Why You Need a Rug Pad for Your Area Rug
Area rugs lay the foundation for your rooms — the right rug can transform your space, adding color, texture, style, and depth. It'll ground and anchor your furniture, protect your floors, and insulate your home while making your decor shine.
Become an interior designer without leaving your home! Check out the best places to buy rugs online and elevate the furniture and decor in your living room.
Best Places to Buy Rugs: The Top Picks
1. Ruggable
Ruggable is a trendy brand that offers a convenient, modern take on area rugs. They make lightweight, machine-washable rugs as part of a two-piece system. Ruggable rugs consist of a topper and a pad. The topper is the washable rug that clings to the lower portion (the pad), which provides cushioning and insulation like traditional rug pads.
You can buy one pad and swap out multiple toppers to switch up your home decor, which is way more budget-friendly than purchasing an entirely new rug. This is perfect for families with pets, children, and busy lifestyles, but you probably won't have to worry about your rug getting ruined because all toppers are stain- and water-resistant.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 1-2 weeks
In addition, the toppers come in shag, plush, chenille, and Re-jute (a machine-washable jute rug) with nearly 800 designs. And if you're on the fence, Check out what Cassandra Brooklyn had to say in her Ruggable Washable Rug review on Living Cozy:
"I LOVE THIS RUG, so let me just start with that. I'd put one in every room of my house if I could. I first set it up in my living room since I thought it would look good there (and it did) and then decided to move it to my bedroom. While it was up in the living room, I practiced yoga on it, my mother walked over it with her walker (without her wheels getting caught on the edges), and my 6-year-old niece ran, jumped, and played endlessly. We experienced no issue with the rug slipping, sliding, or curling."
2. Parachute
Parachute is an online-only retailer that started in 2013 when founder and CEO Ariel Kaye saw a gap in the market: health-conscious home goods that bring comfort to consumers.
- Return policy: 60 days
- Delivery cost: 15% of order total
- Shipping time: 3-4 days
"Before founding Parachute, I was a design enthusiast and consistent consumer of home goods, but I faced a big problem: as a consumer, I couldn't find a single brand that was high quality, affordable, or easy to shop," said Kaye in her interview with Living Cozy.
Parachute recently launched its new Fair Trade Certified™ rug collection, with livable patterns, textural solids, and a neutral, grounding palette designed to elevate any living space. This new collection incorporates timeless patterns for a bold yet neutral staple to center any room.
Passionate about creating a livable and sustainable home, Kaye felt it essential that the new collection meet the brand's OEKO-Tex standard certifications. She doubled down on sustainability with Fair Trade and Craftmark Certifications, meaning that each rug meets rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. These standards include safe working practices, environmental protections, and ethical supply chain transparency.
3. Rugs USA
Rugs USA offers a vast selection of area rugs that trend toward neutral palettes, but don't let that make you think they're boring! With everything from synthetic to sisal fibers, bohemian to contemporary styles, and machine-made to hand-knotted construction, Rugs USA will almost certainly have several rugs that meet your needs in its catalog.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 2+ days
The site's filters make navigating the large selection of rugs easy. You can sort by style, material, construction, type, and more. If the color and size of your rug are available, most of them qualify for free two-day shipping.
"Rugs USA offers a large selection of rugs at reasonable prices, with frequent sales and promotions," Mike Semegen, owner and project manager for Hello Home Studios, told Living Cozy.
This retailer also sells fun doormats, outdoor rugs, rug pads to extend the life of your new rug, and rug cleaners, making it a one-stop shop for all things flooring. And the clearance section can help you protect all your floors at a lower price.
4. Revival Rugs
Revival Rugs is a good place to shop if you're looking for vintage rugs and high-quality area rugs handmade in places like Morocco, India, and Turkey. You'll find one-of-a-kind rugs and can search by color, material, shape, style, and construction method to make it easier to narrow down your search.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 10-15 days
With vintage options between 20 and 100 years old, shopping at Revival Rugs feels more like visiting an in-store gallery at a luxe rug dealer than browsing a website. And if that's not your thing, it also offers contemporary rugs for today's homes and styles.
Regardless of your order, you can count on consistent quality and craftsmanship, as Revival Rugs is partnered with a small, third-generation weaving house. It guarantees quality and offers custom sizing for some rugs.
5. MINNA
MINNA area rugs are more than floor coverings—they're artwork for your floor or walls, made from flatweave wool and hand-knotted pile. The queer-led company is run by a tight-knit (pun intended) team of creators and artists who believe in ethically made products that do good for the world.
- Return policy: 14 days
- Delivery cost: Free (for orders over $500)
- Shipping time: 3-5 days
MINNA collaborates with master artisans in South and Central America to create home goods and area rugs that are designed to be layered and combined in today's spaces. The brand focuses on styles inspired by vintage textiles, the Bauhaus movement, Feminist artwork, and traditional craft.
Long story short, MINNA is a good place to shop if you prefer to avoid big-box retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Urban Outfitters, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, and Overstock. In addition, you can learn more about how MINNA pile rugs are made and see the faces (and pets) of everyone who works for the brand before you buy.
6. CICIL
CICIL is a rug and textile retailer that makes products designed with sustainability in mind at every point. It offers a variety of braided rugs made from renewable, natural materials with unique, modern shapes. It's another excellent option for those who avoid big-box retailers in favor of smaller, more sustainable alternatives.
- Return policy: 7 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 3-6 weeks
"With CICIL, what we're trying to do is really just explore the textile heritage in our backyard, which we consider the American East," said co-founder Laura Tripp in an interview with Living Cozy. "And we want to create a new model for making sustainable products and share it with others. We want CICIL to be as sustainable as possible in every way."
CICIL sources textiles and manufactures its rugs in small batches, working directly with farmers and emphasizing supply-chain transparency. Everything is handmade and made to order, and you can purchase material swatches to see the quality of the brand's textiles in person before deciding on the perfect rug for your home.
7. Beni Rugs
Beni Rugs started to change how people shop, blending time-honored traditions with our modern lives and designs. Beni celebrates the magic of Moroccan rugs, and every design is inspired by Morocco's natural materials, artistic expressions, architecture, colors, and shapes.
- Return policy: N/A
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 10-14 weeks
You'll find a range of colors, designs, and styles of rugs in the Beni rugs catalog, and every piece is handmade to order with high-quality materials. In addition, most pieces come in a wide selection of sizes, with the option to add tassels (or remove them) before ordering. You'll find everything you could want to know about each rug on the product page, so you can feel confident about where and how your rug is made.
In addition, you can learn more about how Beni rugs are made on the brand's website, showing you the process from raising the sheep to finishing the rug. You can even check out their short film that details the process before (or instead of) reading about it.
8. Anthropologie
Anthropologie rugs feature trendy designs you won't see at other retailers. If you like the brand's global aesthetic, you'll probably love their rug selection. You'll find striped, geometric, floral, and abstract designs, plus a collection of jute rugs in various sizes and shapes.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 2-4 weeks
Anthropology is the spot to shop for a high-end statement piece at an accessible price point. So whether you want a fun, colorful kitchen rug or a large, vintage-inspired area rug for the living room, you'll find something in this brand's collection that fits the bill.
If you're near a physical location, you can check out some rugs in person or arrange in-store pickup instead of waiting for shipping. You can also opt for white glove delivery, and they'll send pros to install your rug for a more convenient experience.
9. Rugs Direct
Rugs Direct has a vast selection of area rugs for every budget, style, and space. The brand offers thousands of options, from silly doormats to expansive, handmade Persian rugs with everything in between. With a catalog like that, it has something for everyone, no matter what your list of requirements looks like.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 1-3 weeks
You can sort the massive selection at Rugs Direct by material, construction, color, style, size, and shape, making finding precisely what you need easier. Or you can try the site's Design Finder to help you find the perfect rug for your indoor space in a series of nine questions. Alternatively, you can check out the brand's ideas page for a sizing guide, rug-buying tips, and visual inspiration for your space.
Despite the thousands of products, each page on Rugs Direct has unique information and tips for the specific rug you're looking at. Many of the options include custom sizing.
10. Annie Selke
Annie Selke sells designer-approved styles and high-quality area rugs with options for every home, budget, style, and space. You'll find rugs in every size, shape, material, and color you could ask for, and the filters even allow you to search by discount to find the best deal.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free for orders $350+
- Shipping time: 1-2 weeks
Founder and Chief Vision Officer Annie Selke is passionate about traveling and studied textile science at the University of Vermont. She was also named Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year in 2010, and her designs have been featured in the Obama White House, in hundreds of magazines, and on multiple TV shows.
While most Annie Selke rugs have simple striped or geometric patterns, this curated selection includes plenty of options with plaid, floral, and graphic designs.
11. Burrow
Burrow area rugs are a budget shopper's dream — you won't find a single option for over $900 on the brand's site. They're all meant to be pet-friendly and low-maintenance. Most of the rugs are made using recycled materials, perfect for eco-friendly homes, and they feature versatile, modern prints that can fit any style.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 5-10 days
As another bonus for those on a budget, Burrow offers financing options and affordable rug pads to make it easier to protect your floors without breaking the bank. Each piece has a detailed product page with everything you need to know about the rug before you buy.
Most Burrow rugs come in one, two, or four sizes, so it's not the best spot to shop if you want a custom size. But it shouldn't be an issue if you're looking for a standard runner, living room area rug, or entryway rug.
12. Serena & Lily
Serena & Lily is all about chic, coastal-inspired decor, and the brand offers a wide range of styles and materials that match this aesthetic. You can also request free design advice (in-person or virtual) or order rug swatches before you purchase your piece.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: $19-$299
- Shipping time: 1-4 weeks
Most rugs come in multiple sizes, and you can sort the Serena & Lily rug collection by construction or color. You'll find a range of natural fiber and synthetic rugs with neutral options and casually cool colors perfect for any chic or coastal space. As a bonus, some rugs are made from recycled materials with statement-making accents.
13. Lulu & Georgia
Lulu & Georgia sells exclusive designer rugs with cutting-edge designs and styles that can fit almost any modern home. Choose from a range of colors, textures, and textiles, and each piece is made to elevate your space and last for years to come.
- Return policy: 60 days
- Delivery cost: 10% of total order
- Shipping time: Varies
The brand collaborates with well-known designers who share a curated selection of "designer picks" to help you find a pro-approved piece for your favorite room. While its prices are higher than some competitors, Lulu & Georgia's exclusive collection features area rugs you won't find anywhere else.
14. Article
Article is known for its focus on budget-friendly prices and modern furnishings and its curated selection of area rugs starts out at a price point of $799. Aside from being another fantastic option for budget shoppers, Article stands out with area rugs that feature a range of versatile color palettes and draw inspiration from Scandinavian, contemporary, and mid-century modern styles.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: $19+
- Shipping time: Varies
You can sort Article's collection by color, material, and size, but with less than 50 rugs, we think browsing the brand's entire selection is more fun. You'll find gems like handwoven rugs made from jute/wool blends and natural cowhide area rugs to add texture and style to any indoor space.
Most of Article's rugs have only one or two size and color options, so those looking for customization might want to look elsewhere.
15. Nordic Knots
Nordic Knots was founded to bring the beauty of Nordic landscapes, colors, and lights into modern homes. The brand focuses on the Scandinavian tradition of minimalist aesthetics with functional designs, creating durable, eye-catching area rugs for every home.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 3-6 days
"Nordic Knots has an amazing array of rugs made from natural fibers that feature sophisticated, modern designs. Their products can be purchased internationally, and their customer service is excellent," said Olma Fuentes, Founder + Principal at Deni + Dove Interiors.
Each Nordic Knots area rug is made using ethical production methods and high-quality materials. Most designs come in a wide range of sizes to suit any space. You can also order textile samples to see the quality of the materials in person before placing your order.
17. Armadillo
"Armadillo is another contemporary maker of high-end rugs that are beautifully designed and built to last. I love that they make each rug using natural materials and eco-friendly, sustainable processes," Olma Fuentes told Living Cozy.
Armadillo emphasizes ethical products, working to make a difference in the world around us and the sanctuaries of our homes. The brand hopes to inspire a natural pace of life with products that are kinder to the environment and our senses. It practices ethical living and manufacturing with every aspect of the production process.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 1-2 weeks
"At Armadillo, we are drawn to natural fibers because they are sustainable and as practical as they are beautiful," reads the brand's website. "By their very nature, they possess subtle, unique variations and have a rich, tactile, sensory feel that you won't find with manmade materials, and that makes them a pleasure to live with. The natural fibers we carefully source for our rugs not only add visual and physical warmth to the home, but they're also incredibly durable and easy to care for."
The collections at Armadillo feature a selection of high-quality area rugs with neutral and earthy palettes. If you need help deciding what you want for your home, you can schedule a free design consultation for professional advice.
18. The Citizenry
The Citizenry is an excellent choice for those who prefer unique, handmade items while avoiding big-box retailers. The brand sells home goods for every room, including a stunning selection of handcrafted area rugs. Each rug is only available in limited quantities and sold exclusively at The Citizenry.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: 10% of the total order
- Shipping time: 5-7 days
The Citizenry's area rugs are made in collaboration with master artisans from around the globe, creating pieces that blend modern styling with time-tested techniques and materials. In addition, the brand uses all local materials and seeks to establish sustainable relationships with its artisans that last for years to come.
And with such high-quality artisanry and materials, The Citizenry still offers a much more reasonable price point than you'll find at luxury boutiques offering similar-quality rugs. The brand's collection starts at just $279.
19. Flor
Flor is another modern company doing something different and new with area rugs — the brand's rugs are made of tiles! Every tile is machine-washable, durable, replaceable, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. In addition, all of Flor's high-quality rug tiles are made using responsibly sourced materials, renewable energy, and carbon-negative rug backing technology. And did we mention they are recyclable?
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: $2.50 per tile
- Shipping time: 3-5 days (Next Day Air available)
Thanks to the tile system, Flor's rugs are also modular, allowing you to adjust their size when you move into a smaller or larger space. You can even change the shape and design of your rug to match your home decor or a new floor plan. And this is something you can't say about the best rugs from most other retailers.
Flor's selection includes many contemporary designs with a few vintage-inspired patterns. In addition, their tiles come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and pile heights, ranging from flatweave to shag rug-style. And you can choose custom shapes for some (or all) of your tiles to create the perfect rug for any sofa, floorplan, or vision.
19. West Elm
West Elm offers a large selection of area rugs in a range of sizes, shapes, and styles, with customization options available for many of the rugs in its catalog. It's an excellent spot to shop for trendy aesthetics, modern styling, and statement pieces for every room.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Varies
- Shipping time: 4-5 days
"West Elm specializes in high-end modern and contemporary rugs, with a focus on quality and design," said Mike Semegen. "It also has free virtual design services, which can be quite helpful for customers designing their own spaces."
You can filter rugs by room, category, material, and style to make navigating West Elm's sizable collection easier. Each piece has a detailed product page with inspiring pictures to help you visualize how it'll look in your home before you buy.
20. Boutique Rugs
Boutique Rugs offers high-quality products, including area rugs and runners, at affordable prices and a huge selection of styles, colors, patterns, shapes, and materials. You'll find tons of pet- and kid-friendly, outdoor, and machine-washable rugs to fit every space.
- Return policy: 60 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 1-6 days
If you need inspiration, you can get lost for hours browsing the site's magazine-worthy gallery of customer and influencer pictures. You can also check out their trending section to see what's hot before you update your home.
As a bonus, Boutique Rugs almost always has some beautiful pieces on clearance to make it easier to get the look you want at a price point you can afford.
21. The Inside
The Inside by Havenly offers a curated collection of classic and globally inspired area rugs, with designs ranging from classic stripes to bold animal prints. Prices start at $221 (lower if you catch a sale), and the materials include natural fibers, pet-friendly synthetics, and luxurious blends.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Varies
- Shipping time: Varies
The Inside was founded to make buying furniture and decor more enjoyable and less stressful. If you ask co-founder and CEO Britt Bunn, the brand's primary purpose "is to inspire you with a dynamic digital experience, compelling visuals, collaborations with heritage design houses, peer engagement, and so on. And its second purpose is to empower you to bring that vision to life by offering access to more design for more value."
Whether you're looking for dark and moody colors or a light, neutral option, there's sure to be something to your taste in The Inside's collection.
What To Look for When Buying a Rug
Buying a rug is a big decision, even if you've chosen a brand with a good return policy. Too small, and you'll create an awkward floating effect in the space. Too large, and your room may look crowded. Wrong material, and your rug could quickly become damaged. It's enough to give anyone decision paralysis!
Buying a rug doesn't have to be a headache, though. Simply give your purchase careful consideration and base your decision on expert advice. And we'll help you with that last part right now.
Foot Traffic
"The main factor you want to consider when purchasing a new rug is whether you'll be placing it in a high-traffic area or a low-traffic area, as this will determine the rug material that is most suitable," explained Olma Fuentes. "Typical high-traffic spaces in the home include hallways, entryways, the kitchen, and the family room, so you'll want a rug made of durable material that can sustain lots of compression from daily use and is more resistant to stains."
The level of foot traffic your rug will receive may also impact the type of rug pad you want. For example, a nonslip rug pad is a must-have in a high-traffic space unless you position your rug under a piece of furniture (like a sectional sofa).
Rug Material
You'll find various natural, synthetic, and blended material options while shopping for rug. And the material your rug is made from will influence several things, including the following:
- Cleaning requirements
- Longevity and durability
- Resistance to moisture, UV rays, and foot traffic
- Hand feel (how it feels against your skin)
- Insulation and padding
"We always recommend a natural fiber rug," said Julie Brayton, Principal of Brayton Interiors. "These will stand the test of time and can easily be maintained with routine professional cleaning. If you take care of these natural fiber rugs, there's no reason they wouldn't last decades! Our favorite would be 100% wool. Next in line would be wool blends like wool/silk."
If you opt for natural materials, scout out your go-to local rug cleaner and have your rugs cleaned annually or bi-annually. High-quality area rugs are an investment piece; if you care for them properly, they can last forever.
For example, wool resists stains and is naturally stain- and flame-resistant (no added chemicals needed). While wool rugs tend to be pricier, they're well worth the investment. They look more luxurious and feel softer underneath your feet.
Other natural fiber options include jute, sisal, or seagrass. These are great to use as base or layer rugs or on their own. Again, with maintenance, they can last for decades—just be sure to check the humidity requirements against the humidity in your home. These rugs are usually much more affordable than wool, but stain removal can be more difficult with materials like jute.
Rug Size
Choosing the wrong size is one of the most common mistakes when buying an area rug. But finding the right size is easier than you might imagine.
A general rule is that you'll want 6-24" of exposed floor between the edges of your rug and the walls. Smaller margins of around 6" work well in narrow hallways, while larger margins of 18-24" work well in spacious areas like living rooms and bedrooms.
Start by measuring your room and any furniture on or around the area rug. Then, experiment with different sizes by outlining them on the floor with masking tape to see how much space they'll cover.
Budget
Before you buy an area rug, Mike Semegen recommends determining how much you're willing to spend and choosing one that fits your budget while still meeting your needs. If your budget isn't large enough for the rug you want, consider monthly payment options or save until your rug needs and budget meet in the middle.
If you choose to save up, you might want a cheaper rug in the meantime. If you go this route, consider what you'll do with your in-between rug when you replace it and choose accordingly. For example, instead of picking something that'll end up in a landfill, you might opt for an indoor/outdoor rug that you can retire to your patio, mudroom, or elsewhere exposed to the elements.
Pro Tip: Don't Forget the Rug Pad!
Rug pads might sound optional, but unless your area rug is designed to work without one, it's best to invest. Rug pads serve several purposes, including the following:
- Keep the rug in place by preventing slipping and sliding
- Catch debris
- Protect your floors from dirt, furniture, and wear marks
- Keep the rug fibers in good condition for longer
- Keep the rug backing in good condition for longer
- Insulate your home
- Add cushion and comfort
You might prefer a thin anti-slip rug pad, which will do the basics, like keeping your rug in place without adding bulk that can catch under doors. Thin rug pads are usually more affordable but offer less protection to your floors and the rug.
A thicker rug pad will add a more luxurious cushions feel while offering greater protection to your floors and the rug fibers. Thicker pads are a bit more expensive, however, and they lift the rug a bit — note that they're sized a bit smaller than the rug, so they don't create hard edges and tripping risks.
