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. Cozey Rugs
Cozey is an furniture brand that started in 2020 when they saw a gap in the market: reasonable home furniture that bring comfort to consumers.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: around 1 week
Cozey rugs are crafted for modern living, striking the perfect balance between effortless style and everyday practicality. With a wide selection of designs and sizes, they seamlessly complement any room while adding comfort underfoot. Each rug features a clever two-part system: a cushioned, non-slip pad for stability and comfort, paired with a beautifully designed top layer that you can easily remove and wash. From narrow runners to spacious area rugs, Cozey offers a versatile solution for every corner of your home.
Life gets messy, but Cozey rugs are built to keep up. The removable top layer is machine washable, making it simple to refresh your rug after spills, dirt, or daily wear. Just toss it in the wash on a gentle cycle, hang to dry, and enjoy a rug that looks as good as new. With free shipping across the US (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands) and all Canadian provinces, plus a 5-year limited warranty, Cozey makes it easy to bring durable, stylish comfort into your space with complete peace of mind.
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. Sisal Rugs
Sisal Rugs specializes in natural-fiber floor coverings made primarily from sisal, the strong, renewable fiber of the agave plant. Their assortment typically includes pure sisal weaves, sisal–wool blends, seagrass and jute options, plus matching stair runners, custom sizes and shapes, and edge bindings in cotton, linen, or leather for a tailored finish. The brand’s focus is on sustainability, durability, and timeless texture—delivering the crisp, organic look designers love with construction that stands up to daily wear. With made-to-order flexibility and a broad palette of neutral, design-friendly tones, they aim to make it easy to fit natural rugs into modern, transitional, or coastal interiors. Complementary essentials like properly matched rug pads help optimize comfort and longevity.
- Return policy: No cancellations after 48 hours from when the order is placed. You can order free sample swatches.
- Delivery cost: Free (for orders over $500)
- Shipping time: 10-514 days
What sets Sisal Rugs apart is their deep specialization in natural fibers and high degree of customization, allowing you to fine-tune weave, border, size, and shape for a cohesive room plan. Many offerings include protective treatments or blended constructions that enhance resilience, making sisal a smarter choice for high-traffic spaces such as living rooms, hallways, and offices. We recommend buying from Sisal Rugs if you value eco-minded materials, clean, organic aesthetics, and tailored fit without flashy synthetics. For best results, place sisal in dry areas (avoid bathrooms or damp basements), pair with a quality pad, and consider stain-guarded or blended weaves if you have kids or pets. The result is a rug that feels grounded, looks elevated, and performs reliably day to day.
6. Castlery
Castlery’s rug lineup is a curated mix of modern, design-forward pieces that complement their furniture collections. You’ll find a focused selection spanning flatweaves, low- to medium-pile textures, and plush options in sizes like 5'x8', 8'x10', and 9'x12'. Materials skew practical and comfortable—think wool and wool blends for warmth and texture, jute for natural character, and soft, durable synthetics for easy care. Aesthetically, the collection leans into neutral, tonal palettes with subtle patterns, geometrics, and bouclé-like textures, making it simple to layer a rug into contemporary, Scandinavian, or mid-century–inspired rooms without visual clutter.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Flat Rate Shipping Per Shipment
- Shipping time: 2-3 weeks
"With Castlery, what we're trying to do is really just explore the textile heritage in our backyard, which we consider the American East," said spoken person from Castlery with Living Cozy. "And we want to create a new model for making sustainable products and share it with others. We want Castlery to be as sustainable as possible in every way."
What makes Castlery unique is the brand’s cohesive, room-first approach: rugs are designed to pair seamlessly with their sofas, tables, and lighting, so you can pull together a space with fewer guesswork moments. The value proposition is compelling - clean, timeless designs, reliable construction, and accessible pricing backed by straightforward delivery and support. We recommend buying rugs from Castlery if you want effortless coordination, on-trend yet enduring textures, and easy-to-live-with materials for busy homes. Choose a low-shed wool or a resilient synthetic for high-traffic areas, add a quality rug pad for comfort and longevity, and you’ll get a polished look that feels considered without the premium boutique price.
7. Locus Lane
Locust Lane Rugs offers a curated selection of modern, texture-rich rugs designed to anchor contemporary and transitional spaces. Expect a mix of flatweaves and low- to medium-pile constructions that balance comfort with easy maintenance. Materials commonly include natural fibers like wool and jute alongside durable performance blends for households that need extra resilience. The palette leans into versatile neutrals, soft earth tones, and subtle geometrics, with sizes that typically range from runners to large area rugs—making it straightforward to outfit entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas with a cohesive look.
- Return policy: 5 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 10 days
What sets Locust Lane Rugs apart is a clean, design-forward aesthetic that prioritizes timeless textures and effortless coordination across a home. Their focus on practical materials and versatile patterns makes choosing the right rug simpler, whether you’re layering warmth in a living room or defining a dining zone. We recommend buying from Locust Lane Rugs if you value elevated simplicity, reliable construction, and styles that pair easily with existing furniture. For best results, pick wool or wool-blend options for cozy, low-shed warmth, choose performance fibers for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets, and use a quality rug pad to improve comfort and extend longevity.
In addition, you can learn more about how Lucas Lane rugs are made on the brand's website, showing you the process from raising the sheep to finishing the rug.
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. Interior Define
Interior Define 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: 30 days
- Delivery cost: starts at $149
- Shipping time: 2-4weeks
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. Povison
Povison 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 $69. Aside from being another fantastic option for budget shoppers, Povison 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: Free
- Shipping time: 1-3 weeks
You can sort Povison's collection by color, material, and size, but with less than 15 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 Povison's rugs have only one or two size and color options, so those looking for customization might want to look elsewhere.
15. Rugs com
Rugs.com is known for its massive selection of area rugs across styles, sizes, and budgets. You’ll find everything from modern and minimalist to Persian‑inspired, Moroccan, vintage/distressed, and shag, plus natural fibers like jute and wool, and performance synthetics for durability. Offerings span hand‑knotted, hand‑tufted, and machine‑woven constructions, with shapes that include runners, round and square cuts, and oversized formats for open‑plan spaces. There are also outdoor and washable options for hassle‑free maintenance. With strong in‑stock availability and clear filters for size, color, material, pile, and pattern, it’s easy to pinpoint the right rug quickly.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time:1-3 weeks
Customers love Rugs.com for the convenience and value: an intuitive shopping experience, robust filtering, and plentiful photos make selection feel straightforward, while competitive pricing and frequent promotions help stretch the budget. The site emphasizes fast, straightforward delivery and offers clear product specs so you can buy with confidence. Whether you’re giving a room a quick refresh or outfitting an entire home, Rugs.com’s blend of breadth, speed, and affordability makes it a go‑to. If you want a rug that’s on‑trend yet practical—especially in larger sizes—Rugs.com’s ready‑to‑ship variety is a compelling pick.
17. Frontgate
"Frontgate 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."
Frontgate 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: 90 days
- Delivery cost: Flat Rate Shipping Per Shipment
- Shipping time: 3-7 days
Frontgate’s rug collection blends elevated design with everyday durability, offering everything from plush wool and hand-tufted textures to easy-care performance weaves and UV- and fade-resistant outdoor styles that stand up beautifully on patios and in sunrooms. The aesthetic skews refined—think timeless neutrals, rich textures, and tasteful patterns—with sizes that span runners to oversized area rugs for grand living rooms and open-concept spaces. Customers love Frontgate for its polished, cohesive look across indoor and outdoor areas, the quality construction that feels substantial underfoot, and the thoughtful details (like low‑shedding fibers and family-friendly materials) that make maintenance simpler. If you’re aiming for an upscale finish without fussy upkeep, Frontgate rugs deliver the kind of tailored, resort-caliber vibe that ties a room—or an entire home—together.
The collections at Frontgate 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. TJ Maxx
TJ Maxx rugs are popular because the brand operates on an off‑price model, meaning you’ll often find designer labels and on‑trend styles at a meaningful discount versus typical retail. The assortment turns over quickly and spans washable and performance rugs, natural fibers like jute and wool, plush shags, and Persian‑inspired/vintage looks in sizes from door mats and runners to large area rugs. That constant refresh is part of the appeal: you can score elevated textures and patterns that feel boutique without the boutique price, ideal for quick room refreshes, rentals, or staging—plus outdoor options for patios and porches.
- Return policy: 30 days
- Delivery cost: flat, low fixed rate (often about $9–10)
- Shipping time: 4-9 days
Customers can expect a wide but fast‑changing inventory in‑store and online, so the best strategy is to shop early and check back often. Because selections come from many makers, quality can vary—it’s smart to review fiber content (wool, jute, cotton, polypropylene), feel the pile density, and check backing/edges; pair with a rug pad for comfort and longevity. Typical price ranges: doormats $12–29, runners $24–79, 3'x5' $39–99, 5'x7' $69–169, 8'x10' $149–399, with occasional oversized or premium finds higher—and clearance can dip well below these ranges. If you love a treasure‑hunt experience and strong value‑per‑look, TJ Maxx rugs are a compelling place to start.
TJ Maxx's selection includes many contemporary designs with a few vintage-inspired patterns. In addition, their rugs 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. Quince
Quince 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: 365 days
- Delivery cost: Free
- Shipping time: 3-7 days
"Quince specializes in high-end modern and contemporary rugs, with a focus on quality and design. 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 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. Grandin Road
The Grandin Road offers a curated collection of classic and globally inspired area rugs, with designs ranging from classic stripes to bold animal prints. Prices start at $35 (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: 1-2 weeks
The Grandin Road was founded to make buying furniture and decor more enjoyable and less stressful. If you ask co-founder, 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 Grandin Road'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.
