Rifle Paper Co. Kismet Area Rug
Sizing options: 8 | Material: Polyester | Fabrication: Power-loomed
The Kismet Area Rug from Rifle Paper Co. features a botanical motif and vibrant color palette that instantly elevates the feel of any room. It also feels comfortable underfoot, despite the lower pile height. Place it over carpeting or a thick rug pad and it feels downright luxurious when walked on. While it’s admittedly more expensive that other options on this list, the elegant design and shed-free material make it an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Stain-resistant and fade-resistant
- Timeless botanical motif
- Vibrant color palette
- Shed-free
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Best Washable Area Rug
A Machine Washable Pick For Easy Cleanup
Ruggable Rayne Soft Tufted Rug
Sizing options: 7 | Material: Polyester | Fabrication: Power-loomed
Most carpets can be spot cleaned, but Ruggable rugs can be machine washed and dried, which is a huge benefit if you live in a home with small children or pets. Ruggable carpets are actually two-part rugs: There is a pad (you can choose from the standard pad or the cushioned pad), and then there’s the rug itself, which is the layer that can be washed. While this option has a high price point, customers rave about the durability, quality and low maintenance design.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Machine washable
- Variety of sizes and pile heights
Cons:
- Colors are not as vibrant as other brands
- Skews more pricey than other options
Best Round Area Rug
A Circular Option That’s Durable And Tear-Resistant
Revival Hart Round Jute Rug
Sizing options: 6 | Material: Natural jute | Fabrication: Handmade
If you prefer rugs cut from a natural material, consider the Hart Round Jute Rug from Revival. Jute is a durable fiber sourced from the white jute plant and can be used for everything from burlap to upholstery to carpets. When used in the home, it’s best suited to high-traffic areas such as a dining room or kitchen. While jute isn’t exactly soft and fluffy, it’s quite durable and layers wonderfully over other rugs for added texture. Customers appreciate that it doesn’t shed, rip or tear.
Pros:
- 100% natural material
- Minimal to no shedding
- Durable and tear-resistant
Cons:
- Scratchy texture
- Edges curl up periodically
Best Jute Area Rug
A Thick, Textured Rug For High-Traffic Rooms
West Elm Channel Jute Rug
Sizing options: 4 | Material: Natural jute | Fabrication: Hand loomed
For another option made from 100% jute, you can’t go wrong with the Channel Jute Rug from West Elm. Available in four different sizes, this hand-loomed rug is ideal for your living room, kitchen or other high-traffic areas in the home. Jute has a natural texture that adds visual interest, and the color pairs well with just about anything—making it a highly versatile choice. Plus, it doesn’t show wear and tear as much as other fabrics.
Pros:
- 100% natural material
- Shed resistant
- Thick and durable
Cons:
- Not as soft as other fabrics
- Only four size options
Best Low Pile Area Rug
A Pick That’s Easy To Vacuum
Safavieh Distressed Floral Area Rug
Sizing options: 1 | Material: 60% polyester, 40% polypropylene | Fabrication: Machine weaved
An excellent price for a large, well-made carpet, the Safavieh Reflection Distressed Floral Area Rug looks great in a living room, under a dining room table or even in a sunroom. Its intricate pattern and neutral coloring complement one another, just as the carpet elevates the look and feel of your home. However, the thin carpet is prone to bunching up if it slips out of place, so consider getting a thin rug pad or using adhesive to keep it in place.
Pros:
- Reversible for different colors, patterns
- Easy to vacuum
Cons:
- Slight odor when new
- Tends to bunch without pad
- One size option
Best Area Rug For Pet Owners
A Washable, Medium-Pile Option
Revival Shell Washable Rug
Sizing options: 11 | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Fabrication: Power loomed
Pet owners know that keeping rugs and furniture clean can be challenging, especially when you have multiple pets. Luckily, the Shell Washable Rug is made from recycled polyester (man-made fibers like polyester are typically durable and easy to clean) that can be machine-washed if your pet tracks in dirt. Reviewers love the plush feel, modern design and easy maintenance that’s also great for homes with children. It’s available in four soft colors and has subtle geometric line drawings that add an elevated touch to your living space.
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes
- Feels soft and plush underfoot
- Machine washable and mildew-resistant
Cons:
- Only four color options
To determine the best area rugs, Forbes Vetted’s writer Steven John read hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from both established and newer-to-market brands. He ultimately chose the best area rugs by determining which products were consistently top-rated by customers, looked stylish and received excellent marks for durability, quality and size range. As an experienced product tester, he also tried many of the carpet brands featured in this article. Additionally, commerce lifestyle editor Katherine Louie edited this article, and has been covering home and lifestyle topics for more than six years. To make sure you get the most accurate information possible, we regularly update this list with relevant details. This story was last updated in March 2024.
How We Chose The Best Area Rugs
To find the very best area rugs, we evaluated each product based on material, durability, quality, size and style. Additionally, the author of this piece personally tested many of the brands on this list to get a better sense of maintenance, texture and how each product performs in real-world conditions. For brands that we couldn’t test directly, we carefully evaluated testimonials from customers who’ve tried the rugs themselves. As everyone’s budget looks a little different, we included both affordable and luxury options. The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What Is An Area Rug?
An area rug is a carpet that does not cover the entire flooring of the room and is not bound in place like a carpet. They are often found in the center of large rooms, like a living room or large den, and can be tucked underneath sofas, coffee tables and other pieces of furniture. Area rugs comes in all shapes and sizes, although square and rectangular rugs tend to be the most common.
What Are Common Area Rug Sizes?
There are no hard or fast rules that say how big or small an area rug can be. However, anything smaller than a 5 x 3-foot rug would likely be considered a throw rug rather than an area rug. The most common sizes for an area rug are 3 x 5-feet, 5 x 8-feet, 6 x 9-feet, 8 x 11-feet and 9 x 12-feet. A 12 x 15 size is also quite common, but it’s larger than most rooms can accommodate.
What Are Area Rugs Made Out Of?
Today, most area rugs are made from a blend of synthetic fibers, usually polyethylene and polypropylene. You can also find area rugs made out of more traditional and natural materials like wool, cotton or jute. And some of the best area rugs are a blend of both natural and synthetic fibers, with these blends boasting a soft hand feel and durable construction.
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