9 Best Area Rugs for Living Rooms and Lofts (2024)
[Editors note: These rugs are available in a variety of sizes and/or shapes. If youre looking for something smaller, larger, or in a different shape, click through to the product, and youll most likely find the best rug size for you.]Best Budget Rug: Joanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent RugAmazonRachel FletcherJoanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent RugLets just get down to brass tacks: This rug is cute. With chocolate brown stripes set on a light charcoal gray background, its fairly neutral but still has some personality. Its perfect for a home without a lot of conflicting colors and patterns (though I will note that its available in several other colorways). Designed by Joanna Gaines, itd look very at-home in a space sporting her signature farmhouse style, a cozy cabin, or a Scandinavian space. Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorSpecsMaterials: 100% polyesterPile Height: 0.25 inchSizes 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 instructionsThis 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. Its also recommended that it be vacuumed without a beater bar.Keep in mindSomething I really love about this rug is that its made with recycled materials. Yes, its polyester, but it really doesnt look or feel like itI 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, its definitely on the thinner side, so Id highly recommend a rug pad or backing of some sort.Best For Pet Owners: Castlery Cora Wool Area RugCastlery Cora Wool Area RugMy 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 isnt 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, AD visuals editorSpecsMaterials: 100% wool blendPile Height: 0.5"Sizes available: 5' x 8'; 7.5' x 9'; 9' x 12'Cleaning and care instructionsThis 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 mindAs Castlery notes on their website, this rug is prone to shedding at first. So far, it hasnt been visually apparent: Ive 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, theyve abandoned some of their favorite spots to lounge on this soft, squishy rug!Best Low-Pile Rug: Pottery Barn Merrin Hand-Knotted Wool RugPottery Barn Merrin Hand-Knotted Wool RugMoving into my boyfriends apartment has also meant that a revamp of his former bachelor pad is underway. (It would be unfair to say that he didnt try with his decor thougha 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, AD social media managerSpecsMaterials: 100% woolPile height: 0.25 inchSizes 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 instructionsThis rug is not washable. Vacuum regularly and/or shake, blot spills immediately with a white cloth, professional rug cleaning recommended as needed.Keep in mindThis rug is definitely on the more delicate and thinner side than what I am used toI would keep this in mind before purchasing. Its extremely soft; however, I would not describe it as being plush. Luckily we havent 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.Best For Busy Floors: Anthropologie Hand-Tufted Sculpted Daisy RugAnthropologieLauren ArzbaecherLauren ArzbaecherLauren ArzbaecherAnthropologie Hand-Tufted Sculpted Daisy RugThe faux marble floors in my apartment posed a dilemma in finding an area rug: What balances visually against a busy background without being boring? The answera simple color palette that loads up on texture. With hand-tufted floral details, this emerald green beauty brings three-dimensional intrigue to a monochromatic design. The color is reminiscent of faux grass, which I think adds a subtle, campy element to my spacealmost as if I could plop a plastic flamingo on top of it and it wouldnt look out of place. That small taste of humor behind an otherwise unassuming rug makes me smile every time I step into my living room. Lauren Arzbaecher, AD commerce producerSpecsMaterials: Wool, hand-tuftedPile Height: High-pile (0.55")Sizes available: 2' x 3'; 3' x 5'; 8' x 10'; 5' x 8; 9' x 12'; 2.5' x 9'; 10' x 14'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not washable. Vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting; blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth (professionally clean for best results).Keep in mindThis rug sheds a lot. The contrast of the dark green fibers against my light floors made the accumulation particularly noticeable. Anthropologie notes that the shedding will subside after around two months with regular vacuuming, though I still see a fair bit of shedding even after having had the rug for that long and running a robot vacuum once or twice each week.Best Jute Rug: Revival Hart Jute RugRevivalZo SessumsRevival Hart Jute RugI love a jute rug as a neutral, durable, area rug. This one softened up a multipurpose guest room/office thats 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. Zo Sessums, AD senior digital design editorSpecsMaterials: 100% natural, unbleached jutePile 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 12Cleaning and care instructionsThis 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 mindThe rug took about a week to lay completely flat on the floorI 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. Its pretty hefty, but I could manage carrying the 8' x 10' rug up three flights of stairs on my own.Best Shag Rug: The Citizenry Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain RugThe Citizenry Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain RugThis rug stood out to me because it features some colors I dont typically see paired: A rich rust and soft pinkI happen to have two macram leaves on my living room wall with that exact palette, so it was kismet. I love the rune-like figures, and it pulls off the look in a way thats really elegant and unexpected. Ive never had a shag rug before, but its so soft that I sometimes ditch my sofa and sit directly on it. Charlotte Collins, AD features editorSpecsMaterials: 100% woolPile Height: 1.5 inchesSizes available: 6' x 9'; 8' x 10'; 9' x 12'; 10' x 14'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Vacuum lightly at least once a week using only low suction and no beater brush, more frequent vacuuming will help prevent shedding. Avoid placing rugs in prolonged direct sunlight as this can cause fading. Rotate your rug every three to six months to prevent excessive wear and fading in one area.Keep in mindIt sheds! It doesnt shed as much as some other rugs Ive had, but its definitely something to be aware of. Apparently this is to be expected: The site info on the rug explains that shedding is normal in the first six months. Use a rug pad for this one or it will slide around a bit. This may be typical for shag rugs, but it feels a bit challenging to clean. I vacuum it once or twice a week, but because of its pile height, Im never 100% confident that its totally clean. However, I really love the look and feel of it, so Ive been able to overlook the drawbacks.Best Splurge Rug: Armadillo Cable RugArmadilloLila AllenLila AllenLila AllenArmadillo Cable RugThis high-end rug, which is made by Australian B-Corp brand Armadillo, uses a soumak weavea 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 theres a small strip of white cotton fringe on the ends. These rugs add dimension to a space, but quietlyso 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 its a tight weave, this seems like a great pick for a higher-traffic environment. Lila Allen, AD PRO associate directorSpecsMaterials: WoolPile Height: FlatweaveSizes available: 5'7" x 7'10"; 6'7" x 9'10"; 8'2" x 11'6"; 9'10" x 13'2"Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Water-based spills (think juice, coffee, or even pet accidents), can be cleaned with water; youll 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 mindThere were zero surprises on the unboxingthe rug looked and felt exactly as it was presented online. Unlike other wool rugs Ive 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 its a solid-ish shade, it can show dust and dirt faster than some other rugs. Be prepared to vacuum oftenthough, 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.)Best Color Options: Nordic Knots Grand RugNordic KnotsLisa AikenLisa AikenLisa AikenNordic Knots Grand RugThe Grand Rug from Nordic Knots was originally chosen for my living room, owing to minimal aesthetic but with an interesting shot of colorsomething 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 handily are 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 compact, feels luxurious underfoot, and holds shape with heavy furniture on top. Lisa Aiken, Cond Nast executive fashion directorSpecsMaterials: 100% WoolPile 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 availableCleaning and care instructionsThis rug is not machine washable. Vacuum only and professional care required for stains.Keep in mindThe weight of the rug is one of my favorite things, but laying it yourself is something to be aware ofits certainly not easy to maneuver. Similarly, the depth of the pile doesnt rebound if furniture is moved and it can be noticeable for days or weeks. The website warns of shedding but I havent had any experience of that.Best Rug For Families: Tumble Harlow Washable RugTumbleMegan WahnMegan WahnTumble Harlow Washable RugTumbles whole business model is creating rugs for everyday family life. This means making rugs that are machine washable and that can handle the wear and tear of kiddy shenanigans. One of the key ways the brand achieves making these kinds of sturdy home decor is by pairing their rugs with a nonslip pad that affixes to the material. They come in four or so puzzle pieces that then slot together and tuck into these pockets on each corner of the rug. I thought this construction was smart, but I particularly loved the pattern of this rug. I got the sage and natural colorway and felt really drawn to how the pattern and colors struck a fine balance between subtly neutral with just colorful enough. Megan Wahn, BA and Epicurious associate commerce editorSpecsMaterials: 100% polyesterPile Height: 1/8" highSizes available: 9' x 12'; 8' x 10'; 6' x 9'; 5' x 7'; 3' x 5'Cleaning and care instructionsThis rug is machine washable. Youre supposed to use a cold cycle and then dry on low heat.Keep in mindI hadnt realized the nonslip pad was a key part of the rugs construction and I couldnt really utilize it since I could move or lift my bed enough to get the foam pieces in place. I ended up ditching the foam cushioning and just rocking with the rug itselfwhich looks lovely in my space. The rug is quite thin and not using the foam cushioning means you lose any, well, cushioning with your rug. Still it accomplishes the job of making my room look less bare and more cozy.More Area Rugs We LoveHere 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.West Elm Tweed Flatweave Dhurrie RugThis high-quality, flatweave rug is a minimalists dream that would look equally lovely in a living room, loft, or dining room. Seen here in sand, its also available in granite (a light gray).Nisa Ink Black Tufted RugPlacing a rug in a high-traffic area? Consider a machine washable rug. Heres how it works: Most washable rugs are designed to be paired with a nonslip rug pad. The pad gives them the necessary cushion and comfort, but the top layer (the actual rug) can be popped off and tossed in the washing machine as needed. If your household has little kids or pets, that can mean a lot of wear and tear for your area rugsand knowing you can refresh them easily can provide a lot of peace of mind. This low-pile pick was designed by Hema Persad and is part of ADs collection with the brand.Article The Cossa RugArticle supplies both indoor and outdoor rug options, as well as unique options like this rustic staple. The natural cowhide will feature striking variations in pattern, color, and texture, which means each of these rugs is absolutely unique.Moroccan Berber Touch Checkered Area RugWere still not tired of the checked patternsee Aarica Nicholes green check rug in her Dallas home for inspirationand this best-selling beauty makes a bright and bold addition to your space. The handmade, wool rug is inspired by the checkered weavings crafted by nomadic tribes in Morocco. The Etsy shop Moroccan Berber Touch, has an extensive lineup of similar rugs in every color you can imagine (and they also make custom rugs).
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