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The 21 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online in 2024

Shopping online can help you compare prices and find the best deals

Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug

Spruce / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

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. And, don't forget, 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 and give 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.

Ruggable

Ruggable Urbano Canary Yellow Rug

Ruggable

What We Like
  • Free shipping on all rug orders

  • Rug covers are machine-washable and dryer-safe

  • Samples, with rug pad, available for a small fee

What We Don't Like
  • $25 processing fee for each returned item

Ruggable’s claim to fame is its unique, washable and dryer-safe rugs that come in a wide range of sizes, patterns, and colors. Ruggable rugs are a great choice for active households due to the child-friendly and pet-proof design. Given the cleaning instructions, we were surprised at how velvety and soft one of the rugs we tested, the Kavi Diamond Silver Rug, turned out to be, despite its low pile height. 

Ruggable also offers a plethora of shag and plush options—all of which were easy to wash during testing. If you’re having trouble picking between several different rugs, the retailer offers samples (you can order three 10” x 10” samples for $15), and throws in a regular or cushioned pad sample at no extra charge.

Speaking of pads, one of our favorite things about Ruggable is that a standard rug pad is included with your rug purchase, or you can upgrade to a cushioned pad. Both have a Velcro-like surface that holds the rug cover in place, but the cushioned option offers slightly more comfort when walking, standing, or sitting on the rug.

The only issue we had with Ruggable’s products was when it came time to vacuum, the high suction power made it difficult to keep the rug and pad attached during testing. Because of this, you’ll have to use a low-power or hand-held vacuum cleaner or mainly rely on washing the rug to keep it clean and free of debris. It’s also important to note that there is a $25 processing fee for returns.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 2 to 4 weeks

Dog laying on a Ruggable Kavi Diamond Silver Rug

 The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Amazon

Loloi II Skye Collection Rug

Amazon

What We Like
  • Large selection of rugs from various retailers

  • Free shipping for Prime members

  • 30-day return policy on most items

What We Don't Like
  • Shipping time varies by retailer

Amazon is one of the best places to look for rugs if you have a specific price point in mind. The online retailer’s selection starts at under $20 and can be filtered down further by size, style, shape, material, and more. As with most items, Prime members will receive free shipping on their rug purchase, though there are a few exceptions. Amazon’s 30-day return policy is also intact for eligible brands.

The only major downside to shopping for rugs on Amazon is that the inventory, shipping times, and, in some cases, return policies differ greatly between retailers. To ensure that your choice best fits your needs, we recommend that you read reviews and make your purchase as soon as you’ve committed to a rug since you run the risk of it going out of stock. 

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies

Hand pulling down on Fab Habitat Reversible Rug on wood flooring

 The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Rugs USA

Beige Tani Vintage Blocks Area Rug

Rugs USA

What We Like
  • Free shipping on all orders

  • Dedicated clearance section

  • 30-day return window

What We Don't Like
  • Processing fee for returns

For great deals on rugs, Rugs USA is the place to browse. The retailer has over 1,500 rugs in its clearance section, which are categorized by size, color, style, and even weave type. Prices start under $25, and shipping is free on all purchases.

But clearance isn’t the only area of the website where you’ll find sales. For instance, the Tuscan Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug—which we tested—typically costs a little over $460 for the 7’6” x 9’6” size, but it’s currently on sale for under $200. 

We were pleased that the color and design of the hand-tufted wool rug were exactly as expected and that the rug was easy to clean. Though the natural wool fibers make the rug less inviting to sit on and some shedding did occur, that subsided after about four vacuum sessions.

If you’re unhappy with your purchase, Rugs USA does offer a 30-day return window, though you will have to pay return shipping fees.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Not listed

Rugs USA Tuscan Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug next to wood door on white carpet

The Spruce / Katie Begley

The Home Depot

Gem Greek Diamond Trellis Off White

Home Depot

What We Like
  • Free shipping on most rugs

  • Accepts shipped or in-store returns

  • Offers brand-exclusive rugs

What We Don't Like
  • Shipping times may vary

The Home Depot may be best known for its home improvement supplies, but the popular retailer also sells indoor and outdoor rugs—most of which come with free shipping. The selection skews more practical than decorative, but we appreciate the large brand variety, which includes rugs from heavy hitters like Safavieh and nuLoom.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, the Home Decorators Collection features options that are exclusive to The Home Depot.

We tested the Nourison Bits and Pieces Seaglass Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which costs around $80 for the 5’3” x 7’4” size. We found the polyester material to be durable and felt that the modern style and pretty color combination worked well in a variety of settings.

Just bear in mind that shipping times can vary drastically by brand, so double-check the delivery window if you need the rug to arrive by a certain date.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Varies

Gray couch and wooden table and chair sitting on a Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Wayfair

Wayfair Alsaedi Green/Blue/Orange Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Free shipping for rugs over $35

  • 30-day return window

  • Tip guides offered for overwhelmed shoppers

What We Don't Like
  • Returns incur a processing fee

As an online superstore for all things home-related, Wayfair unsurprisingly offers an impressive assortment of rugs. Whether you’re shopping for a living room area rug or an indoor-outdoor rug that can be cleaned with a garden hose, customers receive free shipping on all orders over $35.

Like many retailers on this list, Wayfair has a 30-day return policy, though the shipping fees for your return will be deducted from your refund.

While hand-tufted rugs are popular at Wayfair—we especially like the Bungalow Rose Samaniego Handmade Wool Area Rug—machine-made pieces arguably provide the greatest bang for your buck. Rather than being woven by hand, they’re created on a computerized loom using synthetic fibers. These pieces are generally easy to clean, and the power loom method allows for more design and color options.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel Vaughn Black Rug

Crate & Barrel

What We Like
  • Modern rug designs made with premium materials

  • In-store pickup available for rugs 6’ x 9’ or smaller

  • Offers 12-inch samples

What We Don't Like
  • No free shipping

Crate & Barrel offers a solid selection of contemporary rugs to suit all rooms and functions. Your options are grouped into collections, each featuring a single style in different sizes and colors. For example, the Laval Collection comes in six colors, including taupe, silver, and blue, and four sizes, with the biggest being 10’ x 14’.

If you’re on the fence about a certain rug, you can order 12-inch samples for $20 to $30. Once you’ve made a decision, they can be returned by mail or to any Crate & Barrel store for a full refund.

While the retailer does not offer free shipping on its collections, rugs up to 6’ x 9’ are eligible for in-store pickup, which could save you upwards of $100 in shipping fees.

One thing to note is that rugs must be returned within 30 days of receipt, which is much shorter than the 90-day return window that applies to most Crate & Barrel purchases. 

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: 3 to 5 business days

Tan and white rug sitting on top of a Crate & Barrel Multi-Surface Thick Rug Pad

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Rugs Direct

Orchard - Block Area Rug by Erin Gates by Momeni

Rugs Direct

What We Like
  • Custom rug sizes

  • 30-day return window

  • Helpful “Rug Finder” tool

What We Don't Like
  • Additional fees for processing, handling, and oversized items

  • Money back for rug sample only given as credit towards full-size rug purchase

Featuring rugs from well-known brands like Safavieh, Loloi, and Calvin Klein Home, Rugs Direct allows you to browse by designer as well as size, color, style, shape, and more. The website also has an easy-to-use “Rug Finder” tool that makes product recommendations based on your answers to 10 questions, including what level of quality you’re looking for and the primary color palette of your walls and existing decor.

When one of our editors took the quiz in the hopes of finding a rug for her dining room, she received a total of 15 picks, and could see what all of them looked like on her floor by uploading a photo of her space.

One of our favorites, the Surya Mystique, is a solid, hand-loomed wool area rug that’s available in multiple colors and sizes. There are also more than 1,500 rugs that can be ordered in custom sizes, some of which take just one or two weeks to ship. While you can buy an 18” x 18” sample for most rugs on the site, it’ll cost you upwards of $100, and you only get that money back as a credit toward your full-size rug purchase.

Another caveat we don’t love is that while Rugs Direct does offer free shipping on all of its orders, you’ll still be charged an $8 processing and handling fee, and oversized items are subject to an additional fee of $40.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: Varies

World Market

World Market Elon Undyed Modern Geometric Wool Washable Area Rug

World Market

What We Like
  • Specializes in artisan rugs from around the world

  • In-store pickup options

  • Generous 60-day return window

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t offer free shipping

World Market has an assortment of rugs from across the globe, though, unfortunately, you can’t filter by country. However, you can search for specific rug styles, like traditional Persian and flat-woven Kilim rugs, or browse best-sellers if you want to see the most popular designs in one place. 

For customers who live near a World Market location, we encourage you to schedule an in-store pickup since the retailer does not offer free shipping. In addition, oversized items are subject to extra fees, so it’s best to avoid delivery if possible.

Despite those drawbacks, World Market does have one of the longest return windows on this list, giving you 60 days to change your mind about an item.

Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Not listed

Revival Rugs

Revival Rugs

Revival Rugs

What We Like
  • Inventory includes vintage and one-of-a-kind rugs

  • Free shipping on all orders

  • Complimentary design assistance

What We Don't Like
  • Only a seven-day return window

  • Potential restocking fee

Revival Rugs is a one-stop-shop for unique and high-quality handmade rugs, many of which come from Turkey, India, and Morocco. Perusing options online feels as though you’re visiting an art gallery due to the wide range of bright colors and intricate designs available.

The retailer’s vintage rug collection features some items that date back at least 100 years, and the majority of them bear the “Only One Made” label, signaling that they are truly one of a kind.

Purchasing a piece from Revival Rugs comes with several perks, including design support from one of the brand’s in-house experts. To request their help, all you need to do is fill out a brief form on the website. Rug orders also come with free shipping, though the return process is far from ideal.

Customers have just seven days to make a return and will only get a full refund if they accept store credit. Otherwise, they’ll have to pay a $20 restocking fee.

Return policy: 7 days (restocking fee may apply) | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 1 to 3 weeks

IKEA

IKEA Halved Rug

IKEA

What We Like
  • 180-day return window for unpackaged rugs

  • Detailed product pages

  • In-store pickups can be arranged

What We Don't Like
  • Limited size options for some rugs

  • No free shipping

IKEA offers a variety of different rug types, from handmade to faux fur. The Scandinavian retailer also sells rugs made out of sheepskin and cowhide, but the company makes it clear that these materials are sourced as a byproduct of the food industry to limit waste.

One thing we really appreciate about IKEA’s website is the amount of detail on the product pages, which includes a list of materials, care instructions, any necessary safety and compliance information, measurements, and “Good to Know” line items, such as “This rug fits with a 2- to 3-seat sofa.”

Orders can be picked up from your nearest IKEA warehouse or you can opt to have them delivered, though the retailer does charge for shipping. However, we were able to ship a 5’7” x 7’7” VEDBÄK area rug for as little as $10.

When you factor in the company’s generous 180-day return policy (365 days for unopened items), low-cost shipping, and affordable prices—small, flat woven area rugs start at $15—the value is hard to beat. Just be warned that most of the rugs don’t come in a ton of sizes (some are limited to just one size).

Return policy: 365 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, in-store pickup | Shipping time: Varies

Rifle Paper Co.

Palais Luxembourg Black Printed Rug

Rifle Paper Co.

What We Like
  • Emphasis on unique prints

  • Collection is bursting with color

  • Most rugs come in at least five to 10 sizes

What We Don't Like
  • No free shipping on rugs

  • Limited selection compared to other retailers

Rifle Paper Co. puts its gorgeous prints and collaborations with popular designers on a variety of home goods, including high-quality rugs. You’ll find traditional rugs, with more subdued and neutral color palettes, along with statement rugs that feature bold color schemes and designs.

Multipurpose rugs, such as the Veranda Monstera Cream, ensure that your fun style extends to outdoor entertaining spaces, like a patio or pergola.

As for texture, Rifle Paper Co. offers a mix of power-loomed polyester rugs and handmade wool-hooked rugs, which are created by a group of artisans in India. Though the company’s overall selection is sparse compared to mega-retailers like Amazon and Wayfair, these unique rugs aren’t designed to blend in (one of the reasons they’re special).

However, unlike some other Rifle Paper Co. products, rug purchases do not include free shipping, and orders take between five and seven days to process, so if you need a rug quickly, this is not the retailer for you.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 5 to 7 business days, plus transit time

Urban Outfitters

Shae Tufted Shag Rug

Urban Outfitters

What We Like
  • Unconventional shapes and styles

  • A handful of options are made from recycled materials

  • Free shipping over $75 (most rugs are eligible)

What We Don't Like
  • Returns and oversized items are subject to additional fees

Trendy retailer Urban Outfitters will give your home an instant upgrade with its selection of hip and totally original home products. When it comes to the brand’s rugs, you’ll find bold colors, abstract designs, and novelty shapes—think hot dogs, rainbows, and tigers.

The 250-plus options are categorized by material or type, like printed, tufted, or doormat, and shipping is included if you spend over $75 (pretty much any rug larger than 2’ x 3’ will unlock that perk).

A big benefit to shopping for rugs at Urban Outfitters is the company’s commitment to sustainability. The collection includes several eco-friendly picks, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic. It can even be cleaned off with a garden hose.

One thing to keep in mind about this retailer is that oversized rugs do incur shipping surcharges, negating the promise of free delivery. And a 15 percent restocking fee is deducted from your refund when you make a return.

Return policy: 30 days, with a 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

Lulu and Georgia Iconic Stripe Rug

Lulu and Georgia

What We Like
  • Good selection of handmade, artisan rugs

  • Features rugs from well-known designers

  • Return policy lasts up to 60 days

What We Don't Like
  • Many of the vintage styles have waitlists

Lulu and Georgia is known for its curation of trendy home pieces, and that collection includes more than 700 luxe and one-of-a-kind rugs. The inventory also features collaborations with designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel and Jake Arnold, as well as artisan-made items imported from India, Turkey, and Morocco.

The Lulu & Georgia Willow Rug exemplifies the quality you’ll find when shopping at this online retailer. The rug is hand-knotted using shaggy, undyed wool, and the understated geometric design gives it a sophisticated feel. 

If you’re on the hunt for a more simplistic or durable option, one of Lulu and Georgia’s natural fiber or indoor-outdoor recycled polyester rugs may appeal to you instead. However, those shopping for vintage rugs might find that many of their favorite picks are waitlisted due to high demand.

While Lulu and Georgia’s 60-day return policy is longer than many of the retailers’ on this list, the company does not offer free delivery, and those shipping costs will be deducted from your refund if you decide to return your order. 

Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: 5 to 7 days

Pottery Barn

Mahalia Handwoven Wool Rug

Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • Promotes artisan and fair-trade products

  • Some rugs can be made in custom sizes

  • Rug swatches are refundable

What We Don't Like
  • White-glove delivery required for larger sizes

  • Free shipping not included for any orders

Pottery Barn is another brick-and-mortar retailer with a large online selection of rugs. The options range from hand-knotted and Persian-style wool rugs with a timeless feel to pieces made from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers that are “easy care” thanks to their simple cleaning instructions.

There’s also a section of customizable rugs that are made-to-order for rooms with unconventional dimensions. 

The Capitola Hand-Tufted Wool Rug is a popular choice that comes in six different colors. It’s created by female artisans in India as part of the “Made by Her” project, which encourages women to learn new skills. If you’re unsure how a rug will look in your home, you can pay for a sample swatch that’s fully refundable if it’s returned within 30 days.

It’s worth mentioning that Pottery Barn does not offer free shipping, and customers are required to select white-glove delivery for its largest rugs (typically over 9.5 feet). 

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping, white-glove delivery | Shipping time: 4 to 5 days

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily Hillsborough Hand-Knotted Rug

Serena & Lily

What We Like
  • Specializes in the coastal chic aesthetic

  • Several delivery options

  • Free design advice

What We Don't Like
  • Limited selection compared to other retailers

  • No credit for fabric swatches even if you buy a rug

Serena & Lily is known for its hip coastal vibe, and the retailer’s selection of rugs certainly fits the coastal aesthetic. Most of the options are in neutral tones and made with wool, cotton, or jute, which is a coarse and strong fiber extracted from the bark of white jute plants.

All of the nearly 150 rugs are split into three categories: flatweave, natural, and performance (which is wool). When shopping at Serena & Lily, we tend to lean toward the more sustainable products, so the Metallic Suede & Hemp Rug combining recycled leather and jute is a favorite of ours.

If all the blue-, beige-, and gray-hued rugs start to look the same, Serena & Lily also offers free design advice to shoppers in the form of a phone call, email, or video chat. However, you do have to pay for rug samples ($10), and you’ll never get that money back—even if you buy a rug.

The company does allow customers to choose from three different delivery methods if their item is big enough to qualify for an upgrade. Your rug can be shipped via FedEx, delivered to the room of your choosing, or unrolled using white-glove delivery.

Depending on the method, shipping takes between one to three weeks within the contiguous U.S. Serena & Lily does have a 30-day return window, but your item is subject to a 15 percent or $15 restocking fee based on how it’s returned. 

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

Solar SOR-2302 Medium Gray 5' x 7'6" Area Rug

Macys

What We Like
  • Thousands of options from nearly 100 different brands

  • Constant sales events and free shipping over $48

  • Delivery and in-store pickup options

What We Don't Like
  • Amount, even with filtering, is overwhelming

  • Doesn’t offer rug samples

Put Macy’s on your list if you want discounted options from notable brands like LR Home, Loloi, Kaleen, Nourison Home, Oriental Weavers, and Safavieh. The department store sells an enormous number of rugs that span styles such as traditional, mid-century modern, bohemian, farmhouse, and many more.

Sales are frequent, and you can even filter rugs by the amount they’re discounted (from 20 to 80 percent off). One of the things we like most about shopping at Macy’s is that the price range is so vast, you’re bound to find something within your budget—you may just have to spend a little extra time scrolling through the thousands of available products.

Unfortunately, the retailer does not offer rug samples, but returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt and are free for Macy’s Star Reward members (non-members will have to pay a $10 fee).

Shipping is included for orders over $48, but if you’d like to avoid the delivery process altogether, you can schedule an in-store pickup at a Macy’s location near you.

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping (oversize shipping charges may apply) | Shipping time: Varies

West Elm

Sun-Kissed Landscape Easy Care Rug

West Elm

What We Like
  • Assortment includes hand-crafted and Fair Trade Certified pieces

  • Free design appointments

  • Returns don’t automatically incur a restocking fee

What We Don't Like
  • Shipping rate depends on order total

West Elm prides itself on offering handmade pieces from artisans around the world, and the company often works with Fair Trade Certified facilities, which provide safe working conditions and sustainable wages for their employees.

While not every West Elm rug has the Fair Trade certification, you can filter out any that don’t carry the distinction. There are also filters for material type, style, and room—making it more efficient to find the right size rug for the bedroom, for instance.

Most rugs are available in multiple sizes, like the Farella Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which comes in five versions ranging from a 2’5” x 8’ runner to a 9’5” x 12’5” area rug.

If you’re having trouble narrowing down your choices, West Elm offers some of the most generous design services in the business. You can book a free 60-minute in-home, virtual, or in-store appointment with one of the retailer’s design experts to help you settle on a style.

One drawback to West Elm is the shipping rates: They’re dependent on the amount you spend, so you could pay as much as 10 percent of the order total for just standard delivery.  

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping or in-store pickup | Shipping time: 4 to 5 business days

CB2

Labyrynth Handwoven Ivory and Black New Zealand Wool Area Rug

CB2

What We Like
  • Modern aesthetic

  • Majority of rugs come in more than one color

  • Can filter by time it’ll take to ship

What We Don't Like
  • Most rugs do not ship for free

  • Limited selection compared to other retailers

CB2’s rug collection definitely caters more toward shoppers looking for a contemporary vibe thanks to its clean lines, neutral tones, and sleek patterns. You’ll also find more traditional options—like the Eros Hand-Knotted Red and Blue Area Rug, which can be ordered as a runner or as large as 12’ x 15’.

Most of the designs are available in multiple sizes and colors, allowing you to choose a hue that best suits your existing decor.

With a lot fewer storefronts than its sister brand, Crate & Barrel, most CB2 customers will have to pay for delivery. If you need a rug sooner rather than later, you can browse through 'ready to ship' products or items that ship within four weeks.

A delivery fee will be added to most rug orders, though there are a couple of styles that ship for free, including this Distressed Faux Zebra Hide Area Rug that will still set you back $699.  

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping or in-store pickup | Shipping time: 3 to 5 business days

Rugs.com

Rugs.com Lilac Modern Classical Rug

Rugs.com

What We Like
  • Free shipping on all rugs

  • Full refunds on returns

  • Frequently offers sales on various selections

What We Don't Like
  • Not all rugs are high quality

We don’t need to tell you that the selection of rugs at Rugs.com is massive—you probably inferred that from the name! But what you might not know is that all of the retailer’s rugs ship for free and most get delivered within two days of purchase.

While the quality of the site’s more affordable rugs may not be on par with other places we’ve highlighted, you have 30 days to return an item for a full refund if you’re not happy with it.

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 off.

Prices on more luxurious handmade rugs are also frequently knocked down: For instance, we’ve seen this Hand-Knotted Kashkuli Rug on sale for 60 percent off, bringing the total under $1,000. So if you’re on a budget, Rugs.com is a good place to start. 

Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Not listed

Boutique Rugs

Rust Maayon Washable Rug

Boutique Rugs

What We Like
  • 60-day return window 

  • Free shipping regardless of rug size

  • Complimentary design advice

What We Don't Like
  • Does not offer rug samples

Boutique Rugs is immediately a standout on this list for its free shipping and 60-day return policy. Like Ruggable, this retailer offers a large selection of washable rugs, though they should be line-dried rather than placed in a dryer.

One of our favorite low-maintenance options is the Rosman Washable Area Rug. Its uniquely faded design gives it a vintage feel, but it’s much more affordable than a true antique (prices for this style range from $89 to $778). Like other items in the Boutique Rugs collection, there are multiple sizes and colors to choose from to match your space.

If you could use a second opinion, the company is happy to set you up with one of its in-house experts. To take advantage of this complimentary service, all you need to do is fill out a form online and attach photos of the room you’re decorating.

Since Boutique Rugs doesn’t provide rug samples, this is one way to get some feedback before you commit to a rug. The good news is that even if you end up regretting your purchase, you can return it within that 60-day window for a full refund.

Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: 1 to 5 days

Cold Picnic

Cold Picnic High Low

Cold Picnic

What We Like
  • Offers in-depth customization services

  • Boutique-style prints and motifs

  • Transparent about rug origins and production process

What We Don't Like
  • Only accepts returns for store credit within a week of receipt

  • Limited selection compared to other retailers

Cold Picnic is a boutique home and textiles brand that excels at abstract and imaginative designs. Rugs can be filtered by construction (hand-tufted or woven), composition (like bamboo silk and hemp), dominant color scheme, and more.

One of the company’s best features is its customization service, which allows you to create your own color combination with the rug design of your choosing—it should be noted that custom rugs typically take between nine and 12 weeks to produce.

When browsing through rugs on Cold Picnic’s website, think about placement. Some options, like the Sherbet, are made with materials better suited for low-trafficked areas. For instance, this rug is constructed using 100 percent bamboo silk yarn, which resembles crushed velvet and has a beautiful sheen.

Not only are the materials clearly listed on the product page, but Cold Picnic also details where and how each rug is produced—the Sherbet is handmade by artisans in India in a Goodweave and Care & Fair (C&F) Certified factory.

Before you buy a Cold Picnic rug, make sure you really love it as the retailer only accepts returns seven days after delivery for store credit or an exchange.

Return policy: Exchange or store credit only | Delivery options: Ground shipping | Shipping time: Varies

What to Look for in a Rug Brand

To avoid ending up with a rug you don’t like, it’s important to put some thought into the best places to purchase one. For example, some retailers specialize in particular materials, like jute, while others carry a greater variety of wool and synthetic fiber options. Here are a few factors to consider when picking a rug brand.

Material Variety

The material of a rug determines its softness, durability, and cleaning instructions. The most common natural fibers for a rug are wool, silk, bamboo, cotton, jute, and hides. While synthetic rugs aren’t made with these premium materials (most are constructed from polyester and polypropylene), Jacquin Headen, interior decorator and owner of Interiors by Jacquin, says that shouldn’t be viewed as a bad thing.

“Synthetic fibers often resist stains better than natural fibers and can be purchased at a much lower price point than natural fiber rugs,” Headen explains. “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.”

Size Range

Most of the rugs you’ll find online come in more than one size. Knowing what dimensions you need for your space is imperative lest you end up with a too-large rug that won’t fit or a too-small rug that looks out of place. Generally, area rugs come in standard sizes like 5’ x 7’ and 6’ x 9’, and may be as big as 10’ x 14’ (or larger). You can usually purchase a matching runner, which is much longer than it is wide as it’s designed for hallways.

If the room you’re trying to decorate has very specific dimensions, you may need to find a retailer that offers custom rugs—like Pottery Barn or Rugs Direct. This option allows you to specify the shape, length, and width, making it easier to choose the right area rug for your space. Keep in mind that most custom rugs cannot be returned and may take longer to ship since they’re typically made-to-order. 

Samples

Brands that offer samples of their rugs are worth considering so that you can get a feel for how the rug will look in your home before purchasing a full-size version. Crate & Barrel allows customers to purchase 12-inch swatches of its designs, which are fully refundable when returned by mail or to one of the company’s store locations.

Return Policy

A rug retailer’s return policy will likely influence your final purchasing decision. While some companies offer generous return periods, like IKEA’s 365-day window, others deduct shipping costs from your refund or charge a restocking fee, like Urban Outfitters, Serena & Lily, and Revival Rugs. The only brand on our list that doesn’t provide refunds on any of its items is Cold Picnic. 

FAQ
  • How can you tell if a rug is high-quality?

    Materials and construction are key indicators of a rug’s quality. High-quality rugs are frequently made from natural materials—think wool, bamboo, or silk—using handcrafted techniques. These types of rugs usually last a long time, but are a little tricker to clean compared to synthetic rugs (often made of polyester), which are mass-produced on a machine, like a power loom, and can typically be thrown into a washer. 

  • How thick should a rug be?

    The correct thickness of a rug is largely a matter of personal preference. A thick, high-pile rug is softer than a flatweave rug and may have a more luxurious feel. But for simple, streamlined spaces, a flatweave rug might be a better fit aesthetically. Headen also notes that “loop pile” rugs, which have a tighter surface, may be more “susceptible to snagging,” while “cut pile” rugs aren’t as stain-resistant.

  • Do you need a rug pad for a rug?

    In many cases, having a rug pad is a must, as it grips the floor to prevent your rug from sliding around. Rug pads work especially well on flooring that doesn’t provide a lot of traction, like hardwood and tile, or if you don’t have a lot of furniture on top to help anchor the rug down. Though you have to purchase a rug pad separately at most retailers, all Ruggable orders come with a free standard rug pad.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis is a devoted follower of home decor trends, researching and testing products to find the best picks for value, durability, and design. For this article, Puisis considered the range of products available from each retailer, including material types, sizes, and styles. She took into account the amount of options offered, shopability of each site, and shipping and return policies to find the best online rug retailers. Our testing team also personally tried out a handful of rugs from many of the retailers on this list, providing insights about the quality of both the rugs and the brand’s customer service.

Our Experts:

  • Xavier Piedra, associate editor at Dotdash Meredith
  • Jacquin Headen, an established interior decorator vetted by The Spruce’s testing team and owner of Interiors by Jacquin
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