The 11 Best Area Rugs of 2023

Looking for an easy way to tie a room together? An area rug may be the best way to do just that. Rugs infuse color and warmth to any space, not to mention plenty of style and a dose of practicality. A rug can help protect wood floors and keep the chill off of bare toes; it can anchor an intimate seating arrangement or bring coziness to your favorite nook.

Ahead, we found the best rugs online for every purpose, home, and budget. Whether you’re searching for a rug that can be washed again and again, a durable option that can withstand wear from kids and pets, or an original masterpiece that's as valuable as a painting, we’ve got you (and your floors) covered.

Here, the best rugs available online.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust MyDomaine

View On West Elm

Type: Handwoven | Pile Height: 0.3 inches | Material: Jute, wool, cotton, polyester | Shape: Rectangle, runner

A modern take on traditional textiles, this stunning rug may not be vintage, but it is handwoven by master artisans. It consists of a wool, jute, cotton, and polyester blend for the best of all worlds—it’s strong enough to withstand lots of foot traffic but still maintains its woven, handmade texture.

With its melting sunset and twilight-sky hues, this rug brings breathtaking desert scenery into your home. It’s available in three rectangular sizes plus one runner size, but just note: There’s no backing so you may want a pad to put underneath.

Benisouk

View On Benisouk.com

Type: Handwoven | Pile Height: 1.6 inches | Material: Moroccan wool | Size: Rectangle, square

If you prefer authenticity when it comes to your décor, consider adding this one-of-a-kind wonder to your collection. Made using generations-old techniques by artisans of the Beni Ourain tribe, this rug is made using Moroccan wool that’s impeccably soft. The soft color scheme, which includes tones of pink, cream, and black, makes a statement without going overboard.

Although this style comes in an impressive 20 size options, each rug is unique since it's woven by hand and made to order. It's expensive and will take several weeks to get to you, but it's an investment that’ll become a cherished heirloom that’s worth passing down.

View On Coldpicnic.com View On Comingsoonnewyork.com

Type: Hand-tufted | Pile Height: 0.5-0.75 inches | Material: TEX New Zealand wool yarn on cotton woven backing | Shape: Rectangle

Proof that art isn’t just for walls, Cold Picnic's Submarine Rug is like a masterpiece under your feet. This hand-tufted rug is made with 100 percent New Zealand wool that's pleasantly cushy underfoot, and it has an aquatic color palette that will add a cool vibe to any room.

Since it’s so artistic—and because you’ll want to sink in with no socks on—this rug is especially suited for intimate spaces. With sizes ranging from 2' x 3' to 8' x 10', it can bring some energy to a cozy reading nook, a bathroom, a home office, or anywhere that just needs a pop of fun.

Courtesy of Revival Rugs

View On Revivalrugs.com

Type: Hand-knotted | Pile Height: 1-1.5 inches | Material: New Zealand wool on cotton warp | Shape: Rectangle

This rug is proof that shag rugs can be stylish and modern. The Revival Rugs Pepper Shag Rug is not your grandmother’s shag carpet; in fact, it’s a designer's dream combined with cozy bliss. Unlike colorful shag rugs of the past, this one has a cream and gray lattice motif that's surprisingly versatile. Whether it’s the backdrop for bright, splashy furniture or crisp white or black accents, it’ll seamlessly pull any room together.

This hand-knotted rug is made in India from springy New Zealand wool, and is space-dyed with small batch dyes for depth of color. It's available in three large sizes, making it ideal for a spacious living or dining room.

Courtesy of 54kibo

View On 54kibo.com

Type: Handmade kilim | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Egyptian wool on a cotton foundation | Shape: Rectangle

Kilims are flat tapestry-woven rugs that have a low pile. There are plenty of machine-made options out there, but if you're looking for one that's authentic, check out this find from 54kibo.

The Serpentine Rug is handcrafted on a cotton loom using traditional techniques, yet it features a decidedly modern design that is sure to stand out in a contemporary home. Take note that it's only available in black and white, although you do have four sizes to choose from (go to the Rugs landing page to see them all).

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

Type: Handmade | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Jute with recycled cotton backing | Shape: Rectangle, runner

Simple and always in style, this Pottery Barn rug is made from jute, a strong plant fiber that can withstand being walked on day in and day out. The natural coloring gives plenty of warmth, while the braided texture adds just enough detail that's perfect for layering or minimalist decorating. Plus, it's handcrafted so you can be sure of its quality.

This rug comes in four rectangular sizes and one runner size, as well as two neutral colors. Thanks to its durability and versatility, you really can’t go wrong with this classic pick.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Type: Tufted | Pile Height: 0.25 inches | Material: Tufted wool | Shape: Rectangle, runner

Wool is soft, durable, and stain-resistant, making it an easy choice while rug shopping. Gorgeous and bold with pink, blue, and golden tones, the Tufted Caro Rug takes a more modern approach to traditional rug motifs. Combined with its romantic shades, this rug is a show-stopper, yet it won’t overwhelm a room

It's available in six sizes and three color schemes, so you're sure to find something that suits your space. Whether it's placed in front of a mirror, beneath a couch, or under a large dining room table, this rug will dazzle.

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Type: Handmade | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Jute/sisal | Shape: Rectangle, oval, round

If you have a room that lacks a focal point, a round rug is a great way to make a statement. Plus, it can create a more spacious feel if you’re limited on square footage. For minimalists, this jute rug offers classic design with a slightly unexpected shape for the best of both worlds. Available in two neutral hues, this rug is best under a round table or circular grouping of furniture for a stylish, cohesive look.

It comes in a variety of sizes in rectangular, round, and oval shapes, and is handmade to ensure quality. Jute is a natural fiber that's well-known for its dense fibers and durability, so this rug can withstand a good deal of foot traffic, even if you have kids or pets.

View On Ruggable.com

Type: Machine-made | Pile Height: 0.125 inches | Material: Polyester, polyurethane | Shape: Rectangle, runner

One of the leading names in washable rugs, Ruggable now has a plush line featuring machine-washable designs with extra softness. The Moroccan Diamond pattern combines sophistication with a fluffy feel to add coziness to any room. Because it’s both washable and soft to the touch, it would make a charming addition to a nursery, bedroom, or den.

Each Ruggable comes with a pad (either classic or cushioned, for an extra charge) that acts as the base; the cover is the part with the design and can be removed when it’s time to clean. Already own a Ruggable pad? You can order just the cover if your old one needs an upgrade. The Moroccan Diamond Plush rug comes in four area rug sizes and two runner sizes to fit anywhere in your home.

View On Burkedecor.com View On Jungalow.com View On Lumens.com

Type: Handwoven | Pile Height: 0.35 inches | Material: Polyester | Shape: Rectangle

This gorgeous rug brings a touch of organic flair to your space, whether indoors or out. Between its burnt orange hue, textured woven stripes, and trendy fringe, it provides plenty of earthy vibes. It’s made of 100 percent polyester so it's durable enough to withstand the weather, but just note that it doesn’t include a backing, so a rug pad is recommended to prevent slipping and excess wear. Even better? The multi-colored yarn and handwoven stitching means that two rugs are exactly alike.

Lulu and Georgia Brighton Faux Cowhide Rug

View On Luluandgeorgia.com

Type: Machine-made | Pile Height: 0.25 inches | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Irregular

This faux cowhide rug from Lulu and Georgia is a fantastic, animal-free alternative to the real thing. Made from acrylic, it's realistically dyed and feels plush underfoot, resulting in a pleasant look and feel that brings a hint of the outdoors in. It’s also much more budget-friendly than an authentic cowhide rug.

This accent comes in three sizes ranging from small to large (the biggest size is 6'2" x 8'). It's guaranteed to add a ton of character to a small space (think, next to a bed or under a desk)—or, for a bigger area, try layering it over a larger, rectangular rug made from natural fibers, like jute.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a traditional rug, we recommend West Elm's Avila Rug (view at West Elm), which is handwoven by skilled artisans and is made of durable blend of natural and man-made fibers. If you want something more contemporary, we recommend Cold Picnic's Submarine Rug (view at Cold Picnic), a hand-tufted wool rug that has an abstract design and a soothing color palette.

What to Look for in an Area Rug

Types

Rugs come in a variety of styles and materials. To make it simpler, here are the most common types of area rugs:

Power-loomed: This is generally a term that means it’s machine-made. While they’re often made with synthetic fibers and are mass-produced, power-loomed rugs are a great option if you’re simply looking for an affordable, durable rug that you won’t mind replacing in a few years.

Jute/Sisal: Rugs made from jute and/or sisal are made from tough, woven plant fibers that are flatwoven (in other words, not fluffy) and ideal for high foot traffic areas. They’re also able to withstand wear and tear from pets or kids, plus they tend to be quite affordable if they're machine-made.

Wool: Wool is a popular material because it has it all: A soft feel, natural properties that make it durable and easy to clean, and an ability to absorb dye and become saturated in color. This fiber is naturally resistant to grime and stains and can hold up to heavy usage over the years, although it does tend to shed.

Moroccan: If you’re looking to invest in a work of art, an authentic Moroccan rug will maintain its beauty and value. There are plenty of machine-made look-alikes that capture the geometric motifs common in Moroccan designs, but the real ones are handwoven by tribespeople with ancient techniques. These can be low-pile (made with short fibers) or high-pile with luxuriously plush wool (like the Beni Ourain rugs that are having a real moment). Although they’re valuable, they’re also durable.

Persian: Another investment-worthy rug style, real Persian rugs are known for their ornate hand woven patterns. Traditionally, they’re made with all-natural materials and dyes and are regarded for their quality, durability, and value. While you can find authentic vintage rugs online, there are also plenty of Persian-style rugs that are mass-produced and therefore less expensive.

Kilim: Another traditionally hand-crafted rug, Kilim refers to a type of weave as opposed to a material. This flatweave style has no pile, so it won’t feel fluffy underfoot. However, it’s durable and easy to clean, making it a solid pick for high-traffic areas or families with kids or pets.

Shag & High-Pile: Looking for something you can really sink your feet into? A fluffy shag or high-pile rug will do the trick. These are especially suited for intimate spaces and low-traffic areas where walkers won’t track in excess dirt and debris. These soft rugs are ideal for bedrooms, offices, dens, and even living rooms, depending on who’s living in your home. If you have a pet who sheds, though, take note that vacuuming their hair from a high-pile rug will be quite a chore.

Pile

The pile refers to the height of the rug’s fibers. A high-pile rug will feel like you’re stepping onto a cloud, a low-pile rug has some give, and a flatweave is more like a tapestry. Consider where you plan on placing the rug and how it’ll be walked on: Do you want something to sink your bare feet into at your bedside, or a rug that anchors your dining table and can be easily vacuumed or shaken out? Thinking about your preferred look and feel, as well as how dirty the rug is likely to become, can help you decide.

Size & Shape

Area rugs can be used as accents (like in front of the sink or as a runner in the hallway) or to help anchor a room. For the latter, the general rule is to set up “vignettes,” or cohesive groupings of furniture. The rug should either be completely underneath all the items on it, or beneath the front two legs, creating a focal point in the center of the space, and in general you should leave at least six inches between the end of the rug and the walls.

Why Trust MyDomaine?

This article was written by Karen Tietjen, an experienced lifestyle writer and editor who writes about home décor and shopping. To write this article, she considered rug types, quality, and construction, looking at both authentic handmade and machine-made rugs.