We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 13 Absolute Best Area Rugs of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Prices start at just $20 at Amazon

By
Olivia Avitt
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 May 16, 2024 04:15PM EDT
Four area rugs in a living room
Photo:

People / Eric Brockob

A rug can completely change how your space feels — from balancing out the colors and patterns of your 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 30 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.

Keep reading to discover the best area rugs that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Ashler Home Faux Sheepskin Rug at Amazon ($27)
Jump to Review
Best for Entryways:
Nuloom Rigo Jute Area Rug at Amazon ($269)
Jump to Review
Best for Kitchens:
L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug at L.L.Bean ($599)
Jump to Review
Best Jute:
Revival Hart Jute Rug at Revivalrugs.com (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best Shag:
Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug at Amazon ($160)
Jump to Review
Best for Dog Owners:
IKEA Vedbäk Rug at Ikea ($90)
Jump to Review
Best for Cat Owners:
Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug at Amazon ($189)
Jump to Review
Best Plush:
GreenRow Rhodes Solid Rug at Greenrow.com (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best Indoor/Outdoor:
IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug at Ikea ($150)
Jump to Review
Best for Nurseries:
Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug at Rugsusa.com ($86)
Jump to Review

Best Budget

Ashler Home Faux Sheepskin Rug

Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug
PHOTO:

Amazon
$20 at Amazon $27 at Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
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, we wouldn’t recommend this for use in a bathroom or kitchen — although it’s fairly durable, the added moisture and greater potential for messes in those spaces would be too much for this rug to handle. It's better thrown in front of a sofa or couch to give it a cozy cool vibe, for example. 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

Best for Entryways

Nuloom Rigo Jute Area Rug

Nuloom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug
PHOTO:

Amazon
$99 at Amazon $24 at Target $49 at Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Star Qualities

  • Ideal material to kick dirt off your shoes

  • Spills clean up easily

  • Well-made and luxurious

Red Flags

  • Braided material may unravel

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. 

This rug isn’t for everyone, though — it has a rustic look that would fit well in a farmhouse-style home, but it may not be the right purchase if you want a more modern look. Because it’s a woven material, we can foresee the braiding becoming undone over time, which means it may not last in the long run. However, it looks and feels well-made considering its low price point.

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

The 11 Best Area Rugs of 2024 at Amazon, According to Thousands of Shoppers

Best for Kitchens

L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug

L.L. Bean Braided Wool Rug
PHOTO:

L.L. Bean
$599 at L.L.Bean
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Value
    3/5
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. We found that this area rug from L.L.Bean would be perfect in front of your 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

Best Jute

Revival Hart Jute Rug

Revival Hart Jute Rug
PHOTO:

Revival
View on Revivalrugs.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Star Qualities

  • Distressed look won't show wear and tear easily

  • Stays in place and doesn’t shift

  • Dry messes clean up entirely with a vacuum

Red Flags

  • Not comfortable for bare feet

Jute is not only an eco-friendly and sustainable material, but it’s also highly durable and great for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. This one by Revival is the best jute rug we tested because of its durability and how easy it was to clean. We think this would be a great addition to any outdoor space. Any inevitable wear and tear will be camouflaged by the fact that it has a naturally distressed look that could make your outdoor furniture and setting seem more relaxed and inviting.

Although we didn’t do any spill tests on this rug, we did test how easy it is to vacuum. We were able to clean up the entire mess, even when debris got stuck in the braided crevices. Also, the rug stayed in place nicely and didn’t shift on the floor at all, though we did test it with the matching rug pad, so we can’t speak to how it would do without that.

As you’d expect with most jute material, it has a rough feel and isn’t comfortable to walk on with bare feet. Because of its rustic look, it also curls at the edges which, again, could be overlooked if you keep it outside. 

How It's Held Up

Over the past six months, this rug has continued to impress with its durability and versatility, and it has held up especially well in a home with a toddler and a cat in a high-traffic spot. A rug pad keeps it in place, and it hasn't caused any harm to the wood floor below. The tester vacuums the rug with a Dyson and hasn't noticed any shedding or wear and tear. Plus, an incident with spit-up was easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Material: Natural jute | Sizes: 12 | Colors: 1

Best Shag

Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug

Walmart SAFAVIEH Milan Shag Collection SG180-1414
PHOTO:

Walmart
$39 at Amazon $47 at Target $312 at Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Star Qualities

  • Luxurious underfoot

  • Lays completely flat

  • Doesn't lose texture or pile over time

Red Flags

  • Debris gets 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. It comes in a wide variety of colors to match the color scheme of your space, and the small size makes it perfect for placing right by your bed. 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.

As you may expect with shag material, it wasn’t the easiest to clean. While stains cleaned up nicely, we found that debris got stuck deep into the fibers and wouldn’t come up after vacuuming. This rug probably wouldn’t last as long if it’s in a place where you’d be wearing shoes a lot, so this would be best in a bedroom, bathroom, or den.

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

Best for Dog Owners

IKEA Vedbäk Rug

IKEA Vedbäk Rug
PHOTO:

IKEA
$90 at Ikea
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.2/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
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.

During cleaning tests, we poured coffee grounds and chocolate sauce over the surface and everything cleaned up seamlessly. 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.

When we took it out of the packaging, there were some ripples and wrinkles in the middle that wouldn’t go down no matter how hard we tried to flatten them. Despite this, we found the quality to be worth the price point and expected it to be much more expensive.

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

The 11 Best Pet Hair Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best for Cat Owners

Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug

Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Oriental Area Rug
PHOTO:

Wayfair
$78 at Amazon $142 at Wayfair $189 at Lowe's
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.3/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
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. Also, the distressed look is an aesthetic some people love, but you may not find it appealing if you don’t want something that already looks a bit worn out. If you want something that’s easy to clean or you have cats in your house, this is a great purchase. 

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

Best Plush

GreenRow Rhodes Solid Rug

GreenRow Rhodes Solid Rug
PHOTO:

GreenRow
View on Greenrow.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Star Qualities

  • Thick and plush

  • 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.

The thickness of the material does present some drawbacks. It didn’t perform well during our cleaning test — while we were able to remove almost 90% of any spills and stains, it was nearly impossible to vacuum up the debris that got stuck deep in the fibers. Also, when we ran a pet brush over it, it had the most shedding by far. 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

Best Indoor/Outdoor

IKEA LYDERSHOLM Rug

Ikea Lydersholm Rug
PHOTO:

IKEA
$150 at Ikea
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Star Qualities

  • Thin and tightly braided material performs well

  • Dark color masks stains

  • Sticky backing keeps rug in place

Red Flags

  • Simple look not ideal for all styles

This rug by Ikea is perhaps the most durable rug we tested, which is why it won our vote for outdoor spaces. The thin and tightly woven fibers have no pile height whatsoever, and it feels more like a fibrous mat than a carpet or rug. When we took a pet brush to it to test shedding, it held up very well, and because it has no pile it’s easy to vacuum up debris. During the spill test, we couldn’t completely remove the stains from the gaps in the coarse fibers of the rug, but the dark color makes it easy to mask stains.

Although it could benefit from a rug pad underneath, its backing is relatively sticky so we didn’t notice too much shifting on the ground. It’s highly durable and would do well in high-traffic areas where it may be exposed to the elements. It’s important to note that this rug isn’t particularly stylish or comfortable — it’s rough, thin, and plain. This is fine for spaces where you plan on getting dirty, but it wouldn’t be the right fit for cozy indoor spaces.

How It's Held Up

Over the past several months, this rug has been used in a home office, where it receives a lot of foot traffic. It has held up well, and the color blends in nicely with the surrounding decor. It's easy to pick up dirt or debris by cleaning it weekly with an upright vacuum. It’s made of high-quality materials and is ideal for a home office, where it adds a bit of color and texture without being too plush.

Material: Polypropylene | Sizes: 2 | Colors: 1

Best for Nurseries

Rugs USA Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug

Rugs USA Tuscan Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug
PHOTO:

Rugs USA
$86 at rugsusa.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
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. Based on the density and short pile, this rug would do well in high-traffic areas as well, so it could work in any bedroom or common living space. 

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

Best Checkered

AllModern Walker Area Rug

AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug
PHOTO:

AllModern
$145 at Wayfair View on Allmodern.com $430 at havenly.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.2/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
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.

A shag rug typically has substantial shedding, but during testing, we ran a pet brush over it and there were hardly any fibers in the brush’s bristles. Also, shag rugs are notoriously hard to clean due to how dense they are, allowing dirt and grime to settle deep inside. However, we were able to vacuum up all dry debris and remove almost all staining.

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

Best Pattern

AllModern Ovid Area Rug

AllModern Ovid Area Rug
PHOTO:

AllModern
$180 at Wayfair $180 at allmodern.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
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. 

This rug’s price is comparable to others of similar sizes which is a little disappointing considering how thin it is. If you want it to feel soft underfoot, you would have to buy a rug pad which is an added expense to take into account. If you aren’t concerned about plushness or comfort and want something solely for aesthetics, then this rug is a great option. 

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

Best Wool

54Kibo Cypress Mustard Floral Area Rug

54Kibo Cypress Mustard Floral Area Rug
PHOTO:

54Kibo
$238 at 54kibo.com
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Durability
    2/5
  • Value
    4/5
Star Qualities

  • Material not damaged by vacuuming

  • Soft and plush underfoot

  • Vintage look adds coziness

Red Flags

  • Sensitive to abrasion, so not ideal for pet owners

Wool rugs are great for their hypoallergenic qualities and their ability to retain heat in the winter. Wool fibers are also much stronger than polyester or other common rug materials, so you won’t see them snag or tear as quickly after purchase. If you don’t mind that wool is more expensive and requires more upkeep, consider this rug from 54kibo. We loved the vintage floral design, and even though it’s fairly thin, it still feels soft, cozy, and substantial. When you step on it, it feels plush underfoot, so it would be great for a living room or bedroom. During the cleaning tests, we were impressed by how easy it was to vacuum. 

Although wool is supposedly spill-resistant, there were stains left behind that we couldn’t get out. When we ran a pet brush over the rug to see how it did against abrasion, it didn’t perform particularly well. While it would withstand barefoot traffic, it probably wouldn’t be great in more high-traffic areas, like the entryway. It’s also for this reason that we wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with pets — their claws would do some damage and shorten the rug’s lifespan. Wool is incredibly soft, high quality, and a nice aesthetic choice, but it’s not ideal for people who don’t like high-maintenance housewares and decor.

How It's Held Up

After six months of use, this rug is still holding up fairly well in a kitchen. After some accidental spills, our tester washed the rug in a washing machine on the delicate cycle. This caused it to shrink a bit, but it still looks nice overall. While the rug remains tightly woven, it is beginning to come undone at the seams where the warp and weft don't connect due to the color change. Because of this, we recommend using it in a less-trafficked area for long-term durability.

Material: Wool | Sizes: 5 | Colors: One (Mustard Floral)

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 still stand by the 13 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. Jute, like the Revival Hart Jute Rug, is a great option if a low-maintenance material is at the top of your list. If you want something a little more fuzzy and soft, a synthetic material like polyester would be a good choice.

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.

A person brushes the Ashler Faux Fur Rug

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.

A person stands on the Project 62 Eyelash Woven Shag Rug

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.