The Different Types of Area Rugs
There are several different area rug types, including flatweave, low-pile, medium-pile, and high-pile rugs. The right rug for you depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic. “There are many types of rugs available on the market, and each one has its own unique set of benefits,” says Karen Rohr.
Flatweaves
According to Amy Hoban, “Flatweave rugs are made on a loom and can be very slim and flat, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.” However, because they’re so thin, you shouldn’t expect them to offer much cushioning underfoot.
But what you lose in cushioning, you can make up for in maintenance. “They are easier to clean [than other area rug types].” says Amy Youngblood. They also tend to be among the most affordable rugs, thanks to their thin, lightweight design.
Low and Medium Pile
If you’re looking to add a rug to a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen rug, you can’t go wrong with a low-pile rug. “Low pile rugs are made with shorter and tighter loops,” says Amy Hoban. “They have a smooth surface and are great for high-traffic areas as they’re easy to clean.”
Low-pile rugs also tend to be a bit thicker than flatweaves, so they’re a good option if you want the lower maintenance of a flatweave but you don’t want something quite so thin.
High Pile, Plush and Shag
High-pile, plush, and shag rugs are all known for being thick, soft, and comfy, so they feel great on bare feet. “High-pile rugs are made with taller and looser loops and can add lots of texture to cozy spaces if the rug is placed in a living room or bedroom”, says Amy Hoban. However, all of this comfort does come with some drawbacks in the maintenance department.
According to Kevin Francis O’Gara, “High-pile, plush, and shag rugs provide the most cushion, but are the hardest to clean as dirt and crumbs get buried in the pile.” This makes them “better suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms where they are less likely to attract spills or outside dirt.”
Our Picks: The Best Area Rugs for 2022
Best for Bedrooms: Ladder Stripe Rug
Brand: Parachute
Price: $549+
This 35% cotton and 65% wool rug features clean lines and a neutral hue that will elevate any bedroom with structure and style. It’s also handwoven in India and made in a Fair-Trade-certified factory.
According to Amy Hoban, “The Ladder Stripe Rug is a great statement piece that plays well with the furniture and decor in almost any room. This chunky, wool cable rug has a bold, asymmetrical line design and subtle wool fringe. I love pairing this one with bold-colored furniture pieces.”
Product Specs
- Materials: 65% New Zealand wool and 35% cotton
- Sizes available: 3'x5', 5'x8', 8'x10', 9'x12'
↦ Shop now at parachutehome.com
Best Eco: Cape House Rug
Brand: Burrow
Price: $195+
If you don’t want great style to come at the expense of hurting the environment, then you’ll love this eco-friendly area rug from Burrow. It’s made with 100% recycled polyester using traditional weaving techniques from Burrow’s network of India-based weaving houses.
Speaking of weaves, the rug’s flatweave is a pro at resisting stains, snags, and tears, so it’s an ideal fit for busy households with kids and pets running around. And the two neutral gray hues it comes in will truly look great with just about any look.
Product Specs
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Sizes available: 3'x5', 5'x8', 8'x10', Runner
Best Boho: Kamran Coral Rug
Brand: Ruggable
Price: $89+
This Persian-inspired low-pile area rug comes with a rug pad so it’ll stay put, and its stunning look is a perfect match for a boho-chic interior. But it’s plenty versatile, so it can go just as well with other aesthetics, such as traditional, Scandinavian, or minimal.
According to Karen Rohr, “The Kamran Coral Rug is a perfect one for any traditional or bohemian aesthetic. One thing that I love is the durability and convenience as it is washable and perfect for families.”
Review: Read our full Ruggable machine washable rug review here
That’s right—not only is this area rug gorgeous, but it’s also machine washable, like all of Ruggable’s area rugs. “When it comes to durability, Ruggable is always our top choice. For kid- and pet-friendly homes, they have a lot of great options,” said Rozit Arditi.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Sizes available: 2'x3', 2.5'x7', 2.5'x10', 3'x5', 4'x6', 5'x7', 6'x9', 8'x10', 9'x12', 6' Round, 8' Round
Best Washable: Stripe
Brand: Revival Rugs
Price: $179+
Ruggable isn’t the only brand with gorgeous washable rugs. This power-loomed rug from Revival Rugs is also machine washable and stain-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and busy lifestyles.
It features a medium-pile design made out of 100% recycled polyester, creating an eco-friendly rug out of synthetic fibers. And it’s OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s been tested and proven to be free of harmful levels of toxic substances.
Product Specs
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Sizes available: 3'11" x 6'1", 5'3" x 7'10", 5'11" x 9', 7'10" x 10', 8'9" x 12', 9'9" x 13'11", 2'7" x 9', 2'11" x 11'11"
Best for Living Rooms: Gwyneth
Brand: Amber Lewis x Loloi
Price: $79+
Handcrafted from 100% wool, this high-pile rug features a subtle Moroccan motif and ultra-soft design that will instantly make any living room cozier. According to Amber Lewis, “The Gwyneth offers a series of understated neutrals in a soft pile that feels at once refined and relaxed.”
And if you like high-quality area rugs at a reasonable price, you can check out other rugs from Loloi as well. “Loloi offers so many different styles and colors at a medium price point,” says Amy Youngblood. “You can find some beautiful wool area rugs on their website.”
Product Specs
- Materials: 100% wool
- Sizes available: 2'-0" x 3'-0", 2'-9" x 8'-0", 4'-0" x 6'-0", 2'-9" x 12'-0", 6'-0" x 9'-0", 8'-0" x 10'-0", 8'-6" x 12', 10'-0" x 14'-0", 11'-6" x 15'
Best for High-Traffic Areas: Tufted Stripe Illusion Rug
Brand: Anthropologie
Price: $178+
Rugs with busier, bolder patterns are great for high-traffic areas, like the kitchen, entryway, and living room, because they’re typically better at concealing stains than area rugs with solid hues.
“I love that the shape is unconventional and unexpected."
This beauty from Anthropologie fits the bill perfectly, and it’s sure to make a striking statement anywhere it lives. “I love that the shape is unconventional and unexpected,” says Karen Rohr. “It's also a good area rug for high-traffic areas.”
Product Specs
- Materials: Tufted wool
- Sizes available: 2’ x 3’, 3’ x 5’, 2.5' x 9', 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’
↦ Shop now at anthropologie.com
Best Modern: Myra Charcoal Ivory Hand Knotted
Brand: CB2
Price: $49+
This is another statement-making area rug that will bring a bold, modern touch to any design. “Inspired by the Moroccan encaustic tiles, this geometric rug style is a piece that will help create a statement,” raves Karen Rohr.
The striking black-and-white design will complement a variety of color schemes, and its low-pile design makes it very low maintenance. Plus, the rug’s yarn is hand-knotted with 15 knots per square inch, so it’s ultra-durable and will hold up well in high-traffic areas.
Product Specs
- Materials: 100% wool
- Sizes available: 5'x8', 6'x9', 8'x10', 9'x12'
Best Outdoor Rug: 1188 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug
Brand: Outer
Price: $525+
Gorgeous and eco-friendly, this outdoor rug is exactly what you want to have underfoot in any outdoor space. It’s made from 100% recycled PET plastics, which not only makes it sustainable but also durable since PET plastics are naturally stain-resistant and they won’t fade in the sun.
Of course, the area rug is also beautiful, comprising a palette of colors that will shield dirt like a pro but rocking an overall neutral hue that will truly look great anywhere. And all you have to do to keep this outdoor rug looking great is occasionally vacuum it and give it a good scrub.
Product Specs
- Materials: 100% recycled PET plastic bottles
- Sizes available: 5'x8', 8'x10', 9'x12'
Best for Hallways: Off White Chunky Jute
Brand: Rugs USA
Price: $39.90+
This 100% jute rug will add equal parts texture and warmth to your hallway all the while protecting your floors. Jute is also known for being thick and durable, so it’s stellar for high-traffic areas like busy hallways.
The area rug comes in eight different sizes and eight colors, ranging from cream and tan to sage and burnt orange, so finding the right complement to your color scheme should be a breeze.
Product Specs:
- Materials: 100% jute
- Sizes available: 12+
Best for Pets: Soraya Trellis
Brand: Ruggable
Price: $89+
If you have pets at home, then you don’t need us to tell you how tough it can be to protect your rugs from cute but dirty little paws. But you won’t have to worry about protecting this area rug since you can just throw it in the washing machine whenever it gets dirty.
In addition to being machine washable, the rug comes in eight hues, with each rocking a Moroccan-inspired diamond pattern that will effortlessly conceal dirt between washes.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Sizes available: 2'x3', 2.5'x7', 2.5'x10', 3'x5', 4'x6', 5'x7', 6'x9', 8'x10', 9'x12', 6' Round, 8' Round