If you ever want to shift the vibe of a room, swap its rug. Apart from maybe fresh flooring or a coat of paint, it's the swiftest way to transform a space. And, as we can all probably agree: the easiest. At Livingetc, rugs are our favorite decorating hack (instant gratification!). I liken them to pieces of clothing — a T-shirt, for instance. They’re the base of an outfit, and obviously, you need several: for variety, for layering, and because buying them is so much fun.
Rugs actually date back thousands of years to the days of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, but the art was finally perfect in Persia some 2,000 years later. Since then, if you can dream it, it’s been rug-ified. From precious woolen weaves and silver threads to carpets that look like wet grass, there’s no shortage of rug options available. The problem now is that we’re spoiled for choice, leaving us wondering where to buy rugs and how to decide from the sea of options.
As a style editor, this is my cue.
I shop for a living, so exercising my good taste is not only a daily practice, but a way of life. I do so online and in-person, where I spend hours in stores touching rugs and peppering questions (much to the annoyance of store staff, I’m sure). All in the name of finding the chicest carpets!
And in the rare occasions that I find myself in doubt or needing inspo, I consult designers, who keep me abreast of the rug realm's latest. Among them is Toronto-based interior designer Ali Budd, who is currently eyeing anything abstract. 'For me, right now I love seeing anything in an abstract or organic shape…homes are typically very linear, so whenever we can add large organic shapes, we like to.'
You’ll find those abstract rugs and many more rug styles in the below lineup, offering something for every budget, taste, and lifestyle. These 15 carpets aren’t actually magic, but they come pretty close.
Why we love it: It’s organic, inviting, and it's interlocking shapes and spirals surprise!
Price: from $353
Sizes available: 4' x 6', 5 x 7', 5' x 8', 6' x 9', 7' x 10', 8' x 10', 8 x 11', and more.
Pile depth height: 0.75”
Material/color options: Hand-tufted wool, viscose; cotton backing
Average lead time: Ready to ship
A rug that speaks of the moment, this tufted design brings together two interior trends, irregular shapes, and neutral color codes — basically, it's minimaluxe. Its streaming textured lines and black-and-white coloring make it as versatile as it is intriguing. Despite winning the title of “Most on-trend," this rug still feels timeless in its appeal. Pair this rug with sculptural furniture that emphasizes its natural curves or use it to break up more linear schemes.
Why we love it: A dose of sunshine for your floor.
Price: From $4,336
Sizes available: 5’ x 7’, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’ and 9’ x 12’
Pile depth height: 0.25
Material/color options: Argali wool from wild Himalayan sheep / Yellow
Average lead time: Ready to ship
Color psychologists see this hue as the epitome of hope, happiness, and joy. This hand-made beauty was crafted by Nepalese weavers using argali wool sourced from wild Himalayan sheep. Designed by textile pioneers, Maharam for DWR, this uplifting rug would work perfectly to add some levity to more serious schemes. The woven detailing and silk fringing give the rug another layer of texture - and explain its price tag. Thanks to its warm undertones, this isn’t a yellow to fear but one worth getting to know. It would seamlessly sit together with a variety of colors from bolder hues to more calming ones, sitting happily in a beige living room.
Why we love it: Minimal in style but capable of maximum impact.
Price: From $69
Sizes available: 2’x 3’, 2’6” x 8’, 3’6” x 5 x 6”, 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’
Pile depth height: 3/4"
Material/color options: 100% wool with cotton backing/White
Average lead time: 1-4 weeks
Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. This point is proven by this black and white rug with its simple yet sophisticated design. Like its design, the color palette is also adheres to the principles of minimalism using only black and white. The use of material also makes it a practical and durable option so you can have the best of both worlds. A striking choice, this pared-back design would make a great option for elevated living and modern bedroom designs.
Why we love it: Reminiscent of a night sky + incredibly durable = beautifully functional
Price: from $89
Sizes available: 2’x 3’, 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 6’, 5’ x 7’, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’,9’ x 12’
Pile depth height: 1/8" Rug Cover with 1/8" Standard Rug Pad or 2/5” Cushioned Rug Pad
Material/color options: Polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier / Navy or Grey
Average lead time: 1-2 weeks (U.S), 1-3 weeks (Canada)
Family life can be a little messy, from excitable pets and children to accidental spills and stains, the perfect rug needs to be able to take on a LOT. Ruggable offers a solution with their Sela rug. With its dark navy background and inherent stain resistance and machine-washable nature, this rug would work well to retain its vibrancy and disguise any dirt or debris. Families can enjoy the pointillistic impression of waves dancing across a night sky without worrying about it fading away all too soon.
Why we love it: Expressive, energetic and stain resistant.
Price: from $119
Sizes available: 2’ x 3’, 3’x 5’, 5’ x 7’, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’, 10' x 14'
Pile depth height: 1/8" Rug Cover with 1/8" Standard Rug Pad or 2/5” Cushioned Rug Pad
Material/color options: Polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier / Jump Blue
Average lead time: 1-2 weeks (U.S), 1-3 weeks (Canada)
We have become accustomed to statement furniture and lighting, but rugs can also be the stars of your scheme. This Ruggable x Keith Haring design is one of the best patterned rugs, ideal for creating a conversation when entertaining with its expressively defined features. In fact, it's so dynamic that this rug spreads energy and vibrance throughout a space. To ensure there are no big messes to clean up at the end of the evening, this rug’s stain resistance and machine-washable nature make it the perfect party piece.
Why we love it: A textured and intriguing geometric design.
Price: from $239
Sizes available: 2’ x 3’, 5’ x 7.5’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 13’, 10’ x 14’
Pile depth height: 0.25”
Material/color options: 65% Hair on Cow Hide, 35% Chenille-viscose
Average lead time: Ready to ship, 1-2 weeks
Small can still be mighty as seen in this Travers rug from Pottery Barn. The chevron pattern showcases the wonderful breath of neutral tones in the cowhide and packs a punch in smaller sizes as well as larger ones. The texture and pattern make this a sophisticated option for entrance halls or smaller spaces. Match it with a natural palette of warm browns and soft creams for the ultimate soothing scheme.
Why we love it: A perfectly plush and timeless rug for open spaces.
Price: From $1,598
Sizes available: 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9' x 12', 10' x 14', 12’ x 16'
Pile depth height: 0.5"
Material/color options: 100% wool
Average lead time: 2-3 weeks
Imagined by LA-based-interior designer Jake Arnold, this hand-knotted rug is recognizable for its sumptuous silk-like sheen. What makes this rug such a beauty is the way it reacts to natural light, fibers glisten under the sun within this expansive design. The best way to make use of this design is to make it the foundation for elegant and enticing living and bedroom schemes, your feet and your eyes will thank you.
Why we love it: Mongolian cashmere makes for the ultimate experience.
Price: from $11,999
Sizes available: 8' X 10', 9' X 12', 10' X 14'
Pile depth height: 1"
Material/color options: 100% Mongolian Cashmere Wool/ Ivory, Sand
Average lead time: 3-5 Days
Famed for being the world’s most luxurious material, cashmere is also very lightweight, breathable, and insulating. Long, fine, and dense fibers make for a super soft experience and one of the best minimalist rugs on the market. Find a place for it in your bedroom or reception room so you and your guests can relax and rest in comfort.
Why we love it: Natural, handcrafted, and endlessly appealing.
Price: from $199
Sizes available: 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 6’, 5’ x 8’, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’, 10’ x 14’, 12’ x 18’, 2.5’ x 9’, 2.5’ x 12’, 6’ Round, 8’ Square
Pile depth height: 0.5”
Material/color options: Jute & Wool, Colors: Natural, Heathered Truffle/Honey, Classic Ivory, Gray/Ivory, Gray and Navy/Honey.
Average lead time: 4 weeks
Two organic ingredients come together in this chunky wool jute rug. Its timeless appeal is rooted in the marriage of these two natural ingredients. While the jute offers durability for high-traffic areas like living rooms, wool adds a touch of cushioning and texture to this rug. Whether layered with stronger visual statements or more grounded designs, this hand-loomed rug is sure to stand the test of time.
Why we love it: Wool & viscose, both durable make for a beautiful match
Price: from $2,895
Sizes available: 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12'
Pile depth height: ¼"
Material/color options: Wool and viscose/Soft grey/mink
Average lead time: 2-5 Days
A long-lasting investment, this Riva rug brings together both a naturally durable material, wool and viscose which makes for a plush pile. The luster like yarns and distressed finish give this rug a gentle patina that will age well and deliver for schemes today. The soft grey and mink hues in the rug accentuate the hand-knotted nature of this elegant design but also make it a versatile piece that well seamlessly sit in many a scheme.
Why we love it: Inspired by an artist and realized by a rug icon.
Price: from $3,195
Sizes available: 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 13’
Pile depth height: 0.39”
Material/color options: 100% Wool / Blue & Multi
Average lead time: 3-4 Days
Cult status seems like a fitting description for this exquisite rug design inspired by Claudia Valsell’s artwork. Valsells specializes in the language of color and all its chromatic iterations. Spanish designer and expert rug maker Nani Marquina have realized this contemporary design in pure wool which only increases the status of this beautiful rug.
Why we love it: A Persian classic that showcases the best of blue & white
Price: from $37.99
Sizes available: Rectangle: 2’6” x 4,' 2’6” x 6’, 3’ x 5’, 5’1” x 7’6”, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’, 12’ x 18’. Round: 4’,6’,10’, 12’, Runner: 2’6” x 18’, 2’6” x 20’, 2’6” x 22, Square: 6’,8’, and 12’.
Pile depth height: 0.43''
Material/color options: Polypropylene / 15 color options
Average lead time: 3-4 Days
Taking inspiration from the masters of rugs, this Persian-inspired design offers all of this intricacy and elegance of hand-made classics but with our more affordable price tag. The sophisticated indigo ground makes way for a delicate pattern that speaks to the story of rugs. Blue and white is a tried and tested color combination that further adds to the appeal of the versatile and vivid design. A centerpiece for your living or dining spaces, it will be sure to make an impression and a lasting one at that, given its stain-resistant qualities.
Why we love it: The mirrored arches are alluring and abstract.
Price: $89
Sizes available: 2’ x 3’, 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 6’, 5’ x 7’, 6’ x 9’, 8’ x 10’, 9’ x 12’, 10’ x 14’
Pile depth height: 0.39”
Material/color options: 100% Wool / Sage, Greyscale, Teal, Vintage Rose, Rainbow
Average lead time: 3-4 Days
Arriving in multiple colorways, this 4.5/5 star rated modern rug design has plenty of alluring qualities including mirrored arches. But most importantly, the Josef Albers-inspired rug is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine washable.
Why we love it: Handmade from Brazil's most notable tanneries.
Price: $459
Sizes available: 5’ x 7’
Pile depth height: 0.39”
Material/color options: Natural cowhide, tricolor
Average lead time: 3-4 Days
A rich feel to your home, this handcrafted rug has soft premium hides expertly tanned to last for years to come. As a one of a kind item, it's naturally resistant to stains and spills.
Why we love it: Requires minimal care
Price: from $70
Sizes available: 4’ x 6’, 5’3’’ x 7’6’’, 6’ x 9’, 7’9’’ x 10’2’’
Pile depth height: 0.4”
Material/color options: Polypropylene/Cream and Beige
Average lead time: 3-4 Days
Sophistication and style are easy to add to any space with this rug a part of the decorum. From its neutral color scheme to the contemporary pattern, the Abani rug bridges comfort and design — one for the whole family to enjoy, including our favorite four-legged friends.
What is the most durable rug material?
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After creating your perfect scheme, the worst nightmare of many a homeowner is to see it succumb to the pressures of daily life. Wear, tear and stains are very real concerns and with a plethora of options on the market today, it can be difficult to understand what the most durable rug material is. This answer can be split into two distinct categories, natural and man-made. Naturally durable options like wool have been perfected over the centuries. 'Wool is the most durable naturally sourced, sustainable fiber. Its endlessly renewable, the naturally occurring lanolin content acts as a natural stain-guard and wool rugs can be repeatedly cleaned,' says Eleanor Dykes from luxe makers Riviere Rugs.
If you want to make an impression, wool rugs work well as a centerpiece in high traffic spaces like living and reception rooms. As investment pieces go, hand-knotted wool rugs are made to last making them both a beautiful and durable option. On the other hand, synthetic and man-made fibers have come a long way and offer incredibly durable solutions that are often machine-washable, stain-resistant, and long-lasting. The key difference here is that these fibers are less sustainable than naturally sourced options like wool. 'Nylon or PET yarn is also highly durable but less sustained as these are man-made synthetic fibers,' Eleanor adds. The benefits of materials like polyester, PET, and nylon are their suitability for those with children or pets, making life a little easier when things go wrong.
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