The 13 Best Runner Rugs of 2023

Best Overall

Article BOVI Runner Rug

View On Article.com

Article is known for quality, but budget-friendly furniture and home decor—and their BOVI Runner Rug is no exception. The wool-blend rug has an understated geometric pattern in your choice of three muted hues–light blue, rose, or gray. All three patterns will seamlessly blend in with any style of decor. 

The cotton and wool construction ensures the whole thing is both soft and sturdy. The weave is thick and hardy enough to stand up to foot traffic in frequently used rooms. Still, it won’t feel all scratchy under bare feet. And because of the natural wool, each rug has slight variations in color, size, and texture—you’ll feel like you’re getting a one-of-a-kind piece for an affordable price.

If there’s any downside, it’s that the fibers will shed a bit, especially at first. The good news: This will subside with regular vacuuming in about 3 to 6 months.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 8 feet | Material: Cotton, wool | Colors: Silver gray, ash rose, pearl blue}

Best Budget

World Market Izmir Coral And Blue Persian Style Floor Runner

View On World Market

This World Market rug looks so much more expensive than it is. It has a gently distressed Persian-style design in coral and light blue that really pops against hardwood floors. But families with young kids and pets will love that it’s so much more durable than the vintage styles you’ll find at more sophisticated markets and retailers. 

This particular runner rug is actually made out of an affordable easy-care polyester and blanket-stitched border that holds up to just about anything. It won’t shed and spills easily mop up from the stain-resistant material. Plus, the whole thing has a non-skid backing, so you can put the rug in high-traffic areas prone to spills like bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms. 

The rug is nice and soft, too. It’s worth noting, however, that the pile is a little bit higher than what you might expect from a true Persian rug. So while its style is definitely a dupe, you’ll realize it’s not a true Persian upon close inspection. 

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Dimensions: 2 x 6 feet | Material: Polyester | Colors: Coral and blue}

Best Splurge

Pottery Barn Nicolette Hand-Knotted Wool Rug

View On Pottery Barn

When you shop Pottery Barn’s rug section, you’ll find a host of worthy options—especially if your budget allows you to spend just a bit more. The Nicolette Hand-Knotted Wool Rug is a great example of what the retailer offers and is one of our favorites, because of its muted yet sophisticated pattern.

The hand-knotted rug is made entirely of wool in India. It’s also made with yarn-dyed fiber that gives it a very rich color that retains its vibrancy over time. While this whole process ensures the rug has a beautiful sheen and softness, it does mean you have to be a bit more careful with the rug. You’ll want to vacuum and shake it regularly, plus avoid excess moisture and have the rug professionally cleaned occasionally. 

Overall, this rug is perfect for hallways in low-traffic homes or in rooms like bedrooms since they don’t tend to see as many spills. 

Price at time of publish: $499

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 9 feet | Material: Wool | Colors: Cool Multi, Ivory Multi, Steel Blue Multi, Terracotta Multi, Warm Multi}

Best for Kitchens

Birch Lane Bronner Casual Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug

View On Wayfair

Whether you need a runner indoors or out, this braided version by Sand & Stable is a great choice. Because it’s made from durable synthetic fibers, it’s highly resistant to moisture, dirt, and other debris—great for areas prone to spills, like the kitchen, mudroom, or even patio. It’s exceptionally kid- and pet-friendly for busy households, too. If you do need to clean it, simply vacuum without a beater bar or spot clean with a mild detergent. 

Despite its braided appearance, the rug has no trouble clearing obstacles like doorways, either. It’s manufactured with a .3-inch thickness that clears entryways, doorways, and low furniture. And while it’s relatively soft, some reviewers complain that it begins to unravel over time. If longevity is a concern, you may want to relegate the rug to lower-traffic areas. 

Price at time of publish: $110

_{Dimensions: 2.6 x 6 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Colors: Gray/white, charcoal, tan, pink, blue, ivory}

Best for Hallways

Burrow Empire Rug

View On Burrow

If you want a rug that’s easy to vacuum, but still feels soft underfoot, try Burrow’s Empire Runner Rug. Though it has a lower profile that’s easy to vacuum, it’s still nice and soft under your feet—the perfect happy medium for a space like a hallway. This is all thanks to a 100 percent recycled polyester construction with an alternating cut and loop pile. 

The rug is attractive, too. It features interlocking diamonds that strike just the right balance between modern and classic, so it suits a wide range of decor styles. Plus, the rug comes in a variety of sizes, so you can get compatible options for the rest of your space. Just note: The color isn’t quite as vibrant as it appears online.  

Like everything else from Burrow, the rug ship for free. And, on the off-chance you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Price at time of publish: $295

_{Dimensions: 2.6 x 9 feet | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: Navy blue}

Best Washable

Revival Stripe Washable Rug

View On Revivalrugs.com

Most machine-washable rugs may be printed with patterns that look like rugs, but in construction, they’re much more similar to thin mats. Not the Revival Stripe Washable Rug. This runner is constructed just like any other you might choose for your space. It’s made of recycled materials that have the same soft and comfortable pile as other rugs. Still, if it gets soiled, you can just pick up the lightweight and foldable rug and send it for a spin in the washing machine. 

There’s an enviable eco-friendly aspect to the Revival rug, too. It’s made with recycled polyester that’s left over from production companies that would otherwise send the material to a landfill. Then, Revival transforms that recycled poly into highly-durable OEKO-TEX-certified goods that are safe, mildew-resistant, and—yes—machine-washable. Unfortunately, the company does recommend line drying, which can take quite some time. 

The runner, which comes in your choice of six attractive solids, has a tone-on-tone look that’s muted, yet visually interesting. It creates the perfect accent piece for any space. And, since it’s available in multiple sizes, you can buy more than one, too.

Price at time of publish: $199

_{Dimensions: 2.7 x 9 feet | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: Bone beige, evergreen, taupe, camel, dove gray, charcoal}

Best Oversized

Rugs USA Gray Moroccan Trellis Area Rug

View On Rugsusa.com

Rugs USA has a seemingly endless supply of rugs, so it’s no surprise you can get all different sizes on the site—even a runner that extends a whopping 20 feet. 

The Gray Moroccan Trellis Runner is a fantastic choice for long hallways or kitchens with an expansive island. The pattern is cool but subtle enough to suit a lot of decor styles. The pile is low enough to vacuum without much effort, yet soft enough to feel good underfoot. And the power-loomed synthetic material is highly durable, so you’ll have your rug for years on end—despite the budget-friendly price tag. (Note: Rugs USA has frequent sales and promotions, so you’re bound to get a good deal, whenever you shop.) 

If there’s any downside, it’s that the rug definitely needs a rug pad—and may even need some tape. It tends to curl at the edges and can be very slippery if not secured properly. 

Price at time of publish: $362

_{Dimensions: 2.8 x 20 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Colors: 11 colors}

Best Reversible

Ruggishco Lola Play Runner

View On Ruggishco.com

It may look like your standard runner, but the Lola Play Runner from Ruggalo has some very unique properties that make it an exceptionally good choice for families with young kids. For starters, the runner is two-sided. One side features a muted gray and white striped design—perfect for any playroom, bedroom, or even the kitchen. When you flip it over, the underside is printed with a race track to delight your little one. It’s the perfect play for them to play while you get something else done—like cooking dinner or folding the laundry. 

The runner isn’t crafted out of fabric the same way most other rugs are. Instead, it’s a half-inch anti-fatigue mat that just happens to look like a runner. This is great because it won’t slip under your foot—even without a pad underneath. Plus, you can stand on it while you wash dishes without the balls of your feet aching. 

The whole thing is totally safe for your little ones to crawl all over, too. It’s free of BPA, phthalate, lead, latex, formaldehyde, and EVA, plus tested to US and European toy standards. You can even use it as a yoga mat for your workouts. But do note: This runner isn’t pet-proof. Sharp objects, pet nails, and rotating vacuums can cause damage.

Price at time of publish: $129

_{Dimensions: 71 x 26 inches | Material: Not listed | Colors: Gray/white}

Best for Dogs

ReaLife Distressed Boho Machine Washable Rug

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Anyone with dogs knows they’re not just cute companions—they can be pretty messy, too. Between muddy paws, dander, shedding hair, and occasional household accidents, pet owners need highly durable rugs. Bonus points if you can find a machine-washable runner like this one by ReaLife.  

The ReaLife Machine Washable Rug comes in a wide variety of sizes—including runners—and colors. And it has a classic Persian style that’s intentionally distressed. The rug also has a non-slip backing—no need to buy a rug pad—that won’t slip out from under you, even if your dog is coming at the rug at a full-on sprint.

Washing is as easy as you’d hope, too. The recycled synthetic runner can be machine washed in cold water and air-dried without heat. It’s worth noting, however, the edges tend to curl after consistent washes. The good news: The price is so fair, you won’t feel the sting of buying a new one every few years. 

Price at time of publish: $63

_{Dimensions: 2.6 x 6 feet | Material: Recycled material | Colors: 17 colors}

Best for High Traffic Areas

Floyd The Flow Rug

View On Floydhome.com

Just because it’s thoughtfully designed with responsibly sourced New Zealand wool and Indian cotton, doesn’t mean this rug won’t go the distance. It’s an exceptionally durable rug that’s great for high-traffic areas in your home. 

As long as you put the right rug pad underneath, Floyd's The Flow Rug won’t budge. And the tight weave means it’s easy to care for. Still, the company is focused on making a low-pile rug that’s as comfy as can be. So despite the utility, this rug is soft enough to walk on without socks. It’s even soft enough for babies to crawl on without scuffing their knees. 

Cleaning the rug is easy, too—as long as you know the proper technique. Blot any spills immediately. And, rather than the traditional back-and-forth motion with your vacuum, be sure to use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar and vacuum the full length of the rug, turn, and repeat to the next area.

Price at time of publish: $295

_{Dimensions: 2 x 8 feet | Material: Wool, cotton | Colors: Anthracite, green blend, green/tangelo, deep blue, natural heather}

Best Water-Resistant

Ruggable Kamran Coral Rug

4.2

View On Amazon View On Ruggable.com

Ruggable’s rugs are known for being machine-washable and stain- and water-resistant—and the Kamran Coral Rug is one of the company’s top-selling patterns. It has a Persian-inspired design that’s inspired by traditional Heriz rugs. It has a bold geometric pattern with a large medallion and ornate border—all with just the right amount of distressing. .

Ruggable rugs, including this popular runner, consist of two pieces: a non-skid rug pad that serves as a base, as well as a very thin ⅛-inch rug cover that’s made from polyester and has a polyurethane water-resistant barrier. Any time the runner gets soiled, you simply remove it from the pad and wash it in any standard-sized washing machine. Once it’s clean, all you have to do is reattach it to the pad. Just be sure to take your time—if you don’t properly affix the rug to the pad, you’ll notice a lot of curling over time. 

Price at time of publish: $169

_{Dimensions: 2.5 x 7 feet | Material: Not listed | Colors: 9 colors}

Best for Bathrooms

Quiet Town The Ojai Storm

View On Quiettownhome.com

Because it’s hand-woven in India out of 100 percent cotton, this runner is perfect for the bathroom. It’s highly absorbent and dries quickly, so when you step out of the shower, it’ll keep puddles at bay. Just a few minutes later, you’ll be able to walk over the mat without getting your socks wet. The muted stripes are nice and serene, too, lending your bathroom a spa-like vibe. 

When your bathroom runner needs a refresh, the company recommends handwashing for improved longevity. But if you want to save some time, you can simply pop it in the washing machine and then lay flat to dry.

Price at time of publish: $78

_{Dimensions: 56 x 22 inches | Material: Cotton | Colors: Natural and gray}