17 Area Rugs That Look Even Better Than New Hardwood Floors

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I’ll be frank: I knew next to nothing about the topic when I set out to find the best area rugs, but the carpeting gods blessed me with two incredibly resourceful experts to help guide my search. “Area rugs are magic,” says potter and designer Jonathan Adler. They can provide spatial definition, sound absorption, floor protection, comfort, a pop of color, and even a sense of interior cohesion.

According to Adler, “a good quality [rug] avoids the three S’s: shedding, sliding, and stains.” His designs are sold at his namesake store, but Adler also collaborated with the popular brand Ruggable, known for its industry-disrupting machine washable rugs. Therese Germain, vice president of product at Ruggable, is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. She schooled me. An area rug should be two things, Germain says: easy to clean and non-slip (adding a rug pad works).

The style you choose is entirely up to you and largely depends on the desired effect, but I do have some dimensional wisdom to share. Adler says, “Like so much in life, size matters!” There are differing schools of thought regarding how big an area rug should be, but there’s no right or wrong way. “A good rule is to choose an area rug that’s six to 12 inches bigger than your furniture grouping to ensure there’s space for the legs,” says Adler. Will you prefer all four legs of your beloved Amazon couch to rest on the rug, or perhaps just the front two? Meanwhile, Germain recommends using painter’s tape to map a variety of sizes on the floor to help you decide. Her general suggestion is to leave 11-17 inches of visible floor space between the edge of a rug and the wall.

And don’t neglect texture. If you’re going for a cozy vibe, try something thick-piled. For more high-trafficked parts of your home, a low-pile or flat rug will withstand more wear and tear, per Germain. Hopefully, you now feel a tad more informed and ready to make a fabulous purchase. Whether you’re looking to invest in a luxury rug or prefer Amazon home décor, there’s something for everyone—and every room, for that matter. Ahead, find my list of the 17 best area rugs.

Faux Cow Hide Rug

Western trends aside, this area rug is so chic. It makes a statement, and reviewers say it looks real (and expensive).

Colors: Caramel, Black, Olive Green

Sizes: 6 options

Material: Faux leather

Customer review: “Love, love this rug. It is very soft. There were creases from packing but came out over time. My robotic vacuum keeps it clean. It is a wonderful accent piece.”

Large Grey Shag Plush Carpet

The 1970s called, and they want to know why more people don’t have shag carpets. So soft, and so nice to sit on!

Colors: 10 options

Sizes: 7 options

Material: Microfiber

Customer review: “Love the color, the length of the shag is perfect, it’s definitely thick enough to last and feels great on bare feet. It came vacuum sealed with no funny smells and opened right up without any creases or folds…I plan on buying another one for the bedroom. Definitely worth it.”

Hira Natural Ivory Rug

This type of natural-looking woven rug is never a bad move. It can really ground a space and pairs well with any aesthetic. As a bonus, Germain says light colored rugs can make a space feel a little bigger.

Colors: Natural Ivory, Metal Grey

Sizes: 3 options

Material: Wool blend

Customer review: “This is wayyyy softer than I was expecting, it’s plush and looks fabulous. The color is true tie the pictures and I am SO HAPPY! I almost want another one for a different room.”

Aravis Geometric Ivory/Green Area Rug

When in doubt, this kind of design looks good anywhere and everywhere. Plus, Wayfair has a ton of great options to browse.

Colors: 16 options

Sizes: 8 options

Material: Polypropylene

Customer review: “Excellent quality. Super soft and fluffy. Love the feel under my feet.”

Light Multi Moroccan Trellis Area Rug

For a dose of color that’s just right, I always recommend a mostly neutral-hued item with subtle colorful embellishment, like this stunning option that features a rainbow of colors throughout.

Colors: 12 options

Sizes: 34 options

Material: Polypropylene

Customer review: “This handsome rug works miracles as a hallway runner—its clean background keeps things open and bright, while its multiple-colored design promises cheer and adventure ahead. We couldn’t be happier.”

Gray Ecorse Zebra Print Area Rug

As I prepare to outfit my own new space, this faded zebra print is top of mind. How could you resist?

Colors: Grey, Beige, Yellow

Sizes: 7 options

Material: Polypropylene

Customer review: “This rug came quickly and looks AMAZING! It’s not ‘too much’ and loud. I have expensive taste and could not believe the quality and subtle features for the price!! Everyone that’s seen it thought it was high-end and agreed that it is perfect.”

Athena Reversible Persian Rug

Why aren’t more rugs reversible? It’s so genius. You will need a rug pad underneath it, however.

Colors: Washed Blue

Sizes: 5 options

Material: Polyester, cotton

Jaela Hand-Tufted Wool Rug

If you have a gallery wall or a packed bookshelf and are trying to keep the carpet on the minimalistic side, this hand-tufted option is gorgeous, versatile, and timeless. You’ll have it for years.

Colors: Oat

Sizes: 5 options

Material: Natural wool

Purple Dune Rug

As a longtime fan of Mush Studios, I simply have to mention this boutique, artisanal brand. While the price point is higher, each handmade rug is so beautiful and unconventional. Add this to your home and the compliments will flow, there’s no doubt about that.

Colors: Wisteria

Sizes: 60 inches by 45 inches

Material: Wool

Large Wool-Blend Rug

Checkered prints are seriously en vogue, and I personally think an area rug is one of the best ways to add a contemporary flair to your space.

Colors: Black, Yellow

Sizes: 79 inches by 118 inches

Material: Wool, cotton

Leopard Print Art Area Rug

Call me crazy, but I think a touch of animal print can be fun—and totally tasteful.

Colors: Brown Multi

Sizes: 7 options

Material: Polyester

Blackthorn Forest Green Rug

Ruggable’s vast selection of washable rugs is unbeatable. I love the dark floral print of this runner.

Colors: Forest Green or Ivory

Sizes: 9 options

Material: Polyester

Customer review: “Absolutely love it, very impressed with the quality and the gorgeous print, plus it looks great in my bedroom.”

Greek Key Border Reversible Peruvian Flatweave Round Rug

You already know I love Jonathan Adler, and now you can see why. There is something so intensely regal about this circular rug. I think it would make any room just a bit more posh.

Colors: Ivory

Sizes: 2 options

Material: Wool

Handmade Bellagio Fronnie Oriental Medallion Wool Rug

Medallion rugs are one of the most popular designs, and Safavieh makes a ton of iterations.

Colors: 8 options

Sizes: 26 options

Material: Wool

Customer review: “Looks exactly like the photo unlike most rugs online! This is absolutely stunning! It ties in all my decor. The rug is sooo thick and soft. Obsessed and have been getting so many compliments on this rug!”

Echo Organic Wool Handmade Colorful Tufted Abstract Rug

Forget about statement walls and get into statement floors. This carpet is so unique and artfully made.

Colors: Multi

Sizes: 3 options

Material: Wool, cotton

Customer review: “It’s a conversation piece and adds so much to our room. I had been looking for something different for a while, and have found it!”

Ribbon Runner

I’m a fashion girl, of course I’m going to include Sandy Liang’s novel home line. But to be clear, you don’t have to be of the sartorial set to appreciate this sweet bow print.

Colors: Dark Green

Sizes: 30 inches by 108 inches

Material: Wool

Rectangle Gibelly Geometric Handmade Wool Area Rug

I like that this rug is neither outlandish nor ordinary. The simple design is made more complex by the unconventional perimeter. The result? Lovely.

Colors: Pink/Green, Light/Dark Blue

Sizes: 4 options

Material: Wool

Customer review: “Thick, soft and vibrant.”

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