When shopping for an area rug, you’ll quickly learn that these floor coverings can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable rugs on the market that can provide the same style, comfort, and quality as their pricier counterparts. 

The key? Look at the material. While you may be tempted by the look and feel of natural fibers like wool rugs or seagrass “synthetic rugs are much more affordable and often much more durable,” says Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores.

If you’re going the synthetic route, some of the most common options include polyester, polypropylene, and nylon—many of which also have water- or stain-resistant properties, a bonus for high-traffic areas.

We researched and tested some of the most budget-friendly rugs on the market, evaluating them not only on material but also on the number of size options and color choices, along with durability and ease of cleaning. Unless materials or origin are extremely important to you, it’s relatively easy to find a rug that’s the size and style you really want. 

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Black & Ivory Rug at Amazon $409

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Best Outdoor:

Fab Habitat Reversible Rug at Fabhabitat.com

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Best Indoor-Outdoor:

Nourison Positano Area Rug at Amazon $62

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Best for Pets:

SALE

 Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Amazon $159 $56

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Best Runner:

Ruggable Prisma Monochrome Rug at Ruggable.com

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Best Round:

Safavieh Marina Basketweave Seagrass Rug at Amazon $142

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Best Jute:

Revival Hart Jute Rug at Revivalrugs.com

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Best Tiles:

YWSHUF Self Adhesive Carpet Tile at Amazon $19

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Best Overall

Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Black & Ivory Rug

PHOTO: 

Ruggable

$409 AT AMAZONVIEW ON RUGGABLE.COM

What We Like

• Stain- and water-resistant
• Available in various sizes
• Subtle design and colors

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for cat-owners

When it comes to style, material, and overall quality, the Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Rug is on par with more expensive options. Available in four colors, this rug’s geometric pattern is sure to add whimsy to any room. You can choose from eight different sizes and two shapes, along with two runner options.

This top-rated rug is crafted from chenille, a woven fabric that manages to be both sturdy and soft. Like all Ruggable options, this rug is stain- and water-resistant, making it ideal for busy households.

Like all of Ruggable’s offerings, this rug is also machine-washable: to clean, simply remove the rug from the patented rug pad and throw it in the washing machine. Just note that this fabric isn’t ideal for cat owners, as felines like to paw and pull at the looped pile.

_{Pile Height: 0.125 inches︱Material: Chenille︱Sizes: 2 x 3 feet, 2.5 x 7 feet, 2.5 x 10 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 6 feet (round), 8 feet (round)︱Shapes: Rectangle, round}

Best Outdoor

Fab Habitat Reversible Rug

PHOTO: 

Amazon

VIEW ON FABHABITAT.COM

What We Like

• Easy to clean
• Available in various sizes and colors

What We Don’t Like

• Colors may differ slightly from images

Lightweight, versatile, and easy to clean, the Fab Habitat Reversible Rug is easily one of our favorite tested options. This indoor-outdoor rug is available in 13 colors and seven sizes, and it’s sourced from 100 percent recycled polyester that’s been treated to be UV-resistant. Thanks to its lighter weight and included carrying bag, this rug is also easy to transport, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor entertaining.

But, perhaps most importantly, we found the Fab Habitat to be a dream to clean, which is crucial with outdoor rugs that are exposed to dirt and debris regularly. All you need is a damp cloth or a hose, and your rug will be spotless. Another plus: even after multiple washes and spills, the rug still maintained its vivid color and like-new appearance—on both sides.

_{Pile Height: Not listed︱Material: Polyester︱Sizes: 2.5 x 8 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet︱Shapes: Rectangle, square}

•  THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK
•  THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK
•  THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK
•  THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK

Best Indoor-Outdoor

Nourison Positano Area Rug

PHOTO: 

Target

$54 AT AMAZON$57 AT HOME DEPOT$38 AT TARGET

Our Ratings

• Quality4/5
• Texture4/5
• Durability5/5
• Ease of Cleaning5/5
• Value4/5

What We Like

• Soft, smooth feel
• Easy to clean
• High-quality construction

What We Don’t Like

• On the thinner side
• Rug pad recommended

For an affordable option that you can use both indoors and out, check out the Nourison Positano Area Rug. Made from 100 percent polypropylene, this indoor-outdoor pick earned high marks from our testers for its soft feel and high-quality design—particularly impressive given the low price.

Thanks to its flatweave construction, this rug is on the thinner side: this makes it more lightweight (and therefore easier to transport) but also means that you’ll be able to detect rocks, gravel, and other sharp objects through the material. However, it’s still a solid option that’s easy to clean and holds up well to wear. Plus, it comes in more than a dozen sizes for indoor and outdoor spaces of all sizes.

_{Pile Height: Low (unspecified)︱Material: Polypropylene︱Sizes: Vary︱Shapes: Square, round, rectangular}

Best for Pets

Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug

PHOTO: 

Amazon

$56 AT AMAZON$62 AT HOME DEPOT$77 AT WALMART

What We Like

• Water- and stain-resistant
• Difficult for dirt and debris to get trapped

What We Don’t Like

• Takes a few days to dry after heavy wash

Between the dirty paws and slobbery mouths, pets can make a mess of your home without much effort. Not to mention their desire to claw and scratch can do damage to fabrics and furniture. Luckily, the Waverly Sea Glass rug can withstand any mayhem that your furry friends muster.

The rug’s polypropylene polyester material makes it resistant to stains and water. Meanwhile, the low pile height makes it more difficult for dirt and debris to get trapped in the fibers and, therefore, easier to clean.

We found that the rug could be spot cleaned for small stains from pets with water and mild detergent or hosed off for larger issues. Just note that it will take a few days to dry if you do a heavier water wash.

_{Pile Height: 0.13 inches︱Material: Polyester, polypropylene︱Sizes: 2.3 x 8 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 4.3 x 6.3 feet, 5.3 x 7.5 feet, 6.6 x 9.6 feet, 8.6 x 8.6 feet, 10 x 13 feet︱Shapes: Rectangle, Square}

• THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK
• THE SPRUCE / SARAH VANBUSKIRK 
• AMAZON

Best Runner

Ruggable Prisma Monochrome Rug

PHOTO: 

Ruggable

VIEW ON RUGGABLE.COM

What We Like

• Stain- and water-resistant
• Available in various sizes
• Versatile design

What We Don’t Like

• Limited color options

Rugs can make any space feel cozier—even your hallway. The honeycomb pattern of Ruggable’s Prisma Monochrome Rug gives the rug visual appeal, while the sand and gray accents make it a versatile piece. If you want your rug to stand out, you can also choose from a bolder colorway that features light blue, teal, and cream hexagons.

Crafted from chenille fabric, this runner is both stain- and water-resistant and has a low pile that makes it easy to maintain. It’s available in two lengths, both of which are 2 1/2 feet wide, to accommodate most standard-sized hallways. If you’re a fan of this style, you can also order this pattern in several rectangular and round area rug sizes.

_{Pile Height: 0.125 inches︱Material: Chenille︱Sizes: 2.5 x 7 feet, 2.5 x 10 feet︱Shapes: Rectangle, round}

The 21 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online in 2024

Best Round

Safavieh Marina Basketweave Seagrass Rug

PHOTO: 

Overstock

$142 AT AMAZON$145 AT HOME DEPOT$19 AT TARGET

What We Like

• Versatile design
• Dozens of size options to choose from

What We Don’t Like

• Natural fibers can be delicate
• On the thinner side

Though they may be limited in use, round rugs are ideal for placing under circular tables or in small sitting areas. With its versatile, boho-style design, the Safavieh Basketweave Seagrass Rug is sure to make an effortless addition to your space. It also comes in at a surprisingly affordable price, since natural fibers tend to be on the pricier side.

At the time of publish, this rug is available in eight round sizes—from 3 feet all the way to 10 feet—along with many rectangular, square, and runner sizes. It’s machine woven from durable seagrass in a basketweave pattern that’s easy on the eyes and the feet.

Just note that it’s best suited for low to medium-traffic areas, as the fibers can come loose with wear. It’s also on the thinner side, so make sure you’re placing it on a flat surface or using it with the appropriate rug pad.

_{Pile Height: Less than 0.25 inches︱Material: Polypropylene︱Sizes: 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, 7 feet, 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet︱Shapes: Round, runner, square rectangular}

Best Jute

Revival Hart Jute Rug

PHOTO: 

Revival

VIEW ON REVIVALRUGS.COM

Our Ratings

• Quality3.8/5
• Texture4.3/5
• Ease of Cleaning4.5/5
• Durability5/5
• Value4/5

What We Like

• Eco-friendly
• Low-shed

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for high-traffic areas

Natural fibers are processed with fewer chemicals than their synthetic counterparts, which makes them more expensive. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a rug that’s eco-friendly and affordable. Just take this Revival Hart option, a jute rug grown in the tropics.

This flatweave rug looks great on its own but can easily be layered with another rug to elevate its look. You can choose from 12 size options or request custom measurements to fit your room’s needs. Just note that because jute is such an absorbent fabric, it easily traps odors and debris.¹

You’ll want to place this rug in low-traffic areas—and when it comes to cleaning a jute rug, wipe it gently with a combination of warm water and mild detergent and let air dry.

_{Pile Height: 0.6 inches︱Material: Jute︱Sizes: 2 x 3 feet, 3 x 5 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, 9 x 12 feet, 10 x 14 feet, 12 x 16 feet, 2.5 x 9 feet, 2.5 x 12 feet, Custom︱Shapes: Rectangle}

Best Tiles

YWSHUF Self Adhesive Carpet Tile

PHOTO: 

Amazon

$19 AT AMAZON

What We Like

• Customizable
• Easy to install and replace

What We Don’t Like

• Limited color choices

If you can’t find an area rug that matches your measurements, carpet tiles are a great alternative. Not only are they more affordable in the short term, but also in the long term: if part of the carpet becomes stained or damaged, you can just install a new carpet tile instead of buying a new rug.

The Ywshuf Self-Adhesive Carpet Tiles are a great buy not only for their affordability but also their versatility. Each box includes a dozen 12-by-12-inch tiles, which are available in blue, black, gray, and gray-white. Though color options are limited, you can mix and match to make an intricate design or a classic checkered pattern.

To install, just peel the tile from its backing and stick it to a flat and dry surface.

_{Pile Height: Not listed︱Material: Polyester︱Sizes: 12 x 12 inches︱Shapes: N/A}

Final Verdict

The best overall Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Rug is a soft, sturdy, and versatile option that looks more expensive than it is. Available in eight sizes, four colors, and two shapes, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your needs and aesthetic. If you’re looking for an outdoor option, we love the best outdoor Fab Habitat Reversible Rug, which we found to be durable and easy to clean during testing.

What to Look for When Buying an Affordable Rug

Material

Your location and the location of the rug are key factors when considering a rug’s material. “If you live in a naturally humid climate or intend to use a rug in a room with a lot of moisture, like a bathroom, a cotton rug like a dhurrie is a great option,” says Georgia Hoyler, owner of rug company Passerine. “If [you’re looking for] a rug for an outdoor lounge area, jute or sisal are great natural indoor-outdoor options.”

Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, adds that these “natural fiber rugs are going to be more comfortable and gentler on your underlying floor, but also harder to clean and less durable.” So in the case of high-traffic areas, like a living room or hallway, synthetic materials are the way to go.

Keep in mind, however, that the material of choice may impact the cost. Rugs made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, are generally cheaper and easier to maintain than those made of natural materials. But while they have a higher upfront cost, rugs made from more natural, eco-friendly materials will have a low environmental cost because they require fewer chemicals to manufacture (and are often handmade, reducing emissions).

Size

As a general rule, the larger the rug, the higher the price tag. If you’re on a budget, think about how small a rug you can get away with using. When placing it in your space, make sure that the rug has “a minimum of 3 feet on each side between the edge of the rug and the wall,” says Saunders.

You’ll also want to consider how much floor coverage you’re wanting in a given room. For instance, you can use smaller rugs in a living room if you “float” the rug, arranging your furniture around rather than on top of it. You can also layer multiple small or medium-sized rugs to create more dimension and visual interest (just be careful not to overdo it!).

Pile

Pile refers to how tall or short the fibers are on a particular rug. Generally, a higher pile rug will be softer but also more difficult to maintain. Prone to flattening from foot traffic and furniture, plush pile rugs are also magnets for dust, dirt, stray hair, and food particles. They also tend to shed, meaning they require constant vacuuming and aren’t terribly pet- or child-friendly.

“We tend to go for higher pile rugs in living rooms for a plusher feel,” says Julia Miller, creative director of Yond Interiors. “Lower pile rugs [are great] for busier spaces, as they are often easier to clean and maintain.”

In addition to the feeling and maintenance, the pile also impacts how tall the rug is. Because of this, Miller recommends paying attention to the pile height to help ensure that you get the right rug in the right space. “If, for example, you have a tight opening between your floor and the bottom of the door, make sure to measure it,” she says.

FAQ

• How do you clean an area rug?In general, rugs made of synthetic materials are easier to clean and maintain than those made with natural fibers. But every area rug needs regular maintenance to keep it clean and free of dust and dirt. Keep your rug clean with a no-shoes policy in the house. Next, be sure to regularly vacuum your rug. Once a month or quarterly, take it outside and give it a good shake. Spills can be spot cleaned with a damp sponge immediately after the stain occurs. Otherwise, you can try sprinkling the area with baking soda or non-aerosol dry shampoo and vacuuming it. Some rugs may be machine-washable, but be sure to check the care instructions. Rugs that have been stained or are very dirty can be professionally cleaned, but keep in mind that this process may fade the rug or alter its texture. Learn more by reading our guide to cleaning an area rug.
• Do I need a rug pad?It may seem like an unnecessary fixture, but Hoyler, Miller, and Saunders all agree that a rug pad is a good investment. To start, Sunders says rug pads can make a rug more comfortable, something that is especially beneficial for thin, synthetic rugs. He also notes that a rug pad will keep your rug in place, avoiding any potential slips.But the most important perk of a rug pad is that it makes the rug last longer.“Without a rug pad, the dirt and silica that settles deep into the rug fibers can rub against hard surfaces and wear down the rug’s foundation,” says Hoyler.
• What size rug should you get for a living room?It depends on the size of your living room, how you place your living room rug, and how much of the bare living room floor you want to cover up. For a small space living room or to anchor a sitting area in a larger living room where you wish to keep as much flooring as possible visible, a medium-sized 5 x 7-foot rug might do the trick. In a larger living room, you might want an 8 x 12-foot rug or larger, depending on the room’s dimensions and the length of your sofa and other furniture.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a lifestyle writer and editor for The Spruce. To select the best picks for your consideration, she sorted through dozens of customer and third-party website reviews, along with insights from The Spruce’s expert product testers.

Our Experts:

• Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores
• Georgia Hoyler, owner of rug company Passerine
• Julia Miller, creative director of Yond Interiors
• Lily Sperry a lifestyle writer and commerce editor for The Spruce, conducted additional research and updates.