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While some may dare to go bare when it comes to designing their space, a good-quality, eye-catching area rug is a great way to incorporate some warmth and texture, really pulling a room together. However, it can be hard not to feel a bit floored by the sheer volume of possibilities.
Is it better to opt for a sturdy synthetic or a more indulgent, luxurious wool? Should you go solid? Traditional? Modern? Though some choices largely come down to personal aesthetic, we’re here to help you take the first step in your rug-buying journey. With an assist from a trio of design pros, we’ve rounded up the best spots to shop for your new favorite rug.
What to keep in mind when buying rugs:
How big of a rug do you need?
Size matters. Interior designer Dai recommends considering the scale of the rug in proportion to the room. “A small rug may look awkward in a large room,” she notes, “whereas an oversized rug may be overwhelming in a tiny space.”
When laying everything out, there are two options, adds Beryl. If space allows in a living room or bedroom, says the owner of Emma Beryl Interiors, “you can get a large rug and have all of your furniture pieces sit comfortably on it with at least a foot of rug bordering all furniture pieces.” In a smaller room, she suggests, “rest the front half of the furniture on the rug and the back half off. This way a rug can fit, and it looks purposeful and unified.”th
Where will you use it?
As a rule, Brandfon, founder of Brooklyn, N.Y. interior design firm Lex & Hudson, recommends natural materials for her clients like mohair, silk, jute and “especially wool for its durability and cleanability.” If the covering is meant for a bedroom, she really likes to dial up the softness with “luxurious high pile rugs that add comfort.”
However, if you’re on the hunt for something to lay in a high-traffic area like an entryway, laundry room, kitchen or playroom, it’s smart to opt for a more durable flat-weave, like a wear-resistant jute or sisal.
What’s your go-to design aesthetic?
Keep in mind, this is something you’re going to be looking at on the regular, so consider if you’d prefer the more monochromatic look a solid shade might provide, or if you’d like a multi-color patterned option that not only makes a statement, but also tends to be better at camouflaging stains.
Our top picks for the best places to buy rugs
Lulu & Georgia
Almost like having an interior designer at your fingertips, the home décor brand, Lulu & Georgia, “offers a diverse range of products,” raves interior designer Linette Dai. While it’s a great spot to grab exclusive designer collabs (think: Sarah Sherman Samuel, Amber Lewis x Loloi) and one-of-a-kind vintage gems, “the best part is you can save a ton of time sifting through endless options from various retailers,” says Dai, founder of Linette Dai Design. “Lulu & Georgia has already handpicked the most desirable and trend-forward options in any style.”
What to know:
- Price range: $29–$15,500
- Return policy: 60 days, shipping fees are not refunded
- Delivery options: All items ship via FedEx unless noted as oversize or white glove delivery
- Shipping time: Pieces ship within 14-18 business days
What we like:
- A curated collection that feels expansive, but not overwhelming
- Truly one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and designer collaborations
- A rewards program that lets you earn points toward money off future purchases
What we don’t like:
- With an aesthetic that compliments neutral shades, it’s not the place to look for a super bright piece
The bottom line:
Not sure where to start? Lulu & Georgia does the work for you, offering a carefully curated collection of affordable stunners.
Lulu & Georgia
Not sure where to start? Lulu & Georgia does the work for you, offering a carefully curated collection of affordable stunners.
West Elm
Find yourself drooling over furnishings with clean, curved lines and tapered legs? Have a fondness for all things teak? Consider the wares from the beloved mid-century modern brand known for its sectional sofas, cozy throws and dinner party hosting essentials. West Elm offers premium wool pieces with geometric designs, Moroccan-inspired rugs and sleek, low-maintenance flat weaves.
What to know:
- Price range: $35-$5,805
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Front door delivery through UPS or white glove delivery options
- Shipping time: Smaller items ship within 2 business days, larger pieces are scheduled through home delivery
What we like:
- Many pieces are hand-woven or hand-loomed using high-quality materials
- Modern styles that feel timeless and easily coordinate with any décor
What we don’t like:
- Not all pieces are available for immediate delivery
The bottom line:
Stock up on all manner of mid-century modern wares, including graphic prints and chunky knits.
West Elm
Stock up on all manner of mid-century modern wares, including graphic prints and chunky knits.
Ruggable
Two words: machine washable. With more than 2,000 options, you’re sure to find a style that suits you, whether you tend toward farmhouse furnishings or love a good Moroccan rug. The standout feature is the fact that each covering—including their collection of best outdoor rugs—can be thrown directly in the wash, even after the most major spills.
What to know:
- Price range: $89–$759
- Return policy: 30 days, with a $25 processing fee
- Delivery options: All orders ship free through FedEx
- Shipping time: U.S. orders ship within 1-2 weeks
What we like:
- Rugs are spill proof and machine washable
- The brand offers a wide range of styles, colors and sizes
- Free standard shipping in the contiguous United States
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers complained about issues with fading and curling edges
The bottom line:
Each of the 2,000-plus traditional styles on offer at Ruggable have one major feature in common: They’re machine washable.
Ruggable
Each of the 2,000-plus traditional styles on offer at Ruggable have one major feature in common: They’re machine washable.
Anthropologie
The brand beloved for its clothing, accessories and homewares like candles also nails floor coverings with a selection that’s fun (fancy a plush nylon cheetah print?) colorful and romantic, thanks to a Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi collaboration. While prices can trend higher, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique, eye-catching piece.
What to know:
- Price range: $48-$15,600
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Doorstep or white glove delivery
- Shipping time: Varies by piece
What we like:
- Fun, colorful, unique options sure to add style to any space
- Options to search by style, pattern and features like responsibly made pieces
- Generous return policy
What we don’t like:
- The beautiful statement-making pieces can come at a cost
The bottom line:
Score an eye-catching statement piece in a bold color or pattern at the popular retailer.
Anthropologie
Score an eye-catching statement piece in a bold color or pattern at the popular retailer.
Rugs Direct
As the name suggests, the online retailer is the spot to score the floor covering of your dreams direct-to-your-door with their 200,000-plus offerings including designer collabs (Ralph Lauren, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, Amber Lewis x Loloi), machine washable options and custom sizes. As the sheer amount can feel overwhelming, the brand offers both a rug finder quiz and a room visualizer tool to help narrow down the best picks for your space.
What to know:
- Price range: $4-$30,885
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Most orders are shipped via UPS
- Shipping time: Most orders ship in one or two days
What we like:
- More than 200,000 options with new styles added every day
- A rug finder quiz and room visualizers helps hone in on the best styles for you
- Fun designer collaborations
What we don’t like:
- While shipping is free, there’s a handling charge on each purchase
The bottom line:
With more than 200,000(!) rug options to choose from, the online retailer practically guarantees you’ll find a good floor covering for your space.
Rugs Direct
With more than 200,000(!) rug options to choose from, the online retailer practically guarantees you’ll find a good floor covering for your space.
Rugs USA
For the budget conscious or those who like to change up their décor, the online retailer offers a selection of more than 4,000 rugs—many for less than $100, plus a hearty selection of sale pieces. (They also have free three-day shipping and the option to return within 30 days.) Though the options can feel endless, shoppers can narrow it down by size, color, material, patterns, or by shopping for washable pieces or designer exclusives.
What to know:
- Price range: $29-$7,958
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Rugs USA utilizes FedEx’s Carbon Offset Program to ship all purchases
- Shipping time: Most pieces have free three-day delivery
What we like:
- Large, affordable selection of rugs
- Options to search by size, color, material, patterns or designer collaborations
What we don’t like:
- Quality can vary based on the product, so checking customer reviews is a must before you click “buy”
The bottom line:
A great spot for those looking to make a budget-conscious purchase, Rugs USA has more than 4,000 affordable offerings in a wide range of patterns, materials and styles.
Rugs USA
A great spot for those looking to make a budget-conscious purchase, Rugs USA has more than 4,000 affordable offerings in a wide range of patterns, materials and styles.
Pottery Barn
Already a go-to spot for timeless, durable home goods, the popular furniture brand has upwards of 700 high-quality rugs in rich colors and textures like jute and sisal and hand-knotted wool. It’s especially a destination spot if you gravitate towards neutral decor, farmhouse styles, and traditional patterns.
What to know:
- Price range: $25-$20,689
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Options range from standard shipping to white glove delivery
- Shipping time: Most pieces arrive within five business days
What we like:
- Beautiful, timeless designs
- Options in high-quality materials like wool, jute and sisal
What we don’t like:
- Prices can be a little high
The bottom line:
Pottery Barn is the spot to pick up classic farmhouse-style designs in high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn is the spot to pick up classic farmhouse-style designs in high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Annie Selke
Known for bright hues, fun prints and pieces meant to spark a dose of happiness into your space, the eponymous, New England-based brand boasts a collection of 700-plus rugs including custom-sized pieces. While options range from hand-knotted wool to easy-to-clean performance fibers, interior designer Lexi Brandfon particularly enjoys their “great inexpensive flatweaves.”
What to know:
- Price range: $4–$9,678
- Return policy: 30 days, large items subject to a 15% restocking fee
- Delivery options: Ground shipping to the contiguous U.S. and Canada with expedited shipping options
- Shipping time: In-stock items ship within 48 hours
What we like:
- Happy patterns and bold hues that are sure to bring liveliness into any space
- Options for custom sizing
- Quick shipping
What we don’t like:
- Some customers complained about the quality of particular rugs
The bottom line:
With 700-plus rugs in stock, the options are nearly endless, but the brand is best known for bold hues and fun prints.
Annie Selke
With 700-plus rugs in stock, the options are nearly endless, but the brand is best known for bold hues and fun prints.
Wayfair
With a seemingly endless array of options (more than 250,000 in-stock area rugs) and covetable picks by Chris Loves Julia x Loloi and Scott Living by Drew and Jonathan, one of the best online furniture stores famously has just what you need. Search by shape, designer or explore their curated collections to narrow it down to your perfect choice. Enjoy it immediately with their super-fast shipping.
What to know:
- Price range: $50–$145,000
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Options range from FedEx to white glove delivery.
- Shipping time: All items ship within 3-5 business days
What we like:
- A huge selection practically guarantees you’ll find something you like
- Most items have free 2-day shipping
What we don’t like:
- The sheer amount of options can feel a bit overwhelming
The bottom line:
You can get just what you need from Wayfair’s massive collection of rugs and have it in your home fast.
Wayfair
You can get just what you need from Wayfair’s massive collection of rugs and have it in your home fast.
Amazon
You can, in fact, buy a quality area rug from the same spot you order diapers. While it may not be the place to hunt down a one-of-a-kind name brand piece, the sheer volume of inventory (and ability to search by price, material and size) means you’re likely to find what you need at a wallet-friendly price. With Prime delivery, you can have it in your home ASAP.
What to know:
- Price range: $83–$74,000
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Amazon packages arrive via USPS, UPS or FedEx.
- Shipping time: Varies
What we like:
- Budget-friendly options
- Seemingly endless inventory
- Option for two-day shipping
What we don’t like:
- Sifting through all of the options available can take some time
The bottom line:
The online retailer is a one-stop shop for seemingly everything, including budget-friendly floor coverings.
Amazon
The online retailer is a one-stop shop for seemingly everything, including budget-friendly floor coverings.
Serena & Lily
Another favorite of Brandfon’s, the California-based home décor brand, Serena & Lily, known for its casual, yet elegant coastal vibe and modern lines. If you’re drawn to neutrals, light blues and all things jute, you’ll want to take a look through their 100-plus offerings.
What to know:
- Price range: $88-$11,998
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Options range from FedEx to white glove delivery
- Shipping time: Rugs ship within 1-3 weeks.
What we like:
- Cool California coastal vibes and timeless designs
- High quality materials
What we don’t like:
- Prices are definitely on the higher end
The bottom line:
Think coastal grandmother vibe, but for your living room with a slew of refined rugs in neutral and blue hues.
Serena & Lily
Think coastal grandmother vibe, but for your living room with a slew of refined rugs in neutral and blue hues.
AllModern
For those on the hunt for modern options—think geometric designs, minimalist and mid-century modern pieces—AllModern offers stylish, budget-friendly picks (with frequent markdowns). Throw in free delivery and collaborations with big name designers like Jason Wu and you’ve got an easy, affordable way to upgrade your space.
What to know:
- Price range: $18–$7,600
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Options range from FedEx to white glove delivery
- Shipping time: Small items ship within 2 business days; larger within 3 weeks
What we like:
- More than 700 attractive options in a wide range of shades, patterns and materials
- Free delivery and frequent sales
- Solid mix of natural fibers like jute, sisal and wool and more durable performance fabrics
What we don’t like:
- As the name might suggest, this isn’t the place to look for more vintage styles
The bottom line:
AllModern is a good place to score fun, geometric styles and other modern pieces at a smart price.
AllModern
AllModern is a good place to score fun, geometric styles and other modern pieces at a smart price.
Revival Rugs
In with the old, in with the new—this U.S and Turkey based brand offers a solid mix of both. Whether it’s their one-of-a-kind, expertly curated vintage pieces or their artisan-designed new pieces, the aim is to deliver high-quality, transformative pieces at a fair price.
What to know:
- Price range: $99-$5,879
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery options: Free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
- Shipping time: Orders ship within 10-15 business days
What we like:
- A selection of vintage rugs means you can get something truly one-of-a-kind
- A plethora of fun prints and colors
- Woven with traditional techniques, using natural fibers
What we don’t like:
- With many pieces labeled as “only one made,” you may need to act fast to get one you want
- Prices won’t suit someone on a tight budget
The bottom line:
Whether you opt for a vintage piece or a new weave, Revival is a good spot to score something unique.
Revival Rugs
Whether you opt for a vintage piece or a new weave, Revival is a good spot to score something unique.
Etsy
If you’ve got the time and the determination to sift through hundreds of thousands of options, the global online marketplace is the place to find a piece that is truly artisanal. Dreaming about a hand-woven jute runner? A hand-knitted chunky wool? There’s a seller that excels at just that. For interior designer Emma Beryl, it’s ideal for sourcing unique handmade Moroccan rugs.
What to know:
- Price range: Varies by seller
- Return policy: Varies by seller
- Delivery options: Varies by seller
- Shipping time: Varies by seller
What we like:
- With a vast array of options, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for
- Countless handmade, unique pieces
What we don’t like:
- There are so many options that looking for what you want might feel overwhelming
- Shipping times, return policies and prices vary significantly among the various independent sellers
The bottom line:
With scores of independent artisans, the online marketplace provides the opportunity to buy something that feels one-of-a-kind.
Etsy
With scores of independent artisans, the online marketplace provides the opportunity to buy something that feels one-of-a-kind.
Armadillo
With an aim toward creating thoughtful, sustainable, hand-crafted pieces, the female-owned brand “has an earth conscious ethos,” notes Dai, “and is committed to heritage craftsmanship that is evident in their beautiful natural handwoven rugs.” With a breadth of color, texture and composition on offer, the meticulously curated line also gets high marks from Brandfon.
What to know:
- Price range: $130-$17,640
- Return policy: 21 days, with a 10% return fee to cover shipping and restocking
- Delivery options: Free shipping within the contiguous United States or a premium option that includes installation and choice of delivery time
- Shipping time: Orders ship within 3 business days
What we like:
- Each piece is handmade by a team of artisans
- Rugs are crafted from carefully sourced, natural materials
- Their sale page has wares on offer for up to 50% off
What we don’t like:
- Not for someone looking to make a budget-conscious purchase
The bottom line:
Prioritizing craftsmanship and natural materials, Armadillo delivers when it comes to gorgeous, handwoven pieces.
Armadillo
Prioritizing craftsmanship and natural materials, Armadillo delivers when it comes to gorgeous, handwoven pieces.
How we select the best places to buy rugs
We did a thorough internet search of some of the most popular brands and selected the best based on a variety of options, durability, prices, shipping options and return policies.
We also relied on expertise from interior designers Beryl, Brandfon, and Dai on how to choose the right rug for your lifestyle and space, along with their recommendations for specific spots to shop.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much should a good quality rug cost?
While you can find inexpensive rugs, they’re likely to be made with lower-quality synthetics such as polyester or nylon. If you’re looking for something that will feel soft on your feet and last well-beyond a few seasons without shedding and pilling, experts agree you’ll be spending upwards of $400 and possibly into five-digit territory. “It’s a big range,” acknowledges Brandfon, “depending on a number of factors like size, quality, pile, color, production methods, trends and pedigree.” Typically, she adds, her clients are spending “anywhere from $1,000 to $12,000.”
How can you tell if a rug is high quality?
A quick check at the description will offer some strong clues, notes Beryl. “Most of the high-quality rugs I lean towards are hand knotted and are made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk, and jute,” she says. “These rugs tend to feel the best and last the longest.”
Another key factor “that many overlook,” she adds, “is whether or not the pattern is screen printed onto the top layer of fibers on the rug or if it is woven in through different color strands of materials. Screen-printed patterns will fade over time and the rug will eventually lose its color.”
For Brandon, one tell-tale sign is found on the back. “A machine-made rug generally is harder to roll over in a corner because it has a strong backing,” she notes, “while a hand-loomed rug is generally softer and you can flip over an edge easily.”
How do you know what size rug to get?
Step one, says Dai, is to “consider the function and purpose of the rug.” If you’re using the piece to create a defined space within a room, make sure that all the key furniture pieces of that particular layout are able to be either fully or partially placed on the rug,” she said. You’ll want the floor covering extending beyond the furniture by at least six to 12 inches.
If you’re looking to fill a larger area—say an entire living room or under a bed—"a general guideline is to leave 12 to 18 inches of floor space between the edge of the rug and the wall,” says Dai. In a dining room, the key consideration is to allow enough room to accommodate both the table and the chairs when pushed out, she adds, “so a good rule of thumb is to add another 24 inches to each side of the table.”
What is the best time of year to buy a rug?
While it’s always smart to look during major retail sale seasons (think: Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day and other holidays), “usually the best deals are found in the clearance sale section which can be anytime of the year depending on the store,” says Dai. “This is where select normally high-priced, quality rugs can be marked down as much as 50 percent due to a color or style being discontinued or having excess in stock. Designer showrooms will also sometimes have sales when changing their showroom floor samples at the start of a new season or with the release of a new collection.”
How much should a good quality rug cost?
Generally speaking, the materials and how they’re produced play a huge part in cost. Rugs made using high-quality fabrics like silk tend to cost more as does anything that’s hand-crafted. “Because a machine-made rug can be made cheaper and faster, hand-loomed rugs are generally more expensive and special for that matter,” notes Brandfon, who adds, “quality materials always last longer and develop a nice worn-in quality over time.”
That being said, adds Beryl, “a rug doesn’t have to be super expensive to be good quality, you just want to look for hand knotted, natural materials, and make sure the pattern isn’t screen printed,” as those colors tend to slowly fade over time.
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