25 best rugs to elevate your space
Whether you’re a homeowner or a small-space renter, investing in one of the best rugs is an easy way to transform your space for a relatively low price. Rugs are a fool-proof way of instantly bringing colour, texture and character into your home, rounding off your space with ease. A rug can be a scene-stealing centrepiece, and its impact should not be underestimated.
Of course, there are endless options when it comes to rug buying, with 2024’s offering as diverse in design as it is in price point, so it can be tricky to know where to start. Do you go for an artisanal jute rug, a traditional Persian carpet, a boho-inspired Moroccan rug, or something a little more contemporary and graphic? There are also different materials to consider, not to mention types of weave – tufted, knotted, flat – the list goes on.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve likely got 3814 mood boards going to give you homeware inspiration, so once you’ve settled on an overarching interiors style, and invested in some dreamy new furniture, it’s time to make a statement with a brand-new rug.
SKIP TO: What type of rug do I need? | How do I choose the right style of rug for my space? | Where should I put my new rug? | How do I choose the right size rug? | Our full edit of the best rugs.
The best rugs of 2024 at a glance – our top picks:
- Best Rug Overall: Matilda Goad & Co. Tufted Plaid Rug, from £78, Anthropologie
- Best Contemporary Rug: Hay Radio Rug, from £459, Nest
- Best Washable Rug: Iris Apfel Flutterby Rug, from £119, Ruggable
- Best Affordable Rug: Fringed Patterned Rug, £69.99, H&M
- Best Jute Rug: Natural Fibre Round Carpet, from £45.99, Mango
Shaggy rugs are often thickly piled, they feel great under the feet in bedrooms, but they are tricky to clean. Patterned rugs are a great look for hallways; there’s a huge variety, they’re purse-friendly, but be warned, pattern-fashion moves on quite quickly. Sheepskin or cowhide rugs are a trendy addition to a dark room – and if you don’t fancy going for the real deal, there are plenty of faux styles available.
Wool rugs, one of the most popular choices, are naturally stain-resistant, easy-to-clean, and sustainable – but do tend to fall on the more expensive side. That said, a really well-made wool rug should last you a lifetime, and there are plenty of options available when it comes to timeless designs, so make sure you futureproof.
How do I choose the right rug style for my home?
When it comes to rug design, the world’s your oyster with so many patterns and colours to pick from. Much like choosing an artwork for your walls, what you lay underfoot will speak volumes about your personality and what you want to put across in your décor. If you’re a vintage-loving maximalist, you might prefer a heavily patterned Persian rug – one that wouldn’t look out of place in an antique shop. If you’re after more of a cool, contemporary Scandi vibe, plump for a simple, plain design in a natural material such as sisal, that will bring instant calm to your living space.
One useful interior design trick is to pair a dark floor with a pale rug, and vice versa, that way you get a pleasing contrast, and your chosen carpet will really pop out. Think about shape, too: a circular rug can highlight your favourite armchair or coffee table, while a large rectangular rug has the ability to frame, and zone, particular areas of a room. This can bring a much-needed cosy element to a large, open-plan living space.
Where should I put a new rug?
A rug will instantly update any room in your house – besides a living room and bedroom, consider placing large rugs in your dining room and kitchen for a more homely feel and replacing your bath mats with a washable rug for a modern look. You can even get elongated runner style bath mats that look every bit like a fancy Persian rug for an extra luxurious look. Living room rugs look great on top of a hardwood floor, but they can also be layered on top of carpet to give a room that ultra-cosy feel. We’ve found the best outdoor rugs, rugs for living rooms, rugs for kitchens, rugs for bedrooms... you get the idea.
How do I pick the right size rug for the room?
When it comes to rug size, think the bigger the better, especially if you’re picking out a modern area rug for the living room or bedroom. Where possible in the living room, a rug should fit comfortably under all of your seating and your coffee table. In the bedroom, ensure the rug is big enough to fit under your bed, and ideally, it should be on display equally on either side of your bed. If you’re following Feng Shui when buying a new rug, remember the golden minimalist rule: rugs should not be touching any walls.
What else should I look for when buying a rug?
Are you a strictly shoes-off household with no pets or kids? If so, you can indulge in the lightest colours and the thickest, fluffiest piles. If not, you might want to think about more durable materials, or carpets that are heavily patterned, and in darker colours, as these tend to be more forgiving on stains. High-traffic areas such as the hallway or landing need special consideration, so think about the everyday footfall and make sure you go for a rug that will withstand being repeatedly trodden on.
Cleaning and maintenance are huge factors when it comes to buying a new rug, so it’s worth doing your homework before you hit pay. If you’ve yet to discover Ruggable’ s washable rugs then you’re missing a trick. This is an easy-to-clean two-piece system that’s 100 per cent machine washable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant; it also attaches to a non slip Ruggable rug pad using some genius technology – and beyond the brand’s covetable best sellers and designer collabs, there’s a huge selection of designs to match your exact taste.
After more interiors content? Check out our pick of the best desks for small bedrooms, the best coffee tables to elevate your living room, and the best bed frames for your bedroom. Let's not forget the kitchen; this way for cutlery sets, kettles, coffee machines, and smoothie makers. Fancy a glass of wine (non-alcoholic or otherwise)? This way for our edit of drinking glasses.
Keep scrolling for our full edit of 2024's best rugs rugs from our favourite retailers to elevate your space.
Matilda Goad & Co. Tufted Plaid Rug
Why stick to just one key 2024 trend when you can combine two? This bold and beautiful rug features both vibrant checks and scalloped edges. It is made from tufted wool and features a cotton backing, and it proves reliably hard-wearing, making it ideal for high traffic areas of the home.
The handiwork of designer Clara von Zweigbergk for Hay, the Radio rug brags a mix of materials and a striking blend of colour. Woven with New Zealand wool and cotton, and in red, blue and cream, it brings an eye-popping three-dimensional effect to liven up our floors.
Ruggable Iris Apfel Flutterby Rug
Fashion icon Iris Apfel’s style is courageous and contagious – and we’re not just talking sartorially. Get some insect love underfoot with this beetles and butterflies rug with its eye-catching symmetry. And as per all of Ruggable’s offering, the carpet is reliably washable, too.
You wouldn’t know this rug is from H&M. With its traditional Persian style patterning, together with its decorative cream tassels, and its printed surface designed to look faded and well-worn, it boasts a charming vintage feel. But unlike an authentic Persian rug you’d pick up from an antiques shop, it is enticingly affordable.
Mango Natural Fibre Round Carpet 180cm
Beautifully crafted, this 100 per cent jute rug is guaranteed to bring a sense of calm to the bedroom or living space. The circular carpet is hand woven and features naturally occurring tonal variations, which add to its artisanal charm. It also proves incredibly hard-wearing, making it both practical and pretty.
Arket Cotton Wool Rug 84 x 190 cm
While this vibrant geometric runner is all about the patterning, it also boasts a satisfyingly knotty texture, making it a treat for the feet as well as the eyes. Jacquard woven, it is made from a blend of cotton and wool, and its quality is palpable. We love the eye-popping directional stripes, which give it a three-dimensional feel.
Oka Symbology Rug – Aged Terracotta
There’s nothing we don’t love about this traditional dhurrie rug with a contemporary twist. Artisanal in make, it is handwoven in 100 per cent cotton, screen printed to give it its deep terracotta hue, and stone-washed to award it a lovely lived-in look and feel. Its central stripes make the perfect visual base for a coffee table.
Habitat Diamond Tufted Rug - Natural - 120x170cm
This deep pile tufted rug is inspired by the kind of patterning you’d find on traditional Moroccan or Berber carpets. It is made from 100 per cent polyester and boasts a wonderfully soft feel on bare feet. Not only does it bring a touch of luxury to any living space, but in its light cream and beige colourway, it’s also a go-with-anything neutral.
Wylder Rosa 120x180cm Rug Navy/Gold
On-trend cottagecore in design, this flatweave rug from Furn is in 100 per cent cotton fabric and features painterly florals in pinks, blues and greens on a vibrant ochre background. With its striped blue border, and its plaited pink tassels, it is one for those who live by the ‘more is more’ mantra.
La Redoute Aftas Graphic 100% Jute Rug
This all-natural jute number is given a modern rug update with its tightly woven scalloped border. As with any jute carpet, it boasts a rich visual texture with tonal variations, making each product completely unique. Style it with rattan furniture in the bedroom for a laid-back boho look.
Borders Hand Braided Jute Duck Egg Rug
This traditionally crafted rug is given a contemporary update with a contrasting border in duck egg blue. Hand-woven in India with 100 per cent jute, it brings an artisanal feel to any living space – along with that instantly recognisable scent. The natural material is known for its durability, too so this one’s great for high traffic areas.
Seletti Burnt Voice mix-print carpet
It’s not often we look to our carpets for inspirational life advice but then luxe interiors-come-pop art brand Seletti exists to bring us the unexpected. Seemingly singed into this otherwise traditional Persian rug is the graphic slogan, “your voice can change the world”, and we are here for it.
Oliver Bonas Cecily Handwoven Scalloped Wool & Cotton Rug
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that scalloped edges are everywhere in interior design. Crafted from a mix of wool and cotton, this pretty statement rug boasts a chunky scalloped border, and an arresting contrast in colour. Team it with your favourite bouclé chair for a stylish reading spot.
Urban Outfitters Labyrinth Tufted 5x7 Rug
This mono cream rug is all about the texture. Boasting a labyrinth-inspired geometric design in tufted cotton, and with a satisfying bobbly base, it is nigh on impossible not to slide your bare toes around its maze-like design. The tassels bring a laid-back boho vibe, too.
Inspiration for the Kendra is taken from a hand-painted artwork by Soho Home’s talented in-house designers. The rug features a series of vibrant graphic floral motifs leaning in alternating directions, which, rather cleverly, awards the hand-knotted carpet a sense of movement.
Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Rug, L170 x W240 cm, Slate
This rug truly is like a piece of art for your floor. In a classic Morris & Co print, it'll inject colour and interest to any room with its design of birds stealing strawberries against a backdrop inspired by the beauty of nature. The best John Lewis rug, if you ask us.
Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Black & Ivory Rug
This Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Black and Ivory Rug features a continuous line with a hand-drawn feel in black on an ivory background and is made from Ruggable's amazing water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable low-pile Chenille material.
Classic with a modern twist, this monochrome rug from The White Company is a smart update to your home and one of the best rugs for the living room. Made from high-quality cotton-polyester blend, its incredibly soft underfoot and will easily fit into your home decor.
Sticks Indoor Outdoor Circle Rug
With summer on the way, this weatherproof, easy-to-clean rug is one of the best outdoor rugs and a must buy for the warmer months. It'll instantly elevate your garden or patio with its striking circular design.
With a cracked design set upon a geometric hexagon pattern, this Barker and Stonehouse rug gives the illusion of texture all the while providing a soft cushion for your feet as you pad about your home. Dreamy, or what?
Fading World Salt and Pepper Rug
One of the best rugs online for the price, with an antique-style design, this faded rug from Barker & Stonehouse is perfect for neutral schemes and, made from 100% cotton chenille it's oh-so-soft underfoot, too.
For a subtle update to your living space, we'd suggest this silver rug. It may cost more, but it's one of the best designer rugs and will add texture and comfort whilst blending seamlessly with your in
Neutral with a twist, this cream and blue rug features intricate geometric patterns based on Moroccan tribal designs. Hard-wearing, this practical pick is great for elevating your hallway style and the best runner rug on the market.
Michelle Collins Abstract Art Rose Rug
Reproduced from the dreamy abstract paintings of Sheffield artist Michelle Collins, this abstract print comes in the softest of shades. It's our pick for the best pastel rug: subtle but still striking.
Michelle Collins Abstract Art Rose and Crimson Rug
Your interiors will instantly benefit from the effect of this simple yet striking rug. Designed to replicate the abstract paintings of respected artist Michelle Collins, its silky underfoot but hard wearing so, as one of the best rugs for durability, it can be placed in high traffic areas.
