We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products The 12 Best Area Rugs We Tested in 2024 for Both Timeless and Trendy Spaces Prices start at just $20 at Amazon By Olivia Avitt Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 27, 2024 07:27PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Verdict What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Eric Brockob An area rug can completely change how your space feels — from balancing out the colors and patterns of your large furniture to adding a level of warmth and even diffusing sound. It can also be a major investment, depending on the size and material you choose. We put 32 different rugs to the test and rounded up our favorites based on their durability, value, maintenance, and quality. Whether you’re a pet owner looking for something that can withstand paws, claws, and shedding or a parent who needs a durable and easy-to-clean material for your kids to play on, we’ve found a wide range of materials, sizes, and textures so you can find the perfect area rug for any space in your home. Our Top Picks Best Sheepskin: SALE Ashler Home Faux Sheepskin Rug at Amazon $27 $17 Jump to Review Best Jute: Unique Loom Braided Jute Rug at Home Depot $168 Jump to Review Best Checkered: AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Rug at Wayfair $145 Jump to Review Best Indoor/Outdoor: Hampton Bay Natural Cream Striped Patio Rug at Home Depot $68 Jump to Review Best for Nurseries: Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug at Rugsusa.com $86 Jump to Review Best for Cat Owners: SALE Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug at Amazon $129 $50 Jump to Review Best for Entryways: SALE Nuloom Rigo Jute Area Rug at Amazon $269 $100 Jump to Review Best for Kitchens: L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug at L.L.Bean $599 Jump to Review Best Shag: Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug at Amazon $46 Jump to Review Best Plush: GreenRow Rhodes Solid Rug at Greenrow.com Jump to Review Best Sheepskin Ashler Home Faux Sheepskin Rug PHOTO: Amazon $27 $17 at Amazon Star Qualities Doesn't shed Pseudo suede on back gives an authentic touch Stains come out without significant changes in texture Red Flags Not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens If you like the stylish look of a fur rug but are working with a tight budget, you'll love this one from Ashler that’s high quality and affordable. (The 2’x3’ size we tested rings in under $30!) While you may expect faux fur to be easily tangled and flattened, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how nice this one feels even after lots of use. It has a high pile, feels dense, and doesn’t shed. During spill tests, we were able to remove 95 percent of the staining after a few rounds of cleaning. While we were initially nervous about vacuuming this rug, we were impressed at how efficiently our vacuum cleaner picked up all the dirt. Because of the delicate style, this rug is great thrown in front of a sofa or couch to give it a cozy cool vibe. One of our favorite small details is the pseudo suede on the back that makes it look like a pelt, which gives it an even more authentic feel. How It's Held Up Six months after being added to a bedroom, this rug is still soft, fluffy, and white. It lays nicely on the floor and doesn’t slide. The rug doesn’t get a lot of traffic, but it looks great and adds a bit of character to the room. It has held up well to vacuuming, and the texture has remained unchanged. We would definitely recommend it to friends and family who want a rug that’s inexpensive but looks luxurious. Material: Faux sheepskin fur, suede backing | Sizes: 15 | Colors: 24 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob Best Jute Unique Loom Braided Jute Rug PHOTO: The Home Depot $168 at Home Depot Star Qualities Thick jute stands up to heavy foot traffic Available in 4 colors, 5 shapes, and 13 sizes Red Flags Don’t let your robot vacuum on it! Jute rugs are everywhere this year, and if you’re looking for a solid, affordable option, don’t sleep on this Unique Loom Jute rug from Home Depot. One of our editors recently tested this 9-by-12 rug in her living room that gets lots of salt air, wind, and puppy paw traffic on a regular basis, and she could not be more in love with the way it looks. Jute rugs can be a great neutral background to any décor style, and our editor specifically loved the thickness of this rug as well as it’s on-trend look. Editors Say I actually squealed when I unrolled this rug and saw how well it tied the room together. You can tell it’s great quality, and it isn’t scratchy like other jute rugs I’ve tried. My only caution is that my robot vacuum pulled up some of threads, but I just flipped it over and set up a ‘virtual wall’ on my vacuum, so it’s no longer a concern. — Erin Johnson, Associate Editorial Director Material: Jute | Sizes: 13 | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson Best Checkered AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Rug PHOTO: AllModern $145 at Wayfair View on Allmodern.com $449 at Havenly.com Star Qualities Decent pile height and densely packed fibers Doesn't shed Easy to vacuum dry debris Red Flags Slides quite a bit Checkered rugs add a level of whimsy to your home decor, and we love this one from AllModern. It’s a high-quality shag rug, and we were immediately impressed by the pile height, densely packed fibers, and plush feel. The tight lines and small squares in the pattern make it look and feel expensive, but what we love most about this rug is that all of the drawbacks you’d expect from a shag material weren’t a problem here. The one thing we did notice is that there didn’t appear to be any backing on the rug, so you'll want to purchase a rug pad. Overall, we found it to be worth the price point for its comfort and quality but would recommend putting it in a bedroom or living room because it does hold onto some stains. How It's Held Up This rug is just as cozy as it was six months ago. It gets a lot of foot traffic, but the quality has not changed. The rug is nice and heavy, so it doesn’t move around while vacuuming. After vacuuming, the rug is as soft and fluffy as it was on the first day. Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: 8 | Colors: 7 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best Indoor/Outdoor Hampton Bay Natural Cream Striped Patio Rug PHOTO: The Home Depot $68 at Home Depot Star Qualities Even after two months of outdoor use in Hawai’i, it looks good as new Neutral design makes it super versatile Red Flags Only available in two sizes This indoor/outdoor rug was the perfect addition to our editor's outdoor patio. It withstood wind, rain, and stray bits of sand for two months in Hawai'i, and it miraculously looks just as good as the day she unrolled it. Although it only comes in one color, it’s an ideal neutral choice for those looking to place a rug in an outdoor space. Editors Say This Hampton Bay rug is an outstanding value. It’s super durable, and I get so many compliments when I have friends over. I can’t believe that it’s held up to Hawai’i’s crazy weather this summer, but it truly looks as good as new. — Erin Johnson, Associate Editorial Director Material: Synthetic Fiber | Sizes: 2 | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson Best for Nurseries Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug PHOTO: Rugs USA $86 at Rugsusa.com Star Qualities Short but dense pile Easy to vacuum and remove stains Red Flags One end curled and wouldn’t lie flat This rug by Rugs USA won our vote for anyone furnishing a nursery because of its durability and adorable design. We loved all the detail in this rug — the diamond-shaped raised dots feel well made and signal its high quality. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors that would match any nursery’s color scheme. The looped wool fibers also make it very dense, which provides a good level of padding for babies to crawl on. The short but dense fibers also make it easy to clean, too. The main drawback we saw was that upon taking it out of the packaging, there was one side that curled up and wouldn’t lay flat. Overall, the quality and whimsical design make it worth the price in our book. How It's Held Up For the past six months, this rug has been used in front of a kitchen sink, where it provides a lot of cushion while washing dishes. The rug is easy to vacuum and can be spot-cleaned effectively. There is no change in quality, texture, or durability, and we would continue recommending this pick to family and friends. Material: Wool | Sizes: 6 | Colors: 7 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best for Cat Owners Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug PHOTO: Wayfair $129 $50 at Amazon $50 at Wayfair $129 at Lowe's Star Qualities Easy to vacuum low pile Thin and doesn't shed Won't show wear and tear Red Flags Not much comfort underfoot This rug is ideal for cat owners for several reasons. It was one of the easiest rugs to vacuum that we tested thanks to its low-pile height — this is a game-changer for cleaning up pesky pet hair. Also, its thin fibers mean that it won’t shed as easily. We ran over it with a pet hair brush and there were only a handful of fibers left behind, so it’s safe to say that this rug is fairly cat-scratch-proof. Plus, the distressed look means any damage will be easier to camouflage. The muted colors are classy and understated and would look great in a den, dining room, or bedroom. The thinness of the material means it isn’t something you can sink your feet into. It wouldn’t be the right fit for someone who’s looking for a plush, comfortable rug. How It's Held Up Our tester has used this versatile rug next to the bed in a bedroom and in a powder room. The texture and quality of the rug have not changed, and there’s no matting, staining, or loose fibers. Plus, the colors don't show dirt easily. It's super easy to clean — the vacuum glides across the rug, and dirt comes up easily. Our tester likes it so much that they're thinking of ordering one in a different size for their home office. Material: Polyester | Sizes: 11 | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best for Entryways Nuloom Rigo Jute Area Rug PHOTO: Amazon $269 $100 at Amazon $384 $35 at Target $10 at Walmart Star Qualities Ideal material to kick dirt off your shoes Spills clean up easily Well-made and luxurious Red Flags Slides around a bit If you need a rug for your entryway or foyer that will tie the place together, this woven jute option from Nuloom is a great choice. The thin and rough texture of the woven jute makes this rug ideal for a high-traffic area like an entryway where you’ll be tracking in dirt, snow, or grass from the outside. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it did during cleaning tests, too. The texture wasn’t compromised when vacuuming, and after the spill test, we were able to clean the mess up almost entirely with just a paper towel. How It's Held Up For the past six months, this rug has been placed outside an apartment door, and after a significant amount of rain, it has remained in great condition. Since the jute material doesn't vacuum well, the tester shakes it out and sweeps it when it collects dirt. Our only con? We wish it came with a grip backing because it tends to slide around. Material: Jute | Sizes: 38 | Colors: 11 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best for Kitchens L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug PHOTO: L.L. Bean $599 at L.L.Bean Star Qualities Feels soft underfoot Vacuums easily Luxurious vintage feel Red Flags Doesn’t lay completely flat A rug in your kitchen can tie the space together and make it cozier. This area rug from L.L.Bean is perfect in front of a sink or stove because of its durable braided wool material. During our cleaning tests, we were not only able to vacuum up dry messes, but spills came up completely with a little water and cleaning solution. The wool isn’t so rough that it’s uncomfortable — it feels surprisingly soft underfoot so you won’t be bothered standing on it when you’re washing dishes or cooking over the stove. Something we noticed that could be a potential drawback is that it doesn’t lay completely flat. Because it’s made of wool, it will inevitably have some fraying — it won’t last as long if you put it somewhere high traffic, like an entryway. Material: 100% wool | Sizes: 7 | Colors: 6 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock The 10 Best Wet-Dry Vacuums of 2024, Tested on Eggs, Pasta, and Ketchup Best Shag Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug PHOTO: Amazon $46 $43 at Amazon $633 $47 at Target $23 at Walmart Star Qualities Luxurious underfoot Lays completely flat Doesn't lose texture or pile over time Red Flags Debris can get stuck in the fibers Shag is a great choice for a bedroom or living room because of its softness, and this shag rug was the best one we tested. Even right after taking it out of the packaging, it stayed flat on the floor, and it still maintained its softness and pile after lots of contact. We had trouble cleaning it in the lab, but during real world use, we found it was actually pretty easy to vacuum on a regular basis. How It's Held Up This small rug remains soft and plush, and the texture and quality have remained unchanged. While it collects dust and dirt like any rug, it cleans up well with weekly vacuuming. We wouldn’t change anything and would recommend it to anyone looking for a soft accent rug at an affordable price. Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: 83 | Colors: 28 PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock The 12 Best Cordless Vacuums of 2024, Tested by Real People Best Plush GreenRow Rhodes Solid Rug PHOTO: GreenRow View on Greenrow.com Star Qualities Handcrafted from sustainable materials Durable enough to withstand significant foot traffic Red Flags Sheds quite a bit This rug by GreenRow is a dream to sink your feet into. The hand-loomed wool and cotton is not only sustainable and environmentally conscious, but it also feels luxurious and well made. The pile height makes it feel thick and substantial, which makes us confident that this would do well in a part of your home with lots of foot traffic. We wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who has pets, especially ones who shed — you’d never truly be able to get it completely clean, as dirt and dander would likely settle in the thick fibers. Overall, its comfort and plushness are unmatched, so if you have a pet-free home this would be a great choice. Material: 80% wool, 20% cotton | Sizes: 4 | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best Pattern AllModern Ovid Oriental Woven Area Rug PHOTO: AllModern $159 at Wayfair $159 at Allmodern.com $159 at Havenly.com Star Qualities Material is easy to clean Soft underfoot Intricate, well-crafted geometric design Red Flags Steep price considering lack of pad If you want to make a statement in a neutral space, this rug by AllModern might just be the perfect piece for you. The intricate geometric design features warm colors that will add a level of character and detail to your home. It’s very thin, perhaps the thinnest rug we tested. This would come in handy for anyone with pets since there’s less pile for pet dander and dirt to sink into. All of our tests proved this true — vacuuming up debris was a breeze, and because the fibers are so thin it’s less likely to shed. Although it’s thin, it’s still fairly soft, and if you had a rug pad underneath it it would be even softer. How It's Held Up Since lab testing, this rug has been placed in a common area of a home and has held up fairly well. There are no stains, but a small area of the rug became frayed from cat claws. The rug is on the thin side, so it might not be ideal for someone looking for a thicker, more cushioned rug. It's also easy to clean with regular vacuuming. We would recommend buying a rug pad to effectively hold the rug in place on hard floors. Material: Viscose, synthetic | Size: 5 | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock Best for Dog Owners IKEA Vedbäk Rug PHOTO: IKEA $90 at Ikea Pros Soft feel and substantial pile Spills don't absorb Large size ideal for living or dining room Cons Ripples and wrinkles didn’t flatten Ikea is a great option for anyone who needs to furnish their space on a budget but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. This rug features a beautiful floral pattern that looks expensive and will add a level of luxury and charm to your space. It feels just as high quality, too — it has a substantial pile and soft feel that stays consistent all over its surface. This rug allows spills to stay on the surface so you can clean them properly. This is why it won our vote for dog owners — having dogs will inevitably lead to messes, so you want something easy to maintain. Plus, the size makes it perfect for bigger spaces, like a living or dining room. How It's Held Up This rug is still soft and fluffy and is not showing any signs of wear, matting, or spots. Over the past six months, it has been used in a living room where it warms the space and has continued to wear well. Plus, the edges are still holding their stitching with no unraveling. The color and pattern hide any potential stains, and it’s super easy to keep clean with a vacuum on the hard floor setting. Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 3 PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob PHOTO: People / Eric Brockob The 10 Best Pet Hair Vacuums of 2024, Tested by Real Pet Parents Our Verdict After testing our top-performing area rugs in real-life home environments for an additional six months, we re-evaluated our picks on this original list. We have removed products that did not hold up well long-term due to difficulty cleaning, discoloration, or significant shedding. We also added two additional rugs that we tested this summer and loved. We still stand by the 12 area rugs on this list and will continue to test this category and keep this article updated with additional insights. What to Know About Area Rugs Texture Texture often comes down to preference. You have to break down what your own unique needs are. If you’re looking for something more affordable that’s also soft and plush, a shag rug, like the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug, would be a good pick. If you have pets or kids, a thin rug with tightly woven fibers may be better, like the Ikea VEDBÄK Rug. A rug is a big investment that can completely change the look and feel of your space. If you want to buy something that lasts, it should have features that can withstand your home’s environment. Maintenance Life is messy, and no matter what, you’re going to have the occasional mess or spill. This is especially important if you have pets or kids or want to put your rug in a high-traffic space. Some materials are more high-maintenance than others. If your rug has a higher pile height, it’s more likely that dirt, dander, and spills will sink deep within its fibers, making it harder to clean. Rugs that are thinner and more densely packed allow messes, both wet and dry, to sit on the surface and come out easier. Value Depending on the material you choose, rugs can be pretty expensive. However, they can also last a long time if you care for them properly. Wool rugs, like the Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug, are significantly more expensive and require quite a bit of upkeep, but can last you for decades if you take care of them. If you’re working with a budget or want something in the short term, splurging on a wool rug may not be worth it. Opting for something made with synthetic fiber is much cheaper and, while it won’t last you as long, will save you some money. People / Henry Wortock Behind the Scenes We selected 30 best-selling area rugs and put them through 72 hours of lab testing and an additional six months of real-world testing at homes across the country. Evaluation: We evaluated each rug on quality, texture, durability, maintenance, and value, and scored them from one to five in each category.Wear and Tear Tests: We put each rug through a series of five tests that were designed to mimic real-life wear and tear. We took to the surface with a pet brush to evaluate how they perform under intense abrasion, poured coffee grounds to see how easily a vacuum could run over them, and spilled chocolate sauce to see how easily stains could be removed.Long-Term Testing: After lab testing, we sent the rugs to our home testers to get their real-world feedback on the rugs at the two-month and six-month marks. We asked for comments on maintenance and cleaning, any changes in the quality and texture of the rugs, and how well they work in their space. We then updated the article with this additional insight. Frequently Asked Questions What is the most durable rug material? Natural fibers, like wool or silk, are going to be stronger and less likely to tear or snag, which means they’ll last longer if they’re taken care of properly. However, according to interior designer Jacquin Headen, synthetic fibers also have benefits that will make them easier to keep and maintain. “Synthetic fibers often resist stains better than natural fibers and can be purchased at a much lower price point than natural fiber rugs," Headen says. "While natural fibers tend to last a long time with proper care and can be kept for generations as heirloom possessions, they often require a very careful approach to cleaning them.” Synthetic rugs may not last as long, but they are easier to own and clean when they’re met with inevitable wear and tear. How often should you wash a rug? You may not think about it, but rugs hang onto lots of allergens and bacteria. They see the bottom of your shoes frequently (depending on what part of the house they’re in) and absorb dirt particles that can not only break down the fibers but are also unhealthy to breathe in. This is why it’s important to clean your rug regularly or buy a washable rug. It’s a good rule of thumb to clean your rug once a year — you can either hire a professional to do it or rent a rug-cleaning machine from a local hardware store. What shape of rug should I buy for my space? The shape of rug you have for your space depends on the size, the type of furniture, and the way you have your furniture arranged — such as the space between the bed frame and nightstand. As you start your shopping, you’ll probably see a wide variety of square and round rugs. It’s generally safe to opt for a rectangular rug in a rectangular-shaped room and a square rug for a square room — you can save the round rugs for placement underneath a round dining table or in an entryway. People / Henry Wortock Why Trust PEOPLE? This article was written by Olivia Avitt, a freelance writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. When writing this article, she carefully reviewed the test results of the area rugs included and put together the need-to-know details that will help you pick the right rug for your home. She also consulted Jacquin Headen, owner of Interiors by Jacquin, on how to pick the right material and shape for your space. Our Expert Panel Jacquin Headen is an interior designer and owner of Interiors by Jacquin. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.