.

This checkered shag rug adds contemporary flair to any living space and is available in seven colors. We were impressed by its dense, soft pile, which remained consistent throughout the entire rug. It also laid completely flat without curling at the edges. After using a pet brush on the rug, we noticed a slight lightening and fuzziness in that area. The high pile sank down a bit after repeated walking, but it didn’t look worn and maintained its overall appearance. The lack of skid-backing made it slide easily during our testing, so we recommend adding a mat beneath it to keep it secure. 

Though the manufacturer claims the rug is stain-resistant, we were disappointed by its performance in this category during our lab tests. Vacuuming the rug was relatively easy, although we did need to make a few extra passes due to its high pile. However, when removing the chocolate syrup stains, we had to blot four times until the stain stopped coming off on our paper towel. Once we completed the process, the stain was 95% gone, leaving only a shadow.

Despite its performance in our lab tests, the rug has has held up surprisingly well long-term—it looks plush and fluffy after vacuuming and has endured no stains, matting, or discoloration throughout two months of use. Still, due to the lack of stain resistance and the high pile height, we feel this rug would be better suited for low-traffic areas like a bedroom or living room rather than a kitchen or entryway. 

Material: Polypropylene shag | Pile: 1.3 inches | Sizes: Eight sizes, ranging from 4.3 by 6 feet to 6.58 by 9 feet

Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • It comes in various sizes and colors, making it a versatile accent for any space.

What Could Be Improved
  • The high pile can become slightly misshapen after vacuuming.

If you want a versatile, furry accent rug to spice up your space, consider this decorative faux fur option from Ashler. Despite its soft material, we were amazed that the rug didn’t shed when we ran our hand over it. We were also impressed by the rug’s durability, as its slip-resistant suede leather bottom prevented it from shifting when we walked on it. The rug is still soft to the touch, even after two months of use, with no changes in texture or quality.

The accent rug performed surprisingly well in our vacuum test, so long as we kept one foot on the opposite end to secure it. We removed all the coffee grounds on the high vacuum setting, and none of the furs got stuck in the vacuum bin. Given the rug’s high-quality construction, we believe it would work well in high-traffic areas. It was slightly misshapen post-vacuuming, but it eventually returned to its original state. After rubbing the chocolate syrup stain twice, approximately 80% came out. 

Available in 24 colors and 17 sizes, this rug is versatile enough for any room or area. It’s so affordable that you could even purchase multiple colors and sizes to swap in and out. We think the rug’s soft surface could serve as a cozy pet bed, stylish accent rug, or comfortable chair cushion. 

Material: Faux sheepskin fur, suede non-slip backing | Pile: 2.8 inches | Sizes: 17 sizes, ranging from 2 x 2.9 feet to 6 x 9 feet

Amazon Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor & Outdoor Casual Solid Tonal Border Area Rug

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The durable polypropylene material is lightweight and well-suited for outdoor use. 

What Could Be Improved
  • Liquid stains may be difficult to remove.

The right rug can enhance any outdoor space, and the Unique Loom Outdoor Border Area Rug is a great addition to any deck or patio. We found the rug incredibly easy to fold and carry, so much so that you could even use it as a picnic blanket. It didn’t bunch up at all when we walked on it or dragged a plant pot over it, making it suitable for navigating around outdoor furniture. However, in terms of comfort, the rug left something to be desired. We were able to feel rocks beneath it in our testing, and the rough texture was a bit harsh on our bare feet. Even so, the rug’s tough feel and low pile height make it suitable for outdoor use, where you’d likely be wearing shoes anyway. 

We were impressed by the rug’s durability, thanks to its flexible, polypropylene material. This fabric is resistant to mildew and mold, so we expect it would fare well in inclement weather conditions. Even after four months of use, the rug maintained its high quality feel. Cleaning the rug was a breeze, as we were able to remove dry dirt with a broom and vacuum without leaving any damage. We did struggle to remove the barbecue sauce stain, though, which persisted even after continuous blotting. 

Material: Polypropylene | Pile: 0.17 inches | Sizes: 16 sizes, ranging from 2 x 6 feet to 9 x 12 feet 

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the AllModern Ovid Rug due to its lightweight design, ease of cleaning, and low pile, all of which make it suitable for high-traffic areas. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug is another durable, plush choice to consider.

Our Testing Process

We've tested over 130 different area rugs to date, assessing them based on quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. Our first test involved evaluating each rug's quality and texture. We inspected the rugs after leaving them open and laid out for two weeks. We examined the density and thickness of the pile, as well as the texture and softness, and noted whether there were any loose threads. We evaluated how flat the rug lay on the floor, looking for any curling along the corners or edges.

Next, we tested each rug's durability. With our bare feet, we walked across the rugs, examining their plushness and cushioning. For the rugs that came with a rug pad or non-skid backing, we pushed them with our feet to see how easily they slid or if they stayed in place. On the bottom left corner of each rug, we took a pet brush and brushed it similarly to how a dog or cat might claw it. We did this aggressively for 10 seconds. If we noticed any significant damage, we stopped before the 10-second mark and noted how many seconds elapsed when we saw the damage. 

Our next test helped us evaluate ease of care. Next to the abraded area, we sprinkled one teaspoon of coffee grounds into the carpet fibers. We vacuumed the region, observing how well the vacuum removed the grounds. For the rugs undergoing the stain test, we applied 0.25 teaspoons of chocolate syrup near the edge of the rug. After letting the stain sit for five minutes, we wiped the excess syrup with paper towels. If the stains didn’t lift from the dry paper towel, we saturated the area with a DIY stain remover and let them sit for a few more seconds. We wiped up the stain remover and blotted it with a paper towel again, observing how much effort was required to remove the stain, how much of the stain we successfully removed, and how saturated the stain was.

For long-term insights, we took the rugs home to evaluate their durability after two and six months of real-world use. We plan to update this article according to those insights.

A person brushes the Rugs USA Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Area Rug

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

How to Shop for Rugs Like a Pro

Size

When determining the right size rug for any space, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the furniture in the room you’re shopping for, and make sure you measure your space and know the layout of the room before you start shopping. “A good rule of thumb is to aim to have at least the front-facing legs of each piece of furniture sitting on the rug,” says Humphrey. “But if you can, it’s even better to have all legs of all furniture sitting on it.”  

For a dining room, Gates says that all four legs of the dining chairs should remain on the rug, even when pulled out. “This makes the room look larger, too," she explains. "A correctly sized rug anchors your space and makes it feel grounded and cohesive.” 

For a bedroom, your rug ideally should run a little more than halfway under your bed, ending right before your nightstands. “This can be a tricky fit for some bedrooms, especially ones that are long and narrow, so look for brands with custom sizing options,” says Gates. Lots of rug brands have handy sizing guides on their sites as well to make it easier to help visualize specific rug sizes in your room.

Material

Rugs come in many different materials, all of which have pros and cons depending on your budget, where you want to put your rug, your decor style, and their general longevity. One of the most common materials is wool, one of Morse's favorites. “It’s soft underfoot and great at insulating cold rooms, as well as being easy to clean and usually designed to withstand years of wear and tear,” she says. Wool rugs are great for high-traffic areas of your home like entryways, living rooms, and hallways. Keep in mind that wool rugs tend to be more of an investment compared to other materials and aren’t good at absorbency, so they shouldn’t be in an area with a lot of moisture.  

If you’re on a budget and want an easy-to-care-for rug, cotton is a good choice. Lots of flatweave rugs are made from cotton, like dhurries and kilims, and you can generally find cotton rugs that are also washable. The biggest con is longevity—while they’re easy to care for, they can often start to fade and wear down, making them best for more relaxed areas of your home, like a bedroom. If you’re looking to add texture to your space, natural fiber options like jute or sisal are excellent choices. These materials are usually pretty hardy and often a favorite choice for hallways or entries, but they can be hard to get stains out of, so you have to make sure to treat spills immediately.  

Other budget-friendly rug materials are synthetics like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. You can find synthetic rugs in lots of style options, and they’re often used for indoor/outdoor rugs. “Polypropylene indoor-outdoor rugs are so easy to care for because you can practically just hose them off,” says Gates, who likes using indoor/outdoor rugs for clients with pets and kids. Depending on the specific synthetic material, however, they might not feel as cozy and luxe as a wool rug and can be more prone to damage compared to other materials.

Pile Height

When choosing a rug, consider what pile height works best in your home. Generally speaking, if a rug’s height is less than 0.25 inches, it’s considered a low pile, 0.25-0.5 inches is a medium pile, and over 0.5 inches is considered plush or high pile. 

While some plush rugs, like shag, feel cozier and luxe, they may require more care and vacuuming than thinner rugs. “If you're looking for a plush, cozy rug for a nursery or playroom where you'll often be on the floor, you want a higher pile,” says Gates. “If it's a high-traffic area, a lower pile is ideal because it's easier to clean.”

Humphrey notes that while choosing the ideal pile height depends on use and setting, “a low to medium pile rug is always a safe bed for a higher-traffic area” as it tends to wear better. 

Also, consider where you place the rug. You may need to rotate plush rugs more often if there’s heavy furniture sitting on them so that the fibers don’t get permanently crushed under the weight of the legs. And another consideration is how often you vacuum. Jute, wool, and shag rugs tend to shed more, though regular vacuuming can help minimize that downside. 

Gates also explains the importance of placement relative to doors. “You should take note of the space between the bottom of a door and the floor so that the door can swing open easily without running into the rug,” says Gates.

More Area Rugs to Consider

Rifle Paper Co. Provence Joliette Power-Loomed Rug: We were impressed by this rug’s durability and how easily we were able to remove the coffee grounds and chocolate syrup stain. While the rug’s low pile makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, we found it slippery, even after adding a rug pad beneath it. 

Rugs USA Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Area Rug: This rug’s simple geometric design stood out to us, and it performed well during our stain removal test. Even so, the material frayed when we scratched it with a pet brush, making us question its durability.

person inspects botton of rifle paper co provenance joilette rug

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Questions You Might Ask

What type of rug is best for pet owners?

When choosing a rug, Gates notes that pet owners should consider first the ease of cleaning and the weave. She recommends avoiding viscose, jute, sisal, and silk, which stain easily. Though these materials may not necessarily reduce the rug's overall quality, they may be less suitable for dirty paws and tracked mud.

Along with stain resistance, durability is another factor, as looser weaves may snag more easily. “Rugs with a tight weave are ideal because dogs and cats are less likely to get their nails stuck/snagged,” says Gates.

What type of rug is easiest to keep clean?

Gates says that indoor/outdoor rugs made with polypropylene are generally easy to clean, while Humphrey notes that low-pile knotted rugs tend to have long lifetimes. “Vintage/antique rugs are easy to clean because the patterns are often dense with saturated colors and can hide a number of sins,” says Gates.

High-pile rugs, like shag rugs, require a bit of extra care, because dirt can easily get embedded in the longer fibers. Still, they aren't necessarily difficult to clean—they just need a bit more time.

How can you tell if a rug is good quality?

According to Gates, determining a rug’s quality is totally dependent on your objectives and preferences. Humphrey notes that you can deduce a rug’s quality by the materials and how it’s loomed, tufted, or knotted. “Handmade/bespoke rugs are the most valuable,” says Humphrey. “Price typically doesn’t lie—you get what you pay for."

How much should you expect to spend on a rug?

Gates says the cost of a rug is dependent on its size, construction, materials, and customization. If you want a more budget-friendly option, she recommends checking out rug showrooms, which often offer in-stock choices at cheaper prices. 

“One thing we often tell clients is not to sacrifice size based on price—a lot of consumers end up buying a smaller (too small) rug because it's a little bit less expensive, but we find it's worth it to spend a bit more to have a rug that's the right size,” says Gates. Humphrey adds that you should expect to pay at least $1,000 for a quality rug.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To find the best area rugs, we tested 30 different area rugs, assessing them based on quality, texture, durability, ease of cleaning, and value. For insight, we tapped four experts: Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer of CW Interiors, Erin Gates, designer and founder of the blog Elements of Style, Andi Morse of Morse Design, and interior designer Max Humphrey.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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