Anchoring a space with a rug, whether indoors or outdoors, is an effective way to enhance the ambiance. The Spruce has tested numerous styles, including natural jute, hand-tufted wool, and printed vintage rugs, to determine their performance in various settings such as living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and patios.
It’s a common misconception that quality area rugs must be expensive. In fact, we’ve discovered that the best affordable rugs are also incredibly durable. Blended fibers and man-made materials like polyester and polypropylene offer a wide range of options without breaking the bank, allowing you to find a 4 x 6-foot rug for under $100.
– Best Indoor/Outdoor: SALEnuLOOM Wynn Braided Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug at Amazon for $71.
– Best Outdoor: Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug at Amazon for $33.
– Best Natural Fiber: IKEA Lohals Jute Rug at Ikea for $60.
– Best Runner: AllModern Ovid Runner at Allmodern.com for $159.
– Best Washable: Tumble Tabor Washable Rug at Tumbleliving.com.
– Best Reversible: Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug at Amazon for $46.
– Best Shag: Rugs USA Moonglade Washable Area Rug at Rugsusa.com. The Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug stands out with its vintage-inspired patterns, a wide range of sizes and colors, and easy-to-maintain, non-shedding polyester construction. Despite the low pile, which may feel flat, it pairs well with a rug pad to provide cushioning and prevent slipping. This rug remains impressive after a year of use, with its traditional floral motifs in faded colors effectively hiding dirt and stains. Dimensions: 3 feet, 6 inches x 5 feet, 6 inches | Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.
13 inches | Color Options: 8
PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock The nuLOOM Wynn Braided Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug is a great choice. It’s crafted with polypropylene, a thick and soft fiber also known as olefin. We discovered in testing that this design by NuLoom would do well both indoors and outdoors. It almost feels like wool. It was fine to leave outdoors. The tightly braided weave can be hosed down for a quick clean without worry of mold or mildew growth. The lighter gray colorway features subtle speckling (aptly named salt and pepper), ideal for obscuring dirt and potential future stains. We were pleasantly surprised by the lack of loose threads, snags, and pulls. Feel free to lay this rug beneath a dining or patio set. Dimensions: 4 x 6 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Pile Height: 0.3 inches | Color Options: 3 The Spruce / Henry Wortock The Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug is also a great outdoor rug. Our first impression was that it felt incredibly high quality. We loved the detailed stitching in subtle checker, chevron, and diamond geometrics. The beige color is particularly smitten. It’s lightweight and easy to move. It hides dirt well and pet stains come out without a hitch. The only sign of age is a slight fraying at a couple of corners. Otherwise, we expect it to last for years. It’s also easy to clean and has yet to fade. Dimensions: 4 feet x 5 feet, 7 inches | Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.The IKEA Lohals Jute Rug is a natural fiber rug that has a long-running best-seller status at IKEA. It looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests and adds an earthy element to any room. It is great for layering and can be laid on top of underfloor heating. It adds natural texture, warmth, and tone to a space. However, it can discolor from water exposure and stains. Dimensions: 4 feet, 4 inches x 6 feet, 5 inches. Material: Jute. Pile Height: 0.5 inches. Color Options: 1 (neutral).
The AllModern Ovid Runner is our top pick for adding warmth to hallways, narrow rooms, or anywhere you might need a long and narrow runner. It has vibrant colors and an eye-catching pattern. It is incredibly easy to vacuum and clean and is pet and pet hair friendly. However, it slides on flooring without a rug pad. With a very low pile height, it isn’t plush underfoot but adds a slight bit of warmth on top of hardwood floors. A rug pad is necessary for more cushioning and to keep it in place as it is lightweight and can move around when walked and stepped on.A grippy rug pad will help prevent slips and sliding. Dimensions: 2 feet, 2 inches x 6 feet, 11 inches. Material: Viscose. Pile Height: 0.13 inches. Color Options: 2. PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock (repeated six times). The 20 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online. Best Washable Tumble Tabor Washable Rug. PHOTO: Tumble. View on Tumbleliving.com. What We Like: Holds up well. Hypoallergenic. Foam rug pad included.
OEKO-Tex-certified. What We Don’t Like: Only wash with cold water on gentle. This Tumble rug doesn’t lose its smooth, soft texture after multiple wash and rinse cycles, beating out other washable brands, especially since it comes at an affordable price (with a complimentary pad valued at $59 to boot). But the best part? During testing, we found the spillproof treatment forces spills to bead at the surface, allowing our tester more time to wipe up coffee and wine before even having a chance to bleed through the surface. If not for this waterproof feature, our tester would have never chosen such a light colorway (the warm-toned, light distressed beige), especially since it’s used in a house with accident-prone children and pets. But stains simply refuse to set, and it refuses to attract pet hair and dust. It’s the biggest benefit of going with Tumble, as we put this rug to the test with one of our team members who has owned multiple machine-washable rugs before from brands like Crate & Barrel and Target. While its low density and pile are soft but not plush, the pad counteracts the flat feel, giving it a bit more cushion underfoot. It also connects like puzzle pieces, and once placed, refuses to slip and slide, particularly on the concrete floor our tester placed it on. Pockets on the back end hold the foam down like adhesive grippers. Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet. Material: Polyester. Pile Height: 0.25 inches. Color Options: Varies. PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson (repeated three times). Best Reversible Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug. PHOTO: Urban Outfitters. $46 at Amazon. $159 at Urban Outfitters. View on Fabhabitat.com. What We Like: 100 percent waterproof material. The most color and pattern choices on our list. Less than a pound. What We Don’t Like: Outdoor only. A bit scratchy underfoot. Most rugs are built with backings, but this flashy find from Fab Habitat looks the same, no matter which side you flip it on. Made with premium, recycled plastic, you can choose between 20-plus flashy color combos and patterns. In our testing, however, we went with the geometric burnt orange to add a splash of color to a back deck. It lays flat underneath a six-person patio table and refuses to heat up on particularly sultry, summer days, providing a cool place for diners to rest their bare feet. Keeping it rooted beneath furniture is one surefire way to keep this light rug in place. Otherwise, it can be rolled up and easily transported to the park as an impromptu blanket or towel that won’t get ruined by messy eaters or dewy grass.When it comes to outdoor rugs, the less-than-a-pound weight is beneficial for winter storage. Although not cozy for indoor use, this rug is perfect for outdoor spaces. It’s easy to care for, eco-friendly, and resists mold and mildew growth. Incredibly quick-drying, it dries faster than a deck after heavy rain.
Dimensions: 4 x 6 feet | Material: Plastic | Pile Height: N/A | Color Options: 27 Photo: The Spruce / Henry Wortock Photo: The Spruce / Henry Wortock Photo: The Spruce / Henry Wortock The Rugs USA Moonglade Washable Area Rug is our top pick for those seeking a shag rug that’s easy to care for and plush underfoot. It’s a 100 percent wool rug that’s soft to the touch and surprisingly easy to clean. Spills and stains come out with ease, and the grippy rug pad (sold separately) ensures slip and slide resistance. What We Like: – Grippy, secure non-skid pad – Soft, plush texture – Stains and spills can be easily removed and cleaned up What We Don’t Like: – Rug pad comes at an additional cost – Longer fibers can trap loose dirt Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet | Material: Wool | Pile Height: 0.95 inches | Color Options: 1 The Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug is our overall best affordable rug due to its balance of value, comfort, and durability. For those seeking an indoor/outdoor rug, nuLOOM’s Wynn Braided Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug is also highly recommended for its impressive softness. How We Tested the Best Affordable Rugs: We tested dozens of rugs at The Spruce, subjecting them to walking, dirt, and liquid spills, simulated pet claws, and various real-life environments in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in the homes of our editors. Rugs were placed in high-traffic areas for up to six months to a year, and tested against mud, coffee spills, and rainstorms.As we tested various rugs, including washable rugs, indoor/outdoor rugs, and those thin and plush, we considered details like rug construction, intended purpose and placement, and price. For this list, we focused on rugs priced at $100 or less in roughly a 4 x 6-foot format (if available; otherwise, slightly smaller or larger within the price range). We put them through vacuuming, washing (following care instructions), wear and tear from kids of all ages, and plenty of daily traffic. Ultimately, we found that when choosing a more affordable rug, there are trade-offs. Rugs under $100 tend to be thinner, with low pile and less cushiness underfoot. They are typically made with manmade fibers like polyester and nylon, which are incredibly durable.
Materials Make the Difference In most cases, the cost of a rug is directly related to the materials used in its construction. While synthetic fibers may have a bad reputation, they are actually very durable and low-maintenance. Most of our favorites, including our overall best rug from Loloi and Chris Loves Julia, are made of polyester or nylon, which are durable, water- and stain-resistant, and hold vibrant colors. Some are even machine washable. If you prefer natural materials, jute and cotton tend to be more affordable, but you may want to avoid wool and silk. Sizing and Price Tags Sizing can impact the price more than materials. The difference between a 4 x 6-foot rug and a larger 9 x 12-foot rug can be significant. However, choosing a smaller size to save money may not be the best option. Finding the right dimensions is crucial for a rug to look good in your space.Standard sizing you’re likely to come across includes: 3 x 5 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet, and 9 x 12 feet. To determine which size to purchase, first consider your furniture placement. In living rooms, the front legs of sofas or accent chairs should sit on top of the rug with plenty of room to spare, not on the very edge. Underneath a dining table, you’ll want to be able to pull a chair out and have it still sit on the rug. If you don’t have the budget for a larger rug but have your heart set on a particular color or pattern, don’t worry. Our tip is to go with an affordable jute rug and layer the brighter piece on top, even if it’s in a smaller size. There are many design choices for rugs, whether you’re looking for a punchy pattern like a geometric harlequin or something more neutral. If you’re designing a room from scratch, you can choose a bold pattern or a more neutral style to blend in with the rest of the room’s decor. Subtle ways to add dimension include playing with pile heights and textures. Most affordable rugs feature a low pile, also known as a flatweave. If your rug is a quarter of an inch or shorter, it’s likely a flatweave. Anything bigger, like the Rugs USA Moonglade Rug (our best shag pick), is considered a high pile. The pile can affect how soft a rug feels. Low piles are ideal for high-traffic areas, while designers often choose something bigger for cozy spaces like bedrooms and dens. Non-slip backings and pads are essential. If your rug seems to move around, prioritize non-slip backings or add a rug pad. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. To avoid tripping hazards, you can also use corner grippers.
Our Experts: Heather Adams, Senior Shopping Editor.
In other words, she knows a thing or two about how to sniff out the best affordable rugs. The 20 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online.