Hannah has been writing for over 10 years and started her career in media as an assistant project manager for Henninger Media Services. She then worked for The Daily Muse as both an online community manager and columnist and later joined the Brides team in 2014. For five years, Hannah produced and pitched wedding style content for the bimonthly magazine. In 2019, she joined Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine as the home editor. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Muse, and Martha Stewart Weddings. She is currently the home editor at Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine. Hannah went to the University of Georgia and graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in sociology.

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When it comes to choosing the right rug for your space, there are a few important things you should consider. First, the material and pile of a rug all contribute to the quality and also how well a rug will fit into your home. For example, some wool rugs may be more of an investment but will last for years to come, while cotton or synthetic rugs are usually much more affordable but may not wear as well.

"When it comes to a high-quality rug, the two most important factors are construction and material," says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer of CW Interiors. "For example, hand-knotted rugs are extremely durable. They're also typically constructed with superior wool which, in turn, adds to their durability," she says.

To determine the best rugs, we spent hours researching rugs at a variety of prices for every budget, as well as different styles, materials, and sizing options. In addition to Woolsey, we also interviewed designer Erin Gates, founder of the blog Elements of Style, designer Max Humphrey, and Andi Morse of Morse Design. We asked them what to look for in a quality rug, as well as best practices for layering, styling, and choosing the right rug size for any space.

Here, the best rugs for every style and budget.

Who it's for: People who want a vintage-looking rug with more durability.

Who it isn't for: People who want a more vibrant rug.

This rug has the feel of a vintage rug but is power loomed and made from polyester, making it ideal for hardworking spaces like an entryway or hallway. The intricate pattern and muted colors also make it more forgiving for stains or dirt from muddy shoes or paws, plus it can easily be spot treated. This rug comes in six different sizes, including a runner, so it's suitable for rooms of many shapes and sizes. It's also available in two versatile palettes (blush/gray and gray/apricot), both of which bring a modern vibe to this otherwise traditional piece.

Who it's for: People looking for a unique, modern rug.

Who it isn't for: People who are color-shy or want something more traditional.

For those looking for a rug that serves as a conversation piece, take a look through all of Cold Picnic's pieces. Their abstract rugs are thoughtfully designed with a high-low pile (meaning the shapes in the design are a slightly higher pile than the rest of the rug) and hand-tufted using 100 percent New Zealand Tex wool. Plus, all the rugs are made in a factory that is GoodWeave certified for ethical and transparent practices.

The calming Coast to Coast Rug is recommended for medium traffic spaces like a bedroom or office. Because the color is so vibrant, this rug is best placed in a room with indirect light to avoid fading.

Who it's for: People looking for a neutral rug made from natural fibers.

Who it isn't for: People who are looking for a statement rug.

Rugs made from natural fibers (jute, seagrass, hemp, or sisal) are incredibly versatile in style and usually come in a variety of price points making them more affordable than other rug options. Gates says that jute rugs are a great starting place if you want to try your hand at layering rugs. "If you have a beloved rug that's too small to use on its own, start with a larger jute rug that's the proper size, and then layer the smaller rug on top," she says.

This jute rug stands out because it adds so much texture and interest to a room while also being eco-friendly. Jute rugs are also hard-wearing and can withstand a lot of use—just make sure you won't mind vacuuming a bit more than usual since they tend to shed a little. World Market has a generous 60-day return policy, which makes the process of buying a new rug a little less stressful.

Who it's for: People who want a contemporary rug that's machine-washable.

Who it isn't for: People who want a plush rug.

This rug is machine-washable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant. Machine-washable rugs are some of the easiest to care for and are great for people with small children and pets—if there's a spill, accident, or muddy paws tracking in dirt, this rug can just be popped into the washing machine.

Ruggable rugs come with a cushioned rug pad (you can purchase the rug on its own if you already have a Ruggable rug pad) that's non-slip and low-profile. This particular rug from the brand's collaboration with Jonathan Adler is contemporary and versatile, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. In case you don't love your rug, Ruggable has a 30-day return policy and also offers free shipping with the U.S.

Who it's for: People looking for a durable, versatile rug with plenty of size options, including custom.

Who it isn't for: People who lean more contemporary or modern.

This wool rug stands out thanks to its durable construction and variety of color options (there are six muted choices) and size options (including custom for some colors). The Malta rug is also a great choice if you want a pattern that isn't too loud and can coexist with other patterns in the same room. This low-pile rug is also easy to clean and is best suited for dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Annie Selke also offers the option to add a rug pad when you order this rug, which will come attached to the rug for ease of use.

Who it's for: People who want to insert some color into their space.

Who it isn't for: People who need a rug quickly, since the production time can be up to eight weeks.

Designed in collaboration with print designer Spencer Malinski, this fun contemporary rug features a checkerboard pattern. It comes in five colorways (plum, grass, pear, chocolate, and trout) and six sizes, with custom sizes available. The pile of this rug is medium and made from silk and bamboo fibers, which are very soft but more suitable for lower traffic areas of your home, like a bedroom or office. The silk content gives the rug an almost iridescent shine that can make the colors look slightly different depending on the light. You'll love the organic, hand-drawn look of this rug's pattern, which mimics dominos or dice—hence the name!

Who it's for: People who want a unique low-profile rug with color.

Who it isn't for: People looking for a plush rug.

This flatweave rug is handwoven in Egypt using traditional techniques. Though it's quite thin, this type of rug, called a kilim, is very hard-wearing and can be used in high-traffic areas of your home, plus can be washed with a detergent and water if there are any spills or messes. It's a gorgeous rug on its own (just make sure to enlist a rug pad so it doesn't slip around), but it's also the perfect type of area rug to layer on top of wall-to-wall carpeting, which can make a space feel more interesting, says Gates. "If you add an area rug on top of your carpet, make sure it's a flat weave style on the thinner side. Layering a cut pile rug over a cut pile rug does not look correct; you need to mix up the textures!"

Who it's for: People looking for a plush rug for a bedroom or living room.

Who it isn't for: People looking for a rug for a high-traffic area of their home

If you're looking for a unique, cozy rug for a low to medium-trafficked area of your home, this medium pile rug is for you. A collaboration between design company Hable Construction and Garnet Hill, this colorful rug comes in four sizes (including a runner) and has a vine-like design that's simple yet totally eye-catching. You'll love that this rug is 100 percent wool, making it warm underfoot, especially during the winter months.

There is a special handling fee for shipping this rug (which is dependent on the rug size you choose and where it's being shipped), as well as a $7.95 shipping fee for returns. However, refunds and exchanges are accepted up to 90 days after the ship date.

Who it's for: People who want a traditional-looking rug at an affordable price point.

Who it isn't for: People looking for a vibrant, modern rug.

This rug is a great option for people who need something very affordable with quick shipping that also looks way more expensive than it is. Stain-resistant viscose fibers and a low pile mean this rug is great for hallways and high-traffic areas, as long as you don't skimp on the rug pad. Although it's power-loomed, this rug has a vintage look, especially since the colors are slightly faded in the best way. AllModern also offers free design services as well as returns for refunds or store credit up to 30 days after delivery.

Who it's for: People who want a lower-pile shag rug.

Who it isn't for: People who don't have time to maintain a shag rug, as they require more frequent cleaning.

Looking for a cozy, neutral rug to add some warmth to your space? This West Elm shag rug features the best of both worlds: lots of texture, but with a slightly lower pile than a traditional shag rug, making lost cheerios or earrings a little easier to find than in longer shag rugs. A flat-woven black and white geometric border and braided tassels add interest to the all-white rug; just beware if you frequently use a robot vacuum as tassels and fringe can snag them. Also, keep in mind that natural shedding can occur in the first few months but should decrease with frequent vacuuming.

Who it's for: People who want a statement rug.

Who it isn't for: People who want a traditional style rug.

If you're on the hunt for a rug that's just as stylish inside your home as it is on your patio, deck, or porch, this may be the perfect fit for you. This indoor/outdoor beauty is a collaboration between Jungalow and Loloi, and definitely has Justina Blakeney's signature maximalist style. Since it's made with the outdoors in mind, it's much more durable than indoor-only rugs, so you can place it in high traffic areas like living rooms and entryways with no problem. On the other hand, it'll add tropical vibes to a sunroom or front porch.

Who it's for: People looking for a special rug to invest in.

Who it isn't for: People who aren't looking to spend a lot on a rug.

Although this rug is definitely an investment, its thoughtful design and hand-knotted plush New Zealand wool construction make it worth the money. The vine motif is a modernized, more graphic take on Gustavian style (a Swedish architecture style that started in the 1780s), and the unexpected and playful lilac and chartreuse palette make this rug really stand out. The half-inch pile of this rug makes it better suited for low to medium-trafficked spaces in your home, like a bedroom or living room. If you don't love this pattern, there are two others in this collection, designed in collaboration with Campbell-Rey.

Who it's for: People looking for a neutral rug with a little texture.

Who it isn't for: People looking for a rug smaller than 5 x 8 feet.

Since this rug isn't loud and flashy, it's a great choice if you're looking for something that will withstand trends and work with many different design styles. Handmade in India by skilled artisans in a Fair Trade facility, this rug feels super plush underfoot, and is a good cozy option for low to medium traffic areas of your home. While the geometric pattern adds interest to any room, it's easy to mix and match with different colors and patterns in the same space thanks to the neutral olive and cream palette (it also comes in a sand and cream colorway). Take note that return shipping is free for store credit but a $65 fee if you want a refund.

Who it's for: People who want lots of size options.

Who it isn't for: People who are looking for a plush rug.

If you're in the market for a flatweave rug and aren't afraid of a little color, this Aelfie rug is a great option. It has a playful pattern and a vibrant palette, which goes surprisingly well with a lot of different decor styles. With eight sizes to choose from (and custom sizing available), there are plenty of options for every room in your home, whether you need an extra-large rug for your living room, a runner for your hallway, or something smaller for a tighter space. Have sizing stress? Aelfie offers $10 shipping for all items, even the largest, heaviest rugs, so you can return and exchange your rug for a different size within 14 days of delivery.

Who it's for: People looking for a smaller, hard-working rug.

Who it isn't for: People who need an extra-large rug.

This geometric rug is made from hemp which, like jute, is a very hardy natural fiber that will withstand lots of wear and tear, making it great for hallways and entryways. Hemp rugs are also a great option for kitchens, capable of bringing a little extra texture and interest into one of the hardest-working spaces in your home. All the colorway options for this Tantuvi rug are a soothing combo of neutrals and muted tones, and would even look good mixed and matched together in one room. There are several different options to choose from, but all of them are great picks for an earthy, laidback space.

Who it's for: People who want a shag rug with a lot of sizing options.

Who it isn't for: People who need a rug quickly, as these are made to order and can take up to 12 weeks to ship.

When we say there are a lot of sizing options for this Benisouk rug, we mean it—the smallest size is 3 x 5 feet and goes all the way up to 14 x 20 feet, with just about every size in between. There's nothing to dislike about the cheerful pink, orange, and sage green colors in this shag rug, which is made of 100 percent wool and feels especially warm and cozy underfoot. Each rug is handwoven in Morocco by an artisan from the Beni Ourain Tribe using Moroccan wool, and is made to order so you can be sure you're getting a one-of-a-kind piece. And if you don't love this specific rug, there are many more to choose from on Benisouk's site.

Who it's for: People looking for a rug that's easy to care for.

Who it isn't for: People who want a high-pile rug.

The ease of a machine-washable rug undoubtedly makes messes and spills much less of an issue, which is one reason why you'll love this rug. The entire line of washable rugs from Revival Rugs is sophisticated and modern—an ideal combination of form meets function. With four size options, this rug works well in a busy living area or even a kid's room, since it's so easy to toss in the wash you don't need to worry about muddy footprints or art projects gone awry. A rug pad is recommended, and you should note that the rug will most likely shrink an inch or two after you wash it for the first time.

Who it's for: People looking for an inexpensive jute rug with lots of size options.

Who it isn't for: People who want a colorful rug.

If you're on the hunt for a versatile area rug, this striped jute rug may be just what you're looking for. Available in eight sizes and two colorways, this rug is sure to work in almost any room you put it in. The inviting stripes and subtle nubby texture give it a versatile feel that works well with lots of decor styles, including farmhouse, coastal, and modern. It's a little less thick than many other jute rugs on the market, so you can easily place it by a door with little clearance under it when opened. Best of all, this rug is very affordable, so it's great if you need to cover a larger space without spending a lot of money.

Who it's for: People who want a colorful rug with lots of size options.

Who it isn't for: People who are looking for a plush rug.

This flatwoven rug is made from high-quality wool and is handwoven in Egypt. The cheerful pattern is a mix of mint, mustard, blue, and cream, and is perfect for a living room in need of a little extra visual interest and color. With lots of size options, you can get an extra-large size as the primary focal point of a dining space or den, or a smaller size to layer over a more neutral rug as an accent. With proper care, this wool rug will last you years and years—just make sure you vacuum on the lowest setting so that no wool fibers are accidentally pulled loose and damaged. This Etsy shop offers free shipping to the United States, and returns and exchanges are accepted.

When it comes to determining the right size rug for any space, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the furniture set up in the room you're shopping for, and make sure you measure your space and know what the layout of the room is going to be before you start shopping. "A good rule of thumb is to aim to have at least the front-facing legs of each piece of furniture sitting on the rug," says Humphrey. "But if you can, it's even better to have all legs of all furniture sitting on it."

For a dining room, all four legs of all dining chairs should remain on the rug, even when they're pulled out, says Gates. "This makes the room look larger, too. A correctly sized rug anchors your space and makes it feel grounded and cohesive." For a bedroom, your rug ideally should run a little more than halfway under your bed, ending right before your nightstands. "This can be a tricky fit for some bedrooms, especially ones that are long and narrow, so look for brands with custom sizing options," suggests Gates. Lots of rug brands have handy sizing guides on their sites as well to make it easier to help visualize specific rug sizes in your room.

Rugs come in lots of different materials, all of which have their pros and cons depending on your budget, where you want to put your rug, your decor style, and their general longevity. One of the most common materials is wool, a favorite choice of Morse. "It's soft underfoot and great at insulating cold rooms, as well as being easy to clean and usually designed to withstand years of wear and tear," she says. Wool rugs are great for high-traffic areas of your home like entryways, living rooms, and hallways. Keep in mind that wool rugs tend to be more of an investment compared to other materials and aren't good at absorbency, so they shouldn't be used in a room with a lot of moisture.

If you're on a budget and want an easy-to-care-for rug, cotton is a good choice. Lots of flatweave rugs are made from cotton, like dhurries and kilims, and you can generally find lots of cotton rugs that are washable. The biggest con is longevity—while they're easy to care for, they can often start to fade and wear down, making them best for more relaxed areas of your home like a bedroom. If you're looking to add texture to your space, natural-fiber options like jute or sisal are excellent choices. These materials are usually pretty hardy and often a favorite choice for hallways or entries, but they can be hard to get stains out of, so you have to make sure to treat spills immediately.

Other budget-friendly rug materials are synthetics like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. You can find synthetic rugs in lots of style options, and they're often used for indoor/outdoor rugs. "Polypropylene indoor-outdoor rugs are so easy to care for because you can practically just hose them off," says Gates, who likes using indoor/outdoor rugs for clients that have pets and kids. Depending on the specific synthetic material, however, they can often not feel as cozy and luxe as a wool rug and can be more prone to damage compared to other materials.

When choosing a rug, one thing you'll need to consider is what pile height will work best in your home. While some plusher rugs, like shag, may feel cozier and luxe, they may require more care and vacuuming than a thinner rug. Generally speaking, if a rug's height is less than 0.25 inches it's considered low pile, 0.25-0.5 inches is considered medium pile, and over 0.5 inches is considered plush or high pile.

Consider where you will be putting the rug. Sometimes more plush rugs will need to be rotated if there's heavy furniture sitting on them so that the fibers don't get permanently crushed under the weight of the legs. How often will you be vacuuming, realistically? Natural fiber rugs like jute, as well as wool and shag rugs, will often shed a good bit, especially when you first get them, and regular vacuuming can help with that.

Cleaning will depend on the material your area rug is made out of. While most rugs should be vacuumed at least a couple of times a week to dislodge dirt, dust, and debris, some will require professional cleaning (aside from those that are washable) from time to time to make sure any unpleasant odors or stubborn stains are taken care of effectively. For spills, regardless of the rug's material, make sure to immediately and carefully blot it—do NOT rub.

Since shag rugs have a higher, plusher pile, they tend to trap dirt and debris much more easily than something that's a lower pile, like a flatweave cotton rug. Regular vacuuming to help with that as well as the natural shedding that will happen with wool shag rugs are necessary to keep your rug in good working order. Remember when vacuuming that you should adjust your setting to high so that the vacuum doesn't accidentally damage the fibers in your rug. When you want to do a bit of a deeper clean, remove all furniture and flip it over so you can vacuum the underside of the rug, and don't forget to vacuum under the rug as well. It's also a smart idea to bring your shag rug outside a couple of times a year and hang it on a clothesline while gently beating it with a broom to force some of that dust and dirt out of the rug.

For stains, which can be hard to remove from jute, gently blot at the area with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Next, use a 50/50 solution of a mild dish detergent or mild laundry detergent and gently rub until the stain begins to lift away. For maintenance, make sure you're vacuuming a couple of times a week (as well as vacuuming under the rug) since natural fiber rugs, like shag rugs, will do a good bit of shedding.

To effectively layer rugs, Humphrey suggests considering the pile height and material to start. "​​I layer area rugs over wall-to-wall carpet, or layer a cute, smaller vintage rug on top of a sisal or seagrass all the time," he says. "For example, I just layered a vibrant Moroccan rug over my client's yummy neutral low-pile wall-to-wall wool carpet, and it worked great!" One rug should be considered the base or foundation rug on the bottom, and, usually, the smaller rug on top is considered more of an accent that can be switched out if you want to change up the color scheme in your room. While the base rug is usually a more neutral color, if you're feeling bold you can play around with something that has a little pattern and color, as long as the top rug feels cohesive. Just remember that layering two rugs of the same material and pile height won't look right—you need different piles and textures, says Gates.

This article was written by Hannah Baker, home editor at Drew and Jonathan Reveal magazine with nearly a decade of experience writing about home products and lifestyle content for brands like Apartment Therapy, Rachael Ray in Season, Martha Stewart Living, and Brides. To compile this list, she spent hours researching the best rugs and talking to various qualified interior designers about what to look for in a quality rug.

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