10 Best Area Rugs for Living Rooms and Lofts (2025)


[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.]

Browse by category: Our Top Picks | More Area Rug Brands To Check Out | How We Tested

Castlery Cora Wool Area 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, AD visuals editor

  • 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.

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!

AllModern Racheal Light Green Rug

“I was instantly drawn to this simple yet charming rug from Allmodern. It’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for something neutral that still has a bit of character. The rug arrived rolled up in layers of plastic covering that kept it tightly protected and, once unwrapped, was super easy to unfurl onto my floor. I layered a few books to press down some of the corners that were slightly sticking up and they were flattened in a few hours. I use this carpet in my bedroom but I think it would work just as well in any other room. The small sheep detail makes this a great option for a nursery or kid’s bedroom but I also think the design is elevated enough for serious spaces like your living room. It’s available in six sophisticated colors including a deep chocolate brown, jewel-toned teal, and trendy rust hue. I opted for the lighter green option because I was a fan of how it looked like the sheep was grazing a bed of grass.” — Audrey Lee, commerce editor

  • Materials: Wool, cotton
  • Pile Height: 0.38″
  • Sizes available: 3’0″ x 5′”; 4’0″ x 6’0″; 5’0″ x 8’0″; 6’0″ x 9’0″; 8’0″ x 10’0″; 2’3″ x 8″; 6’0″ x 6’0”

Cleaning and care instructions

This rug is not washable, vacuum with no beater bar/rotating brush

Based on previous experience with wool rugs I knew I wanted something with a lower pile, which is why the Rachael design fit the bill. The rug stands less than half an inch tall and, while it doesn’t feel particularly luxurious underfoot, there’s not a ton of material buildup and it’s easy to clean with a quick vacuum.

Anthropologie Hand-Tufted Sculpted Daisy Rug

“The 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 answer—a 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 space—almost as if I could plop a plastic flamingo on top of it and it wouldn’t 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 producer

  • Materials: Wool, hand-tufted
  • Pile 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 instructions

This 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).

This 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.

Joanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent Rug

“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

  • 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.

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.

Pottery Barn Merrin Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

“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, AD social media manager

  • 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.

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.

“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, AD senior digital design editor

  • 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.

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.

The Citizenry Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain Rug

“This rug stood out to me because it features some colors I don’t typically see paired: A rich rust and soft pink—I happen to have two macramé 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 that’s really elegant and unexpected. I’ve never had a shag rug before, but it’s so soft that I sometimes ditch my sofa and sit directly on it.” — Charlotte Collins, AD features editor

  • Materials: 100% wool
  • Pile Height: 1.5 inches
  • Sizes available: 6′ x 9′; 8′ x 10′; 9′ x 12′; 10′ x 14′

Cleaning and care instructions

This 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.

It sheds! It doesn’t shed as much as some other rugs I’ve had, but it’s 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, I’m never 100% confident that it’s totally clean…. However, I really love the look and feel of it, so I’ve been able to overlook the drawbacks.

“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, AD PRO associate director

  • 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.

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.)

“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 handily are 8×8 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, Condé Nast executive fashion director

  • 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 care instructions

This rug is not machine washable. Vacuum only and professional care required for stains.

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.

Tumble Harlow Washable Rug

“Tumble’s 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 editor

  • Materials: 100% polyester
  • Pile Height: 1/8″ high
  • Sizes available: 9′ x 12′; 8′ x 10′; 6′ x 9′; 5′ x 7′; 3′ x 5′

Cleaning and care instructions

This rug is machine washable. You’re supposed to use a cold cycle and then dry on low heat.

I hadn’t realized the nonslip pad was a key part of the rug’s construction and I couldn’t 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 itself—which 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 Rug Brands to Check Out

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.

West Elm Azura Performance Jute Rug

West Elm Tweed Flatweave Dhurrie Rug

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.

Etsy is a great rug resource for a few reasons—their inventory ranges from completely bespoke creations buyers can commission to one-of-a-kind vintage treasures. At this point, the checkered pattern has established its place in the design world—see Aarica Nichole’s green check rug in her Dallas home for inspiration—and the best-selling beauty below 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).

Moroccan Berber Touch Checkered Area Rug

Placing a rug in a high-traffic area? Consider a machine washable rug. Here’s 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 rugs—and knowing you can refresh them easily can provide a lot of peace of mind. These two low-pile picks are part of AD’s collaboration with the brand, the right designed by Sagrada Studio’s Hema Persad.

Architectural Digest Avery Midnight Blue Tufted Rug

Nisa Ink Black Tufted Rug

It’s no surprise that Amazon is a haven for the best area rugs (that will arrive with two-day shipping in the case of Prime members). If you’re looking to create an inviting, warm atmosphere in your family room, this neutral trellis shag rug with a plentiful pile height is cozy, casual, and feels great underfoot. Since its made from polypropylene, a nonwoven textile, it won’t absorb any messes, so its great for a pet- or child-filled home. At the same time, you can also find more playful designs like this rug from Safavieh’s Monaco collection that’s available in 25 color variations and has over 12,000 five-star reviews. It brings a boho chic vibe and won’t shed, so it’s great for areas of the home with high foot traffic.

SAFAVIEH Monaco Collection Area Rug

nuLOOM Amelia Moroccan Area Rug

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.



Source link

About The Author

Scroll to Top