According to Philippa Radon, interior designer and color specialist at C2 Paint in Los Angeles, there are four considerations for buying the best bedroom rug: comfort, placement, size, and color. In a bedroom, for example, comfort may be essential. “Most of the time, we are barefoot, she says. “It’s lovely to be able to put your feet onto something soft when you fall out of bed," says Radon. But in a high-traffic area, ease of cleaning, and durability may take priority. To help you navigate your options, we researched a variety of rugs and poured over hundreds of online reviews to find the best rugs for every room in your home in various categories. We looked at each rug’s material, durability, design, and more to decide on our list of the best rugs. Our top pick is the Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Area Rug because it comes in more than 20 colors, cleans easily, and can be used anywhere in your home in different sizes and colors, helping you avoid analysis paralysis when you select the best rugs for your home. We researched nearly 70 bedroom rugs, read through hundreds of online reviews, and asked interior designers for their take on size, material, and care to find the 14 best rugs for every room in your home. Keep in Mind: It may arrive with slight creases from shipping. This is one of the best rugs for homes with pets or small children because its weave will not shed fibers. Plus, if you clean it properly, you’ll be able to enjoy the high pile’s plush and cozy texture for years. You will want to purchase a rug pad for ultimate comfort and to avoid slipping or sliding, especially if you have hardwood floors. If there are creases the first time you unroll the rug, flip it, roll it in the opposite direction and apply slight downward pressure on the crease. This is why it’s one of the best rugs. Price at the time of publish: From $133 Size: From 2 x 3 feet (15 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Spot clean; vacuum Keep in Mind: It comes without a warranty. We love how stress-free this rug is. Its polyester fibers are water-repellent, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant. Plus, it can be tossed into a washing machine for larger spills, getting dirt out, or quick refreshes. The back of the rug is also skid resistant, so no additional rug pad is needed. This rug has a muted palette with an intricate design that looks more expensive than it is. It is available in three sizes, which means you could place a few around your home to create a beautifully cohesive look. Price at time of publish: From $35 Size: From 2 x 7 feet (Three sizes available) | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable Keep in Mind: Shedding is normal at first. It’s recommended to rotate or reposition it every three months. We think the white and beige option is chic for any room in the house, and the more colorful options (light sienna, nightshade) are perfect for a child’s room because the design is playful. This rug will last years after the primary colors have rotated out of your children’s room. To protect your investment, use a rug pad to prevent slipping, hold it in place, and maximize comfort. You’ll want to vacuum regularly on a low power setting and remove spills immediately by blotting them out. For tougher stains, a professional cleaning service is best. Price at the time of publish: From $399 Size: From 5 x 8 feet (Four sizes available) | Material: Wool, cotton | Care: Vacuum regularly; blot spills, but professional cleaning recommended Keep in Mind: It has a firm feel that is slightly rougher underfoot than synthetic rugs, which may feel cold to some. We love how low maintenance and durable it is. Not only does it stack up well for children and pets, as well as high-traffic areas year after year, but it hides dirt and stains well. You’ll want to vacuum it once or twice a week on the lowest power level and spot-clean it as needed with a mild detergent and a rag. Keep in mind that it’s common for loose fibers to come out. If sprouting occurs (loose threads poking up), snip them off with a scissor instead of pulling them out. Some reviewers didn’t care for how rough the jute felt underfoot. To combat this, you may want to pick up a rug pad to up the cushion factor. Price at the time of publish: From $99 Size: From 2 x 3 feet | Material: Jute | Care: Vacuum regularly; spot clean with mild detergent Keep in Mind: It requires a powerful vacuum to suck up all the fuzzies left by its wool fibers. The 100% wool is woven from the Sarda sheep of Sardinia and is long, warm, and with a natural sheen. This makes it sturdy and waterproof, as well as cozy underfoot. With regular and proper care, this rug will last for years and years. It needs to be vacuumed regularly–especially during the first few months to pick up the fuzzies that naturally sluff off, but not more than once or twice each month to avoid wearing down the fibers. It can easily be cleaned by hand with a pH-balanced shampoo and a soft brush, but professional cleaning is every three to five years. We especially love that on top of the six available size options, you can also have one custom-made–for a price. Price at the time of publish: From $299 Size: From 4 x 6 feet (seven sizes available plus a custom option) | Material: Wool | Care: Vacuum frequently; spot clean by hand; professional cleaning recommended Keep in Mind: Even though it’s made for the outdoors, it takes some time to dry out after a rainstorm. Even at a low price point, quality and durability are high. The fibers resist snags, tears, and excessive wear and tear. It also stays in place without shifting or sliding underfoot, and heavy objects can be moved from one side to the other without causing it to buckle or bunch up. It’s best to keep in mind that the rug may need some time to flatten. Another reason this rug made our list of best rugs is that it is easy to clean with a broom or vacuum, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas that could get a little muddy. This rug’s fibers can stand up to some elbow grease without causing too much noticeable damage for tougher stains. If you plan to place this rug in an uncovered area outdoors, be aware that even though it is made for outdoor use, it may take some time to dry after a rainstorm, and not the best choice for rugged outdoors like camping. Price at the time of publish: From $29 Size: From 2 x 6 feet (15 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Easy to vacuum, sweep, or spray down with a garden hose Keep in Mind: It is not suitable for heated floors. Even at a low price, the quality materials will ensure this rug lasts for years. The soft and thick rubber backing keeps the runner in place, so you won’t ever have to worry about it slipping under your foot when you scurry around the kitchen. To refresh this rug or to clean other messes, shake it to remove loose dirt and then tossed into a washing machine on cold with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, and other fabrics, and drying them in the dryer. Instead, hang it to dry. Price at the time of publish: $19 Size: 22 x 60 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Machine washable in cold water with mild detergent; line dry Keep in Mind: It can hold a chemical smell for the first 24 hours. It is also easy to clean up spills, crumbs, or pet hair with regular vacuuming–without the beater bar–and gentle blotting out of minor stains with a mild detergent or carpet cleaner. And with 15 different colored options in your selection of 17 sizes, it’s sure to cozy up any bedroom in your home. Price at the time of publish: From $34 Size: From 2 x 4 feet (17 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Easy to vacuum, blot out stains Keep in Mind: The loops in the weave will mat down, but they will fluff back up in the dryer. This rug comes in 15 color selections and is made of 100 percent Supima cotton (a type of cotton grown in the USA with extra-long staple fiber that gives the rug its incredible strength, softness, and color retention). This material gives it a thick feel underfoot and allows it to absorb a ton of water. Keep in mind that this machine-washable rug will require more time in the dryer, but will come out nice and fluffy. Price at the time of publish: From $23 Size: From 16 x 23 inches (four sizes available) | Material: Supima cotton | Care: Machine wash and dry Keep in Mind: You’ll want to double-check the size of your machine’s tub before buying to make sure it will fit. Available in two colors (sand and antique oak), it has a sophisticated woven pattern designed to mimic the look of hand-braided jute rugs—but with a softer surface that’s easier to clean. We love that we can toss it in a washing machine to clean it—make sure to verify that the tub of your machine is large enough for the size of rug you choose (at least 2.2 cubic feet for 5 x 7 rugs and 3.8 cubic feet for 6 x 9 rugs). Most standard washing machines can handle this rug. For lighter cleaning, a vacuum works well. The rug comes with an outdoor-friendly rug pad that adds a bit of cushion and secures the rug in place. But its soft surface would also make it a suitable option for your kitchen, living room, or den because it holds up against snagging and does not have loose threads. Price at the time of publish: From $169 Size: From 3 x 5 feet (five sizes available) | Material: Recycled polyester, polyurethane | Care: Easy to vacuum; machine wash Keep in Mind: Its texture makes it harder to clean since a broom does not run as smoothly over the weave. Because it is available in seven colors and 12 sizes, you are guaranteed to find the right size, no matter the dimensions of your space. You could even purchase multiple versions of this pattern for different areas in and outside your home to transition the eye from one area to another. It’s reversible, so opting to put one rug with the solid side up could be a way to incorporate similar textures—without too many patterns—into one space. The rug’s polyester material is a great first line of defense because it will trap dirt and other allergens from entering your home. It also stands up to normal wear and tears and vacuums easily. You could even use a hose to spray it down for a big cleaning job. Price at the time of publish: From $140 Size: From 3 x 5 feet (12 sizes available) | Material: Recycled polyester | Care: Vacuum, rinse with hose Keep in Mind: It will shed for the first few months. The hand-knotted New Zealand wool is plush, soft, and shiny with a hydrophobic layer to repel dust and dirt–but it will shed for the first few months. To combat the fuzzies, vacuum this rug once or twice per month. Although this rug is already a pricey option, you’ll want to invest in a rug pad, so you can really sink your feet into its durable softness. Price at the time of publish: From $789 Size: From 6 x 9 feet (three sizes available) | Material: Wool | Care: Frequent vacuuming; spot clean by hand; professional cleaning Keep in Mind: Vacuuming this rug may be next to impossible. It is available in 12 sizes and multiple shapes (round, rectangle, and sheepskin). Plus, you can even have a little extra fun by choosing one of its 21 stunning colors to make your bedroom pop. Its suede leather backing is slip-resistant and keeps it snug to the floor. You can keep this rug attractive for years by shaking it out to fluff up the faux fur and using a damp cloth to wipe off spills. For larger spills: wash it on a gentle cycle, laying it flat to dry. It’s worth noting that while the company states you can vacuum this rug, it may be difficult for one person to do so without frustratingly sucking it into your machine. Price at the time of publish: From $21 Size: From 2 x 2.9 feet | Material: Not specified | Care: Shake to fluff; gentle machine wash; lay flat to dry Keep in Mind: It shifts and slides around without a rug pad. This runner topped our list because its low-pile polypropylene fibers make it lightweight yet durable, allowing it to stand up to snags, tears, and excessive wear. And it’s easy to maintain with a broom or vacuum. This rug makes it a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas that could get muddy or soil in the entryway, hallway, or kitchen. This rug does not shed. While this runner feels soft underfoot, you’ll want to purchase a rug pad to make it non-slip. Price at time of publish: From $31 Size: From 2 x 7 feet (three runner sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Spot clean; vacuum; carpet cleaner After our research, the Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Rug is our overall favorite. It comes in more than 20 beautiful colors, cleans easily, and can be used throughout your home in combinations of sizes and colors, simplifying the task of bringing cohesion from one room to the next.
What to Know About Rugs Before Shopping
To select the best rug for any room in your home, you’ll want to keep these things in mind.
Size
Figuring out the correct size for your space narrows down the options when you shop online because you’ll see that not all colors of every rug are available in every size or style. According to interior designer Philippa Radon, interior designer and color specialist at C2 Paint, size is dependent on the dimensions of the room and the featured furniture. “The most standard choices are to cover the entire floor ensuring all furniture is fully on board, with a 24" estimated border showing of the main floor,” she says. To do this, she often starts with an 8 X 10 rug for a mid-size bedroom, going as large as 9 X 12 for larger, more open layouts. If that doesn’t work in the space, she suggests selecting an accent rug that anchors a part of the room, bringing color and detail to a specific zone.
Material
Any material you choose will come with both pros and cons. You’ll find there are a lot of trade-offs as some are easier to clean, others look better for longer, and a few are much more affordable. Natural fibers like sisal, seagrass, jute, wool, and viscose (made from wood pulp) are durable and versatile but can shed and permanently stain. Cotton rugs can be laundered, but they often shrink. Most natural fibers–excluding cotton–also tend to be rough underfoot. Check manufacturer instructions on how to best clean them because each fiber, depending on how it is woven, can be harder to sweep or vacuum. Synthetic fibers like polypropylene, polyester, and rayon will be stain resistant, easy to clean, and can feel softer underfoot. The drawback, however, is that they can trap dirt easily, may show more wear faster, and can discolor in the sun.
Shape
After the size, the shape of your rug can make or break a space, even if the color and style are perfect. You’ll know the shape is incorrect if you notice something about it looks out of place. One playful option is a round rug because they are great for making small places look larger. Rectangular rugs are the most traditional shapes because suitable to cover flooring, direct the eye to a specific area of the room, or compartmentalize rooms by keeping areas of your bedroom contained. Square rugs do the same but are narrower on two sides, which may fit the dimensions of your bedroom better. In general, try to mimic the shape of the room with a rug that will extend under all feet and legs of furniture.
Care
Always follow the specific instructions for care, deep cleaning, and stain removal to keep rugs in good condition. Depending on its fiber makeup, weave, and construction, each rug will require different levels of care. In general, you should vacuum to remove dirt–both sides if it’s reversible, brush out pet hair with a stiff brush, turn your rug once a year, and shake small rugs outside where you can also beat the dirt out. If professional cleaning is recommended you can look up companies that will come to your home for on-the-spot cleaning. Before ever using a carpet cleaner, perform a spot test to ensure the chemicals won’t affect the dyes.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean a rug?
Read the care instructions that are included by the manufacturer and follow them precisely to prevent being sorry later. Interior designer Audrey Scheck of Audrey Scheck Designs recommends removing surface dirt with a vacuum before spot-cleaning spills using water, gentle soap, and a soft brush. “Most cities have professionals who provide in-home steam cleaning services which are fast and convenient,” she says. For deep cleaning needs, Scheck leaves it to the professionals. For vintage and antique rugs, we stay away from vacuuming too often because it can damage handmade knots in the fabric. Steam cleaning antique rugs can also damage them, and they should only be deep cleaned by experienced professionals comfortable handling aged rugs," says Scheck.
What is the best size rug for a living room?
According to our experts, you should go big for the rugs in your living room. “I typically choose an area rug large enough to hold the sofa, coffee table, and lounge chairs,” says Karen Billman, interior designer at Karen Billman Designs. It helps make the space feel cohesive and luxurious, plus a good rug can help pull the color palette of a room together and become a design focal point.” Scheck also likes getting rugs as large as possible for living rooms. “Rugs that are too small tend to make spaces feel uninviting and smaller than they are,” she says. “In the living room, you ideally want each piece of furniture (except the media console) to at least touch the rug, and it is important to note that it’s ideal to give between 20 to 35 inches of a walkway between large furniture pieces.”
How do you flatten a rug?
The first time a rug is unrolled, you may find that the corners have a bit of memory and need to be flattened. Billman says flattening the corners is a quick and easy fix. “We usually recommend turning your rug over and putting heavy objects on all the ends.” Radon agrees and has been known to use a stack of heavy books to hold down the corners. Heat and/or moisture will help any areas that are resistant, so don’t be afraid to use a hair dryer to warm areas that need extra attention,” she says. “You can also lay the rug outside in the sun before bringing it in and pressing it down flat against the floor.” She also recommends a plush rug pad with double-sided rug tape or corner grippers to keep your rug firmly in place.
Who We Are
Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer and stylist often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos. She is the agency director of a micro-influencer talent agency and teaches strategic digital communications at three colleges and universities. For this article, Belle researched a variety of bedroom rugs, looking at material, design, length, care, and more to pick the best robes. She also consulted Philippa Radon, interior designer and color specialist at C2 Paint in Los Angeles, interior designer Audrey Scheck from Austin, Texas and Karen Billman, interior designer at Karen Billman Designs, for their expertise.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
