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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Buying a rug online offers you access to thousands of options from a range of retailers. Before you start your search, you should know what size rug you need to buy, which materials are the best choice for your lifestyle, and the budget you have to spend on a new rug. Of course, style and color are key factors to consider, since an area rug can create a cohesive look in your room.
Sarah Barnard, an interior designer and principal of Sarah Barnard Design, points out that your choice of rug material will impact how long your rug lasts—and how easy it is to live with. “Different materials will have different levels of durability and may require different levels of care," Barnard says. Barnard's top picks for long-lasting, easy-to-clean rugs are wool and recycled nylons.
The best places online to buy a rug will make your search easier by giving you the option to browse rugs by material, size, construction, style, pile height, or color. You can search for rugs that are vintage and one-of-a-kind or affordable and machine-made. Many rug retailers make it easier to buy a rug sight unseen by offering a return policy, free shipping, or samples to help you buy with confidence.
And while plenty of retailers offer rugs for sale in-store, you'll generally find the best selection online, as displaying and stocking large area rugs takes up a lot of space. Keeping that in mind, our favorite online retailers include Wayfair, Amazon, and Ruggable, thanks to their wide variety of high-quality and durable options.
Backed by our research and testing insights, here are the best places to buy rugs online.
Ruggable
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Amazon
Free shipping on all rug orders
Sample covers with rug pad available for order
Rug covers can be machine-washed and dried
$25 processing fee for each returned item
Expensive compared to the cost of conventional rugs
Ruggable’s claim to fame is their unique, washable rugs. Using a two-part rug system, you can easily toss your rug into the washing machine and dryer. The stylish rugs come in a wide range of sizes, patterns, and colors and are designed to be child-friendly and pet-proof. They’re a great choice for active households or if you want to frequently change the look of your rug.
A direct-to-consumer brand, you can shop Ruggable’s collection at the retailer’s website. The brand is best known for their chenille rug. When trying out the Ruggable Kavi Diamond Silver Rug, our product tester was surprised at the lack of pile height on this rug but found the texture to be very velvety and soft. However, if you’re looking for a high pile rug, Ruggable offers shag and plush options to give you that soft feeling underfoot. During testing, we found that these rugs live up to their hype for easy machine-washing and drying. The bigger challenge is vacuuming them; the suction power can make it a challenge to keep the rug and pad attached. You’ll have to use a low-power vacuum cleaner or mainly rely on washing the rug to keep it clean and debris-free.
When purchasing a rug from Ruggable, you’ll have the option to choose between a standard or cushioned rug pad. Both options have a Velcro-like surface that holds the rug cover in place, but the cushioned pad offers more comfort when walking, standing, or sitting on the rug. Once you have a Ruggable system, you can shop for rug covers only, giving you the flexibility to swap out your rugs on a regular basis without needing to store a large and heavy area rug. If you’re trying to grasp the benefit of the Ruggable system or compare rug cover options, take advantage of ordering Ruggable samples. You can order three 10” x 10” samples for $15, with a regular or cushioned pad sample included at no additional charge.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 2 to 4 weeks
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The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau
Amazon
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Amazon
Large selection of affordable rugs
Fast, free shipping on many items
Simple return process
Not a dedicated rug retailer; selection may vary
Look to online retailer giant Amazon if you want an affordable rug, fast. With free, 2-day shipping for Prime members, this is a good place to shop for a rug if you are working with a tight deadline or want to skip the hefty shipping fees that are sometimes incurred when buying a rug online.
Amazon’s rug selection changes frequently, depending on product availability from its retailers. But one of our tried-and-true options is the Fab Habitat Reversible Rug. Our in-home product tester evaluated this rug based on its performance, design, and ease-of-cleaning. She found it to be a durable and convenient option for a portable indoor-outdoor rug. You can shop for rugs like this one or other budget-friendly options on Amazon. Due to the sheer size of the selection, you’ll definitely want to filter your options based on attributes like size, style, shape, or material.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Rugs USA
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Rugs USA
Free shipping on all orders
Excellent value with frequent sales
Must pay return shipping fees
If you’re looking for a vast selection of rugs at affordable prices, Rugs USA is the site to shop. Because of the abundance of options, we recommend that you narrow down your search using the site’s filter functions. You can peruse rugs by shape, size, style, color, or room.
As an example of the value and selection, the Tuscan Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug is a hand-tufted, wool rug for less than $200 in a 5’ x 8’ size. Our product tester put this rug in her nursery and was pleased that the representation of the rug online matched the in-person. The color and design were exactly as expected. While the natural wool fibers made the rug less inviting to sit on, it did prove to be easy to clean. Some shedding is to be expected, but our tester found it subsided after about four vacuum sessions. Overall, our tester was impressed with the value of this option from Rugs USA, “especially considering its size, natural wool construction, and the fact that it’s hand-tufted.”
Other reasons to shop Rugs USA include free shipping and a 30-day return window for orders. This helps to ease some of the concern you may have of ordering a rug for your home without being able to see it in person before buying. If you decide to send back a rug, keep in mind that return shipping fees will be deducted from your refund. Still, the convenience, selection, and affordability of shopping at an online rug store like Rugs USA is hard to beat.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Not listed
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
Home Depot
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Home Depot
Free shipping on most rugs
Return orders in-store or by mail
Offers affordable rugs for indoor or outdoor use
Fewer premium or high-end rugs
Home Depot offers more than project supplies—you can also shop for finishing touches, like rugs for the home. Expect to find an affordable mix of practical options rather than high-end, delicate rugs. If that sounds like what you’re after, the retailer’s website offers a more robust selection than the in-store options. We also love the fact that most rugs ship for free to your door, even large or unusually-shaped rugs like a 10' x 10' square rug.
You can sort rugs by room or type, like runners, outdoor rugs, or area rugs. Some rugs are exclusive to Home Depot, like those you’ll find in the Home Decorators Collection, while others are from popular rug manufacturers like Safavieh or nuLoom. The Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug is a good example of the practical, affordable rugs you’ll find at Home Depot. When we tested this option, we found it to be durable and high-quality, with a modern style and plenty of color options to suit a variety of decor styles.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Varies
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Wayfair
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Free shipping (on orders $35+) with no oversize shipping fees
30 day return window
Wide variety of rug styles and materials
Return shipping fees are the buyer’s responsibility
An online superstore for all things home-related, it’s no surprise that Wayfair offers an impressive selection of rugs. Whether you’re shopping for a living room area rug or an affordable indoor-outdoor rug that can be cleaned with a garden hose, this online retailer has plenty of options to pick from.
While Wayfair offers vintage or hand-tufted rugs—like the World Menagerie Wilkins Hand-Tufted Indoor Area Rug—the largest selection and greatest value will be found in the machine-made area rugs. Rather than being woven by hand, these power loom rugs are usually made from synthetic fibers. The design and color options are extremely varied but the ease of cleaning is universal. For example, The Spruce Rug Collection features about a dozen options made from stain-resistant polyester and polypropylene. The Summer Quinn area rug has a traditional medallion design with distressing details, a soft, textured low pile, and fade resistance. These rugs are affordable—less than $90 for a 5'2" x 6'11" area rug.
Since shipping is free on orders over $35 from Wayfair, most rugs will ship to your door for free. If you change your mind about your rug selection, you have 30 days under Wayfair’s standard return policy to send the rug back. Keep in mind that the cost of return shipping fees will be deducted from your refund.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies
Crate & Barrel
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Sample rugs available
Modern rug designs with premium materials
Ship-to-store available for 6’x9’ or smaller rugs
Doesn’t offer free shipping
Crate & Barrel offers a shoppable selection of contemporary rugs for everyday living. You’ll find rugs to suit all rooms and purposes, including area rugs, runners, and indoor-outdoor rugs. Rugs are grouped into various collections, like the Laval. This area rug collection is available in sizes ranging from 6’ x 9’ to 10’ x 14’ and in a handful of neutral but chic colors. The handwoven rug is made in India of viscose, giving it a silky, plush feel for low-traffic areas and making it an ideal option for a bedroom rug. The collection starts at around $1,200, depending on what size rug you choose.
Caught on the fence when deciding on which rug collection or color is right for your room? Crate & Barrel offers sample rugs that can be ordered for $20 to $30. These 12-inch sample rugs will give you an indication of the color and texture of the rug before you commit to a larger purchase. Once you’ve evaluated the sample rug, you can return it to a Crate & Barrel store for a full refund.
You can order rugs up to 6’x9’ for free in-store pickup to avoid paying shipping charges, which can run $100 or more. However, if you opt for an 8’x10’ or larger rug, you’ll have to pick between at-home delivery and warehouse pick-up. In either case, Crate & Barrel has a 30-day return window for new rugs (must be in a re-saleable condition), which is shorter than the 90-day return window for most other purchases.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: 3 to 5 business days
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The Spruce / Tamara Staples
Rugs Direct
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Rugs Direct
Free shipping (except for oversized orders)
30-day return window for rugs
Sample rugs available for purchase
Doesn’t offer free return shipping
$8 handling fee added to all orders
Rugs Direct has a shoppable website that lets you browse rugs by common factors like room, brand, size and shape, or material. You’ll see rugs from popular brands like Surya, Loloi, Nourison, and more. The selection is vast, so you’ll want to start your search by filtering with one or more of these criteria.
As an example of the type of rugs you’ll find at Rugs Direct, we like the Surya Mystique. This solid area rug is made of hand-loomed wool and available in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Like other rugs on the site, you can order a sample rug if you’re on the fence about whether the color or material is a match for your space. The 3’ x 3’ sample rug is generously-sized with a similarly large price tag of just over $100. While a sample rug is a good way of assessing a rug in-person before committing to purchasing a large-scale version, keep in mind that Rugs Direct only offers a credit of the cost of the sample rug when you buy a full-size rug. Some other retailers, like Crate & Barrel offer lower-cost sample rugs that are fully refundable.
We love the fact that Rugs Direct goes beyond floor coverings. If you want to tie a room together, the site also offers decor items like pillows, wall hangings, poufs, and throw blankets. You’ll see suggested items to pair with each rug, or you can peruse the decor section to find your own must-have items.
Everything on Rugs Direct ships for free but there are a few fees you should know about. Oversize items are subject to a $39.95 fee and every order incurs a $7.95 processing and handling fee. You’ll have 30 days to return any items you’re not satisfied with, but you’ll pay return shipping costs and the processing and handling fee is non-refundable.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: Not listed
World Market
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Specializes in artisan and ethnic rugs from around the world
Some rugs can be picked up in-store
Doesn’t offer free shipping
Freight charges may apply to large rugs
Shop World Market’s rug selection for an eclectic and varied collection of rugs. The retailer that brings together an assortment of artisan goods from around the globe has plenty to pick from in its rug options. You can search for specific rug styles, like traditional Persian or flat-woven Kilim rugs, or browse best-sellers if you want to see all of the most popular styles in one place. If you’re shopping for wool rugs, be aware that some rugs offered are a blend of wool and other fibers. For example the World Market Ivory Diamond Tufted Wool Kelsey Area Rug is 95-percent wool and 5-percent synthetic fibers. The fiber composition of every rug is clear to see on the retailer’s website, so just be sure to read through the item details and specifications to find an area rug that is your perfect match.
You can shop in-store for your next area rug or check out a larger selection of rug options at the retailer’s website. Keep in mind that World Market doesn’t offer free shipping and oversize items (like a 5’ x 8’ area rug) will incur a shipping surcharge. Rugs that are in-stock at a nearby store can be ordered with free curbside pick-up from your nearest World Market location.
Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Not listed
Revival Rugs
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Revival Rugs
Free shipping on all rug orders
Shop vintage and one-of-a-kind rugs
Complimentary design assistance for help choosing a rug
Cash refunds incur $20 restocking fee
Short 7-day window for returns
Revival Rugs is the site to shop for vintage rugs or high-quality hand-made rugs from places like Turkey, India, and Morocco. It’s the best option if you want a truly unique rug with character or a one-of-a-kind option that won’t be found elsewhere. You can search by shape, style, color, material, or technique. Perusing the options feels a bit like looking through an online rug gallery, especially when it comes to the vintage or one-of-a-kind rug options. Vintage rugs between 20 and 100 years of age are curated by the Revival Rugs team from the markets of Casablanca, Morocco and Turkey. After being thoroughly inspected and professionally-cleaned, the rugs are photographed and offered for sale on the website.
If the vintage rug selection doesn’t suit your style or budget, Revival Rugs channels its expertise into a line of contemporary rugs made with traditional techniques. To find these options, look for the Studio Revival collection. One standout option is the Hart Jute rug. Jute rugs are affordable but the look of the natural fibers can be inconsistent. Revival Rugs partners with a small weaving house operated by a third-generation craftsman to ensure high-quality, consistent appearance in its rugs made from hand-sorted jute fibers.
Whether you are shopping for new or vintage rugs, you’ll enjoy the perk of free shipping from Revival Rugs. You also have the option to change your mind and send back your rug selection for a refund, but you’ll only have a 7-day window to initiate a return. If you want a store credit, you’ll get a full refund but for a refund to your original form of payment, you’ll pay a $20 restocking fee. To help you buy with confidence, Revival Rugs offers complimentary design assistance. You can receive help with size, style, or color selections or other commonly asked questions when buying a rug.
Return policy: 7 days (restocking fee may apply) | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 1 to 3 weeks
IKEA
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IKEA
Affordable product selection
Generous 365-day return window
Low-cost shipping
Handmade rugs are made in facilities that meet safety and pay standards
Limited size and color options for some rugs
IKEA offers affordable rugs across the spectrum of style and design. Like other IKEA product picks, you can expect a limited number of style and color options for each product. However, the range of rugs is more diverse than you might expect and includes handmade rugs, specialty Oriental rugs, and affordable, machine-made options that offer durability. You should know that all of IKEA’s handmade rugs are made in Bangladesh or India in facilities that offer safe working conditions and pay a fair wage to employees.
Unlike other products from the Scandinavian retailer, you won’t need an allen wrench to set up your new purchase. The rugs can be picked up from your nearest IKEA warehouse or you can opt to have them shipped to your door. Shipping fees vary based on the delivery address, but as an example, the 5’7” x 7’7” VEDBÄK area rug costs as little as $10 to ship. It’s not hard to see the value in IKEA’s rug selection when you factor in the company’s generous 365-day return policy with low-cost shipping and affordable prices—you can pick up a small, flat woven area rug for as little as $15.
Return policy: 365 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Varies
Rifle Paper Co.
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Unique prints
Options for power-loomed or hand-tufted wool rugs
No free shipping on rugs
While the retailer doesn’t sound like an obvious choice for an online place to buy rugs, Rifle Paper Co. puts its gorgeous designs and collaborations with popular designers on a variety of home goods, including high-quality rugs. You’ll find traditional rugs, with a more subdued and neutral color palette, along with statement rugs that have bold color schemes and designs for a modern home. Outdoor rugs, like the Monstera Cream option, ensure that good style flows from inside your home to entertaining spaces like your patio or pergola.
Rifle Paper Co. offers power-loomed polyester rugs for an affordable option or you can make a larger investment in a hand-tufted wool rug made by artisans in India. Printed rugs start at less than $75 for a 2’3” x 3’9” option and cost just under $500 for a 7’10” x 9’6” area rug. You can expect to pay about double those prices for a wool rug. Keep in mind that rugs are excluded from free shipping on this retailer’s website and will take 5 to 7 days to process before shipping.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 5 to 7 days plus transit time
Urban Outfitters
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Urban Outfitters
Selection includes rugs made from sustainable or recycled materials
Unique, bold designs not found at other retailers
In-store pick-up available for some rugs
Large rugs incur additional shipping charges
Returns may be subject to a 15-percent restocking fee
Trendy retailer Urban Outfitters will give your home an instant upgrade with their selection of hip and unique home goods. When it comes to the brand’s rug selection, you’ll find picks with bold colors and abstract designs alongside more simple solid or geometric designs. Printed rugs, shag rugs, and indoor-outdoor rugs are just some of the types available. The diversity of the UO’s rug selection makes it the right place to shop for rugs that are unexpected and different.
Some rugs are made from recycled materials, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug. It’s constructed of 100-percent recycled plastics for a flat, easy-care floor covering that can be cleaned up with a rinse from the garden hose. Like other large rugs from Urban Outfitters, it’s available for ground shipping to your door but incurs a $19 shipping surcharge for oversize items. If you return it, there’s also a 15-percent restocking fee.
Return policy: 30 days, with 15-percent restocking fee on some items | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply), in-store pick-up based on availability | Shipping time: 3 to 5 days
Lulu and Georgia
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Lulu and Georgia
Free returns on rugs
Rugs include designer and vintage options
Good selection of artisan, handmade rugs
Lacks transparency on rug origins, factory certifications
More expensive than some other retailers
Lulu and Georgia curates top-trending pieces for the home, including an impressive selection of beautiful, high-quality rugs. You’ll find picks from designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel and Jake Arnold, along with one-of-a-kind vintage rugs sourced from areas of the world with a rich history in rug-making, like Turkey.
The Lulu & Georgia Willow Rug exemplifies the quality and style you’ll find when shopping this online retailer for rugs. It’s hand-knotted using shaggy, undyed wool. The low-key geometric design gives the rug understated style while the wool fibers promise years of durability and stain-resistance. You’ll find plenty of other natural fiber and hide rugs, along with durable indoor-outdoor rugs made from recycled polyester.
Aside from access to emerging trends, there is another reason to shop Lulu and Georgia for rugs. Unlike some retailers that charge a restocking fee, Lulu and Georgia offers free returns on rugs. However, there’s no refund on original shipping costs, which may include freight fees for oversize items like large area rugs.
Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: 5 to 7 days
Pottery Barn
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Swatches available for some rugs
Some rugs support artisan and fair trade projects
Wide selection of high-end and affordable rugs
Larger rugs require White Glove delivery
Pottery Barn is another brick-and-mortar retailer with a large online selection of rugs to buy. The options range from hand-knotted and Persian-style wool rugs with classic, timeless style to rugs made from 100-percent recycled polyester fibers, labeled as ‘easy-care’ for their simple cleaning requirements.
You can order from a selection of custom rugs if your room requires special dimensions, but there are plenty of ready-to-ship options available as well. The Pottery Barn Capitola Hand-Tufted Wool Rug is a popular choice that comes in three neutral shades, including gray, blue, and flagstone/smoke. It’s hand tufted by artisans in India as part of the “Made by Her” project that supports women in learning new skills and crafts. A 5’ x 8’ rug costs just under $500, while the largest 10’ x 14’ area rug costs about $1,500.
Before you invest, you can take advantage of the $25 rug swatches that Pottery Barn makes available on select rugs. Ground shipping handles smaller rugs, including 5’ x 8’ sizes, but larger rugs will arrive with White Glove Delivery and incur additional shipping fees.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, White Glove delivery | Shipping time: 4 to 5 days
Serena & Lily
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Serena & Lily
Rug swatches available
Offers flat-rate shipping
Receive free design advice
All returns incur a restocking fee
Serena & Lily is known for making a coastal chic vibe accessible to every room in your house. You can shop the rug selection by color or construction. The options are neutral yet stylish and include wool and natural fiber rugs, artisan hand-knotted options, and performance and outdoor rugs for high-traffic areas of the home. As an example of the casually cool rugs you’ll find made from natural fibers, we like the Metallic Suede & Hemp Rug. It pairs recycled leather and natural hemp in a woven rug with a slight shimmer. The effect is relaxed enough for any room but chic enough to make a statement.
If your online search for the right rug leaves you feeling unsure of the best option, Serena & Lily offers design experts to guide you through the process. This free service provides design advice and swatches shipped to your home. This makes it easier to find the right rug to pull together the look of a room.
Rugs ship within 1 to 3 weeks, either with FedEx ground delivery (for smaller rugs) or Room of Choice or White Glove delivery service (for larger area rugs). You have 30 days from receipt to return a rug, but keep in mind that you’ll pay a restocking fee of either 15-percent or $15, based on the method of return.
Return policy: 30 days, with 15-percent or $15 restocking fee | Delivery options: Ground shipping, Room of Choice delivery, White Glove delivery | Shipping time: 7 to 21 days
Macy’s
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Expansive selection
Ability to shop online or in-store
Free shipping on some rugs
Shipping times aren’t consistent
No rug samples available
Put Macy’s on your list if you want to shop for rugs from notable brands like Surya, KM Home, Safavieh, and Loloi. The department store carries a wide selection of rugs that span traditional, mid-century, boho, farmhouse, and many more styles. Sales are frequent, adding to the value of the rug selection. You can spend as little as a few hundred dollars on a large 7’ x 10’ area rug or thousands of dollars for a high-quality rug that will stand the test of time. One rug that might catch your eye is the Palmetto Living Cotton Tail Retro Slide Area Rug. This rug is made in the United States of polyester fibers and channels the aesthetic of the 1970s. The 5’3'' x 7’6” area rug ships for free to your door, without incurring any oversize freight fees.
You can shop rugs at Macy’s both in-store and online, but you’ll have a wider selection if you browse the website. Unfortunately there are no sample rugs available, so you’ll have to rely on the item description and images to determine if a rug is the right one for your room. Macy’s does offer a 30-day return window, giving you the opportunity to return rugs in new condition if the look isn’t a fit. You can return rugs ordered online by mail or to select Macy’s with a Fine Rug Gallery.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: Varies
West Elm
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Transparency in origins of Fair Trade-certified rugs
Return rugs online or in-store within 30 days for a refund
No free shipping
West Elm is known for offering on-trend furniture and decor items that are made of quality materials. The same holds true for the retailer’s rug selection, which also includes many options made in a Fair Trade Certified facility. This designation tells you that the rug was constructed in a facility that offers safe working conditions and pays a sustainable living wage to its employees. Take note that not every rug carries the Fair Trade certification, but you’ll see this information readily identified on the product page for every rug it applies to.
You can sort rugs by material, style, or room to find the option that suits your space. Most rugs are available in multiple sizes, like the Farella Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which can be ordered as a 2’ x 8’ runner, a small 4’ x 5.5’ rug, or a large 9.5’ x 12.5’ area rug, for example. This rug is made in Turkey, with a vintage, distressed floral pattern. It’s made of polyester fibers that are mold- and mildew-resistant, so it can be used to dress up your patio or add color and interest to any room inside your home.
Some rugs are available for in-store pick-up at your closest West Elm location in as little as 2 hours. However many rugs will need to be shipped to your home, which will incur varying shipping charges depending on your location and the size of the rug. You can return any online purchase, including rugs, by mail or in-store within 30 days.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping or in-store pickup | Shipping time: 4 to 5 business days
CB2
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Offers rugs with a stylish, modern twist
Affordable ground shipping rates
Lack of transparency on rug origins
More expensive than similar options
Described as “cool and edgy,” CB2 is a sister brand to Crate & Barrel. If you’re looking for rugs with a more urban twist (and often a lower price point) than what you’ll find at Crate & Barrel, then head straight for CB2. With fewer storefronts than the larger flagship brand, you’re best off shopping the CB2 rug collection online. Orders ship within 3 to 5 days using ground shipping methods that keep shipping charges low, but you can also opt for in-store pick-up if you have a CB2 location nearby.
Rugs like the CB2 Rowan Striped Black and White Outdoor Rug exemplify the style that the brand is known for. The black-and-white flatwoven rug has a modern edge and looks at home indoors or outside. It’s made in India and costs about $250, which is more spendy than an indoor-outdoor rug from budget rug retailers, but in the range of what you would expect to pay from a premium home goods retailer.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping or in-store pick-up | Shipping time: 3 to 5 business days
Rugs.com
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Rugs.com
Rugs ship free to your door
Offers free returns on rugs
Receive a 10-percent discount on 2 or more rugs
Some rugs may be of inferior quality
No transparency on rug origins, factory certifications
With a domain like Rugs.com, you’d expect this online retailer to be the rug shopping destination on the web. With a vast product selection and fast shipping times, along with a lenient return policy, there are plenty of reasons to shop the selection at Rugs.com. While the quality of some of the budget-friendly rugs on the site may be questionable, the fact that you receive free shipping on all orders and returns lessens the risk of ordering a rug sight unseen.
There is a strong emphasis on value at Rugs.com. The homepage displays limited-time ‘lightning deals’ that offer a deep discount (usually around 75-percent of the MSRP) on pre-selected rugs. If you order two or more rugs from the site at the same time, you’ll receive a 10-percent discount. With these details in mind, Rugs.com is a great option for rug shoppers on a budget. It may not be the rug resource for heirloom-quality rugs, but it certainly can outfit your room with a stylish, affordable floor covering option. The Monte Carlo Area Rug, for instance, is made in Turkey of durable polypropylene fibers. It has a heavily distressed motif and is available in ten different colors, along with various shapes beyond the usual rectangle of area rugs, like square, oval, octagon, and round.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Not listed
Boutique Rugs
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Boutique Rugs
Extended 60-day return window
Free shipping, even on oversize rugs
Wide selection of rugs, including washable options
No rug samples available
Lack of information on factory certifications, fair trade practices
There are thousands of rugs to explore on Boutique Rugs and the online retailer stands out for offering free shipping on all orders, along with a generous 60-day return policy. You can start your search for a rug in a number of ways, including with free design advice from the team at Boutique Rugs.
Right away you’ll notice that Boutique Rugs offers rugs in a variety of materials, including wool, jute, and polyester. A collection of washable rugs frequently pops up first in various shopping categories and offers easy-cleaning options like the Rosman Washable Area Rug. It’s available in various colors and sizes, including both rectangle and runner options. The cotton-chenille/polyester blend means that the rug can be machine-washed, but it should be line-dried—which is in contrast to Ruggable washable area rugs that can also take a tumble in the dryer.
Orders from Boutique Rugs ship from their Georgia warehouse, usually arriving in 1 to 5 days from your order date. If you’re buying a large area rug, it’s worth noting that you won’t pay any freight shipping fees, which can save you $100 or more when compared to some other online retailers of rugs. Also impressive is the fact that the company offers free return shipping within 60 days on all orders. You’re sure to find a rug you like among the company’s selection but you don’t need to worry about buyer’s remorse, since the company’s return policy gives you peace of mind that you’ll get a refund if the rug doesn’t turn out to be the best match for your decor.
Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 1 to 5 days
Cold Picnic
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High-quality rugs made from premium materials
Boutique-style prints and motifs
Rugs are made in fair trade facilities
No refunds; exchange-only within 7 days
No free shipping
Cold Picnic is a boutique home and textiles brand from New York City. The abstract and imaginative designs are splashed across rugs of all sizes and shapes, including runners and round rugs. Browse rugs by style (like flatweave or tufted), design (including options for abstract, animal, and motif), or by the dominant color theme or composition. You can also order a selection of the most popular Cold Picnic rugs in custom sizes, but keep in mind that lead time can take between 9 and 12 weeks for a custom rug.
Every design originates with the founders of the brand, Phoebe Sung and Peter Beur, but is brought to life by artisans in India. The partner facility carries certifications from Goodweave and Care & Fair, which represent that workers earn a fair wage and there is no forced labor or child labor.
The Cold Picnic rugs are a bit of a splurge but in a sea of similar-looking floor coverings, these rugs stand out as unique. Keep in mind that some options, like the Sherbet, are made from materials more suitable for low-traffic areas. This rug is constructed of 100-percent bamboo silk yarn, which resembles crushed velvet and has a beautiful sheen. About this material, Sarah says, “Bamboo silk rugs have a luxurious sheen and finish due to delicate threads that feel wonderful underfoot. However, they may require more maintenance and can be challenging to maintain in high-traffic areas.” There are no returns on Cold Picnic rugs, but you can contact the company if you have questions before you buy or visit a brick-and-mortar retailer that carries the rugs, such as Nordstrom.
Return policy: Exchange or store credit only | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies
When shopping for a rug online, there are many options, but our favorite retailers include Wayfair, Amazon, and Ruggable, thanks to their wide variety of high-quality and durable options. While you can certainly score deals at Wayfair and Amazon, if you're on a budget, we also recommend checking out Rugs.com and IKEA.
What to Look for in a Rug Brand
Material
The material of a rug determines its softness, durability, and ease of cleaning. The most common natural fibers for a rug are wool, silk, bamboo, cotton, jute, and hides. Wool, in particular, is known for being stain-resistant. Sarah Barnard, an interior designer and principal of Sarah Barnard Design points out that wool “is also naturally moisture-wicking, making it an ideal choice in areas where spills may occur.” However, it isn’t always the softest or most plush rug material.
Polyester and polypropylene are the most common synthetic materials used for rugs and offer very pile heights, from short but plush rugs to long, shaggy rugs. Rugs made of these materials are affordable, long-lasting, and also offer dirt- and stain-resistance.
Some rug brands specialize in rugs made of natural fibers, like Revival Rugs, which primarily sells long-lasting wool rugs. Other online rug retailers offer more budget-friendly rugs made from synthetic fibers. This is the case for many rug options at retailers like Rugs Direct and Wayfair.
Size
The size of a rug is determined by its length and width. You’ll want to choose a rug size that matches the space you have available in a room. A rug that is too large may not fit, while a rug that is too small can look out of place.
Area rugs come in common sizes like 5’ x 7’ or 6’ x 9’ and may be as large as 9’ x 12’ (or larger). If you have a space with specific dimensions, you may find that you need to find a rug retailer that offers custom rugs—like Pottery Barn or Cold Picnic. This option allows you to specify the shape, length, and width of the rug. Keep in mind that most custom-order rugs cannot be returned.
Type
The type of rug you choose depends on where and how you plan to use it. Area rugs are the most common type of rug purchased for the home. They usually cover the majority of the floor space in the room they are placed in, rather than covering just a limited portion of the floor—like you would see with a small kitchen rug or doormat. Runners are rugs for long, narrow spaces in the home, like a hallway. Smaller scatter or throw rugs are useful for layering or placing in small areas, like at the side of your bed.
Pile Height
The pile height of a rug refers to how long or short its fibers are. A high pile rug has longer fibers that feel more plush under your feet, but also tend to trap more debris and be harder to clean. A low pile rug can have short fibers, like you’ll see on many polyester area rugs, or no pile height to speak of. This is the case for flatweave rugs, like the Revival Hart Jute Rug. They can easily be shaken or swept clean, thanks to the flat surface.
Maintenance
All rugs need to be cleaned, but how you maintain the rug will depend on the type you choose. Some rugs, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Urban Outfitters, can be hosed down for a quick and complete clean. Other rugs, like those with plush fibers made of wool or synthetic materials, should be vacuumed on a regular basis and spot-cleaned as necessary. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure that you are cleaning your area rug appropriately for the fiber material.
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How can you tell if a rug is high quality?
The materials and construction of a rug are key indicators of its quality. High-quality rugs are frequently made from natural fibers using handcrafted techniques, rather than being produced on a machine like a power loom. “A very tightly hand-knotted rug will often take several months to years to handcraft and can reflect a fine artisan quality,” says Barnard. With this in mind, you can expect your investment in a high-quality rug to be substantial, but it also usually pays off with decades of use. Barnard adds that “rugs made with lesser materials or craftsmanship can still be suitable for many spaces but may be less durable.”
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How thick should a rug be?
This is largely a matter of personal preference and style. A thick, high-pile rug will feel softer underfoot than a flatweave rug and have a more luxurious look. But for simple, streamlined spaces, a flatweave rug may be a better fit aesthetically. Keep in mind that how thick or thin a rug is does not necessarily equate to its quality. Barnard points out that due to the detailed knotting and handiwork of fine rugs, many high-quality handcrafted and antique rugs will be thin.
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Do you need a rug pad for a rug?
In many cases, the answer is yes—you do need a rug pad. It can be for a few different reasons, as discussed by Barnard: “A rug pad can be a good idea for those desiring extra cushioning or rugs requiring more grip or traction to stay in place.” First consider safety. If the rug is being placed on a slippery, hard surface like tile or hardwood, a rug pad will help to prevent the rug from sliding around. This is especially true of smaller rugs that are not anchored underneath furniture pieces. Second, consider how much comfort you want underfoot. A rug pad will act to cushion the area underneath the rug and make the rug more comfortable to sit, stand, or walk on. Another reason to consider using a rug pad is protection of the floor underneath the rug if you have heavy furniture (like a dining table or couch) on top of the rug.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisis has been following the latest trends for home decor, researching and testing products to find the best options for value, durability, and style. Having shopped rugs and rug pads from online retailers like World Market, Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon, she has firsthand experience with the shopping and delivery process when investing in rugs both large and small.
For this article, Puisis considered the range of products available from each retailer, including material, size, and style. She took into account the selection of products, shopability of the site, and shipping and return policies to find the best online rug retailers. She also spoke with Sarah Barnard, an interior designer that creates personalized, sustainable spaces. Barnard discussed how rug materials affect durability and cleaning, along with sharing Barnard's expertise on choosing a high-quality rug and whether or not to use a rug pad.