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," she says. Her 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 by giving 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. Backed by our research and testing insights, here are the best places to buy rugs online. A direct-to-consumer brand, you can shop Ruggable’s collection at the retailer’s website. The brand is best known for their chenille rug. When trying out the Ruggable Kavi Diamond Silver Rug, our product tester was surprised at the lack of pile height on this rug but found the texture to be very velvety and soft. However, if you’re looking for a high pile rug, Ruggable offers shag and plush options to give you that soft feeling underfoot. During testing, we found that these rugs live up to their hype for easy machine-washing and drying. The bigger challenge is vacuuming them; the suction power can make it a challenge to keep the rug and pad attached. You’ll have to use a low-power vacuum cleaner or mainly rely on washing the rug to keep it clean and debris-free. When purchasing a rug from Ruggable, you’ll have the option to choose between a standard or cushioned rug pad. Both options have a Velcro-like surface that holds the rug cover in place, but the cushioned pad offers more comfort when walking, standing, or sitting on the rug. Once you have a Ruggable system, you can shop for rug covers only, giving you the flexibility to swap out your rugs on a regular basis without needing to store a large and heavy area rug. If you’re trying to grasp the benefit of the Ruggable system or compare rug cover options, take advantage of ordering Ruggable samples. You can order three 10” x 10” samples for $15, with a regular or cushioned pad sample included at no additional charge. As an example of the value and selection, the Tuscan Dotted Diamond Trellis Nursery Rug is a hand-tufted, wool rug for less than $200 in a 5’ x 8’ size. Our product tester put this rug in her nursery and was pleased that the representation of the rug online matched the in-person. The color and design were exactly as expected. While the natural wool fibers made the rug less inviting to sit on, it did prove to be easy to clean. Some shedding is to be expected, but our tester found it subsided after about four vacuum sessions. Overall, our tester was impressed with the value of this option from Rugs USA, “especially considering its size, natural wool construction, and the fact that it’s hand-tufted.” Other reasons to shop Rugs USA include free shipping and a 30-day return window for orders. This helps to ease some of the concern you may have of ordering a rug for your home without being able to see it in person before buying. If you decide to send back a rug, keep in mind that return shipping fees will be deducted from your refund. Still, the convenience, selection, and affordability of shopping at an online rug store like Rugs USA is hard to beat. You can sort rugs by room or type, like runners, outdoor rugs, or area rugs. Some rugs are exclusive to Home Depot, like those you’ll find in the Home Decorators Collection, while others are from popular rug manufacturers like Safavieh or nuLoom. The Waverly Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Rug is a good example of the practical, affordable rugs you’ll find at Home Depot. When we tested this option, we found it to be durable and high-quality, with a modern style and plenty of color options to suit a variety of decor styles. While Wayfair offers vintage or hand-tufted rugs—like the World Menagerie Wilkins Hand-Tufted Indoor Area Rug—the largest selection and greatest value will be found in the machine-made area rugs. Rather than being woven by hand, these power loom rugs are usually made from synthetic fibers. The design and color options are extremely varied but the ease of cleaning is universal. For example, The Spruce Rug Collection features about a dozen options made from stain-resistant polyester and polypropylene. The Summer Quinn area rug has a traditional medallion design with distressing details, a soft, textured low pile, and fade resistance. These rugs are affordable—less than $90 for a 5'2" x 6'11" area rug. Since shipping is free on orders over $35 from Wayfair, most rugs will ship to your door for free. If you change your mind about your rug selection, you have 30 days under Wayfair’s standard return policy to send the rug back. Keep in mind that the cost of return shipping fees will be deducted from your refund. Caught on the fence when deciding on which rug collection or color is right for your room? Crate & Barrel offers sample rugs that can be ordered for $20 to $30. These 12-inch sample rugs will give you an indication of the color and texture of the rug before you commit to a larger purchase. Once you’ve evaluated the sample rug, you can return it to a Crate & Barrel store for a full refund. You can order rugs up to 6’x9’ for free in-store pickup to avoid paying shipping charges, which can run $100 or more. However, if you opt for an 8’x10’ or larger rug, you’ll have to pick between at-home delivery and warehouse pick-up. In either case, Crate & Barrel has a 30-day return window for new rugs (must be in a re-saleable condition), which is shorter than the 90-day return window for most other purchases. As an example of the type of rugs you’ll find at Rugs Direct, we like the Surya Mystique. This solid area rug is made of hand-loomed wool and available in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Like other rugs on the site, you can order a sample rug if you’re on the fence about whether the color or material is a match for your space. The 3’ x 3’ sample rug is generously-sized with a similarly large price tag of just over $100. While a sample rug is a good way of assessing a rug in-person before committing to purchasing a large-scale version, keep in mind that Rugs Direct only offers a credit of the cost of the sample rug when you buy a full-size rug. Some other retailers, like Crate & Barrel offer lower-cost sample rugs that are fully refundable. We love the fact that Rugs Direct goes beyond floor coverings. If you want to tie a room together, the site also offers decor items like pillows, wall hangings, poufs, and throw blankets. You’ll see suggested items to pair with each rug, or you can peruse the decor section to find your own must-have items. Everything on Rugs Direct ships for free but there are a few fees you should know about. Oversize items are subject to a $39.95 fee and every order incurs a $7.95 processing and handling fee. You’ll have 30 days to return any items you’re not satisfied with, but you’ll pay return shipping costs and the processing and handling fee is non-refundable. You can shop in-store for your next area rug or check out a larger selection of rug options at the retailer’s website. Keep in mind that World Market doesn’t offer free shipping and oversize items (like a 5’ x 8’ area rug) will incur a shipping surcharge. Rugs that are in-stock at a nearby store can be ordered with free curbside pick-up from your nearest World Market location. If the vintage rug selection doesn’t suit your style or budget, Revival Rugs channels its expertise into a line of contemporary rugs made with traditional techniques. To find these options, look for the Studio Revival collection. One standout option is the Hart Jute rug. Jute rugs are affordable but the look of the natural fibers can be inconsistent. Revival Rugs partners with a small weaving house operated by a third-generation craftsman to ensure high-quality, consistent appearance in its rugs made from hand-sorted jute fibers. Whether you are shopping for new or vintage rugs, you’ll enjoy the perk of free shipping from Revival Rugs. You also have the option to change your mind and send back your rug selection for a refund, but you’ll only have a 7-day window to initiate a return. If you want a store credit, you’ll get a full refund but for a refund to your original form of payment, you’ll pay a $20 restocking fee. To help you buy with confidence, Revival Rugs offers complimentary design assistance. You can receive help with size, style, or color selections or other commonly asked questions when buying a rug. Unlike other products from the Scandinavian retailer, you won’t need an allen wrench to set up your new purchase. The rugs can be picked up from your nearest IKEA warehouse or you can opt to have them shipped to your door. Shipping fees vary based on the delivery address, but as an example, the 5’7” x 7’7” VEDBÄK area rug costs as little as $10 to ship. It’s not hard to see the value in IKEA’s rug selection when you factor in the company’s generous 365-day return policy with low-cost shipping and affordable prices—you can pick up a small, flat woven area rug for as little as $15. Rifle Paper Co. offers power-loomed polyester rugs for an affordable option or you can make a larger investment in a hand-tufted wool rug made by artisans in India. Printed rugs start at less than $75 for a 2’3” x 3’9” option and cost just under $500 for a 7’10” x 9’6” area rug. You can expect to pay about double those prices for a wool rug. Keep in mind that rugs are excluded from free shipping on this retailer’s website and will take 5 to 7 days to process before shipping. Some rugs are made from recycled materials, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug. It’s constructed of 100-percent recycled plastics for a flat, easy-care floor covering that can be cleaned up with a rinse from the garden hose. Like other large rugs from Urban Outfitters, it’s available for ground shipping to your door but incurs a $19 shipping surcharge for oversize items. If you return it, there’s also a 15-percent restocking fee. The Lulu & Georgia Willow Rug exemplifies the quality and style you’ll find when shopping this online retailer for rugs. It’s hand-knotted using shaggy, undyed wool. The low-key geometric design gives the rug understated style while the wool fibers promise years of durability and stain-resistance. You’ll find plenty of other natural fiber and hide rugs, along with durable indoor-outdoor rugs made from recycled polyester. Aside from access to emerging trends, there is another reason to shop Lulu and Georgia for rugs. Unlike some retailers that charge a restocking fee, Lulu and Georgia offers free returns on rugs. However, there’s no refund on original shipping costs, which may include freight fees for oversize items like large area rugs. You can order from a selection of custom rugs if your room requires special dimensions, but there are plenty of ready-to-ship options available as well. The Pottery Barn Capitola Hand-Tufted Wool Rug is a popular choice that comes in three neutral shades, including gray, blue, and flagstone/smoke. It’s hand tufted by artisans in India as part of the “Made by Her” project that supports women in learning new skills and crafts. A 5’ x 8’ rug costs just under $500, while the largest 10’ x 14’ area rug costs about $1,500. Before you invest, you can take advantage of the $25 rug swatches that Pottery Barn makes available on select rugs. Ground shipping handles smaller rugs, including 5’ x 8’ sizes, but larger rugs will arrive with White Glove Delivery and incur additional shipping fees. If your online search for the right rug leaves you feeling unsure of the best option, Serena & Lily offers design experts to guide you through the process. This free service provides design advice and swatches shipped to your home. This makes it easier to find the right rug to pull together the look of a room. Rugs ship within 1 to 3 weeks, either with FedEx ground delivery (for smaller rugs) or Room of Choice or White Glove delivery service (for larger area rugs). You have 30 days from receipt to return a rug, but keep in mind that you’ll pay a restocking fee of either 15-percent or $15, based on the method of return. You can shop rugs at Macy’s both in-store and online, but you’ll have a wider selection if you browse the website. Unfortunately there are no sample rugs available, so you’ll have to rely on the item description and images to determine if a rug is the right one for your room. Macy’s does offer a 30-day return window, giving you the opportunity to return rugs in new condition if the look isn’t a fit. You can return rugs ordered online by mail or to select Macy’s with a Fine Rug Gallery. You can sort rugs by material, style, or room to find the option that suits your space. Most rugs are available in multiple sizes, like the Farella Indoor/Outdoor Rug, which can be ordered as a 2’ x 8’ runner, a small 4’ x 5.5’ rug, or a large 9.5’ x 12.5’ area rug, for example. This rug is made in Turkey, with a vintage, distressed floral pattern. It’s made of polyester fibers that are mold- and mildew-resistant, so it can be used to dress up your patio or add color and interest to any room inside your home. Some rugs are available for in-store pick-up at your closest West Elm location in as little as 2 hours. However many rugs will need to be shipped to your home, which will incur varying shipping charges depending on your location and the size of the rug. You can return any online purchase, including rugs, by mail or in-store within 30 days. Rugs like the CB2 Rowan Striped Black and White Outdoor Rug exemplify the style that the brand is known for. The black-and-white flatwoven rug has a modern edge and looks at home indoors or outside. It’s made in India and costs about $250, which is more spendy than an indoor-outdoor rug from budget rug retailers, but in the range of what you would expect to pay from a premium home goods retailer. 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 of the MSRP) on pre-selected rugs. If you order two or more rugs from the site at the same time, you’ll receive a 10-percent discount. With these details in mind, Rugs.com is a great option for rug shoppers on a budget. It may not be the rug resource for heirloom-quality rugs, but it certainly can outfit your room with a stylish, affordable floor covering option. The Monte Carlo Area Rug, for instance, is made in Turkey of durable polypropylene fibers. It has a heavily distressed motif and is available in ten different colors, along with various shapes beyond the usual rectangle of area rugs, like square, oval, octagon, and round. Right away you’ll notice that Boutique Rugs offers rugs in a variety of materials, including wool, jute, and polyester. A collection of washable rugs frequently pops up first in various shopping categories and offers easy-cleaning options like the Rosman Washable Area Rug. It’s available in various colors and sizes, including both rectangle and runner options. The cotton-chenille/polyester blend means that the rug can be machine-washed, but it should be line-dried—which is in contrast to Ruggable washable area rugs that can also take a tumble in the dryer. Orders from Boutique Rugs ship from their Georgia warehouse, usually arriving in 1 to 5 days from your order date. If you’re buying a large area rug, it’s worth noting that you won’t pay any freight shipping fees, which can save you $100 or more when compared to some other online retailers of rugs. Also impressive is the fact that the company offers free return shipping within 60 days on all orders. You’re sure to find a rug you like among the company’s selection but you don’t need to worry about buyer’s remorse, since the company’s return policy gives you peace of mind that you’ll get a refund if the rug doesn’t turn out to be the best match for your decor. Every design originates with the founders of the brand, Phoebe Sung and Peter Beur, but is brought to life by artisans in India. The partner facility carries certifications from Goodweave and Care & Fair, which represent that workers earn a fair wage and there is no forced labor or child labor. The Cold Picnic rugs are a bit of a splurge but in a sea of similar-looking floor coverings, these rugs stand out as unique. Keep in mind that some options, like the Sherbet, are made from materials more suitable for low-traffic areas. This rug is constructed of 100-percent bamboo silk yarn, which resembles crushed velvet and has a beautiful sheen. About this material, Sarah says, “Bamboo silk rugs have a luxurious sheen and finish due to delicate threads that feel wonderful underfoot. However, they may require more maintenance and can be challenging to maintain in high-traffic areas.” There are no returns on Cold Picnic rugs, but you can contact the company if you have questions before you buy or visit a brick-and-mortar retailer that carries the rugs, such as Nordstrom. Polyester and polypropylene are the most common synthetic materials used for rugs and offer very pile heights, from short but plush rugs to long, shaggy rugs. Rugs made of these materials are affordable, long-lasting, and also offer dirt- and stain-resistance. Some rug brands specialize in rugs made of natural fibers, like Revival Rugs, which primarily sells long-lasting wool rugs. Other online rug retailers offer more budget-friendly rugs made from synthetic fibers. This is the case for many rug options at retailers like Rugs Direct and Wayfair.
Size
The size of a rug is determined by its length and width. You’ll want to choose a rug size that matches the space you have available in a room. A rug that is too large may not fit, while a rug that is too small can look out of place. Area rugs come in common sizes like 5’ x 7’ or 6’ x 9’ and may be as large as 9’ x 12’ (or larger). If you have a space with specific dimensions, you may find that you need to find a rug retailer that offers custom rugs—like Pottery Barn or Cold Picnic. This option allows you to specify the shape, length, and width of the rug. Keep in mind that most custom-order rugs cannot be returned.
Type
The type of rug you choose depends on where and how you plan to use it. Area rugs are the most common type of rug purchased for the home. They usually cover the majority of the floor space in the room they are placed in, rather than covering just a limited portion of the floor—like you would see with a small kitchen rug or doormat. Runners are rugs for long, narrow spaces in the home, like a hallway. Smaller scatter or throw rugs are useful for layering or placing in small areas, like at the side of your bed.
Pile Height
The pile height of a rug refers to how long or short its fibers are. A high pile rug has longer fibers that feel more plush under your feet, but also tend to trap more debris and be harder to clean. A low pile rug can have short fibers, like you’ll see on many polyester area rugs, or no pile height to speak of. This is the case for flatweave rugs, like the Revival Hart Jute Rug. They can easily be shaken or swept clean, thanks to the flat surface.
Maintenance
All rugs need to be cleaned, but how you maintain the rug will depend on the type you choose. Some rugs, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Urban Outfitters, can be hosed down for a quick and complete clean. Other rugs, like those with plush fibers made of wool or synthetic materials, should be vacuumed on a regular basis and spot-cleaned as necessary. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure that you are cleaning your area rug appropriately for the fiber material.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this article, Erica considered the range of products available from each retailer, including material, size, and style. She took into account the selection of products, shoppability of the site, and shipping and return policies to find the best online rug retailers. Erica also spoke with Sarah Barnard, an interior designer that creates personalized, sustainable spaces. Sarah discussed how rug materials affect durability and cleaning, along with sharing her expertise on choosing a high-quality rug and whether or not to use a rug pad.
