Considering it's something you walk all over, you'd think that rugs would be reasonably-priced. Spoiler alert: Most of the time, they're not. In fact, it's surprisingly difficult to find quality rugs that are actually affordable, so we've taken it upon ourselves to locate some options that'll suit your style and your bank account.
If you (like the rest of the internet) are asking, "Why are rugs so damn expensive?" it really all comes down to materials, manufacturing processes, and brands. Like anything else, if a rug is made from expensive materials and takes weeks to create, the price tag is probably going to reflect that. On the other hand, sometimes rugs cost more solely because of who's selling them. (Experts say that the mark-up at most rug dealers is "extremely high," specifically when shopping for antique or custom rugs.) If owning a designer area rug is important to you, you'll likely have to compromise on the whole affordability thing — but if the retailer and manufacturer isn't a deal-breaker, you could snag the perfect rug for your space at a great price.
Most affordable rugs are going to be made from synthetic materials, like polyester or polypropylene. This lowers the production costs, but still results in a product that's soft, durable, and even somewhat washable. If you're looking to accent your space with a natural rug, don't limit yourself to wool. (It's gorgeous, super soft, and easy to clean, but it can also be expensive.) Instead, try to find an option that's made from cotton, jute, or other inexpensive plant materials. It'll give your space the natural, earthy feel you're looking for, but it'll do it without breaking the bank.
Not sure where to start? Check out these 11 inexpensive area rugs that will transform your space. There's one for every color-scheme, style, and material preference — but most importantly, they'll actually suit your price-point.
The Most Popular Rug On Wayfair: Clair Gray Area Rug
Thanks to their wide selection and reasonable prices, Wayfair is easily one of the most popular home decor retailers out there — and the Clair rug is easily one of their most popular items. With an incredible 19,000 reviews, this pick is definitely getting some recognition. Buyers love its soft, moderate pile, complimentary design, and affordable price tag.
In other words, if you're looking for a versatile rug that'll suit any room, this is likely your best bet. In addition to the 16 different sizing options, this rug features the best of both worlds: an eye-catching design that's anything but boring, but alongside neutral tones that'll blend with virtually any decorating style. Buyers have used the runner in their kitchens, the eight by ten in their living rooms, and the oval in their dining rooms — all for well under $1,000 for any size.
"This rug is everything I was looking for," one reviewer raves. "It is super interesting and unique and makes a statement, without overpowering the room," not to mention it's "very soft as well."
Mistana 6'7" by 9' Clair Gray Area Rug, $116, Wayfair
Muted, Round, And Cozy: Trenza Palm Rug
Another versatile pick is the Trenza palm rug, which is created in Mexico from locally-sourced palm leaves. This fair-trade cooperative makes two different sizes, both round: a six-foot rug that works well under small tables and in kitchens, and an eight-foot rug, which is ideal for cozy living rooms, casual home offices, and beachy bedrooms.
According to one reviewer, it's also a great solution for those awkward and empty transitional spaces: "I have a long, narrow room that I use as a living and dining room. In between the two is a middle zone where I have some side chairs. I needed a round rug to ground that area with something a little natural/rustic. The Trenza Palm rug is the perfect solution. It’s very thin, flat and easy to clean. It also repels water (oops!)."
This rug aims to add something unique to a room without any unnecessary "visual weight." The earthy beige isn't going to clash with your accent wall (no matter what color it is), but the braided material still provides some texture. Best of all, despite the fact that it's handmade from natural materials, this rug won't cost you more than $325, even if you opt for the larger size. If you're in the US, shipping and returns are totally free.
Trenza 6' Palm Rug, $195, The Citizenry
A Lot Of Rug For A Low Price: Peoples Blue Area Rug
The right statement rug can add loads of personality to your space — but it can also drain your bank account in one fell swoop. Luckily, AllModern offers original, eye-catching designs for very reasonable prices. One of their top-sellers is the Peoples blue area rug from Zipcode Design. It has an abstract wave pattern that suits everything from modern lofts to traditional beach houses, and reviewers are thrilled with it: "Even more beautiful and unique in person," one raves, while another says, "If you have a room where this unusual rug will work, don't hesitate. Buy it!"
This pick is made in turkey using materials that are resistant to stains and fading. It's also well-suited for pets and high-traffic areas, which means that it's easy to clean and hard to damage. Best of all, you can get this rug as large as ten by 13 feet, and even if you happen to catch it in between sales, it's still less than $1,500.
Zipcode Design 8' by 11' Peoples Blue Area Rug, $310, AllModern
Unique, But Easy To Match: Lark Rug
The perfect rug won't overwhelm the space, but it won't go unnoticed, either. The Lark from Kaufmann Mercantile combines subtle features with unique design elements to create an area rug that ties the room together without getting lost in the space. It uses cream, gold, and black to create a monochromatic palette that's easy to match, but its cotton fringe and hand-woven design add both warmth and texture. (If your space utilizes silver accents instead of gold, don't worry; there's a second color option.)
This rug is made from a mix of cotton, wool, and metallic lurex (for a bit of sparkle), and is created by artisans from India. The company itself is committed to creating small-batch products using raw materials and traditional weaving methods.
Amigos De Hoy 4' by 6'6"Lark Rug, $368, Kaufmann Mercantile
A Bold Pop Of Color: Sabira Printed Chenille Rug
At Lonny, we're huge fans of Urban Outfitter's housewares — and their cool and affordable rugs are no exception. If you're looking for a pop of color, look no further than the Sabira printed chenille rug. Its low-profile cotton weave offers a soft but understated texture to balance out the bold yellow and the unique geometric pattern. It even has a subtle fringed tassel to give it a rustic, romantic flair.
This rug is available in three sizes. The two-by-three foot works well in entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, and the four-by-five foot is great for small sitting areas and playful home offices. Finally, the five-by-seven is best-suited for larger living rooms and bright-colored bedrooms — especially since it'll dampen the sound for improved sleep.
Sabira Printed Chenille Rug, $189, Urban Outfitters
A Coastal Pattern That Stays Classy: Kendall Rug
Solid colors are easier to incorporate into an already-decorated room, but patterned rugs have their pros, too. For one, they can make a statement and tie various design elements together. For another, they're typically a good pick for high-traffic areas because they're better at hiding dirt and discoloration.
The Harbor Kendall rug is made in Turkey using Polypropylene yarn — a synthetic material that's easy to clean, because water-based stains sit on the surface. For that reason, its breezy, coastal design will stay classy no matter where you place it. The grays and blues compliment bold color schemes as well as muted ones, and the cream-colored background helps to tone down the pattern so that it's attention-grabbing — not overwhelming.
This rug is available in six different sizes (including a six-foot round), and all options are priced under $510.
Harbor 8' by 10' Kendall Rug, $379, Maisonette
Like Artwork On Your Floor: Shugart Sealife Multi-Color Rug
If you're a fan of abstract art, but you're short on available wall space, the Shugart multi-color rug could be the pick for you. Its wide range of bold colors helps you to warm up hardwood or tile, but it also ties in several accent shades for a space that's playful and contemporary. Its moderately-thick pile cushions your feet and adds some softness, while the power-loom construction offers durability and longevity — even in high-traffic rooms.
Reviewers absolutely love how they can use this rug "without committing to a specific color palette." They also call it "beautiful, vibrant, distinctive, durable, and eye-popping," which is why over 2,300 people have given it a five-star rating. Buyers say it works well in colorful living rooms and bold entryways, but it's also a great pick for a room that should inspire you — like a home work space or a unique she shed.
Shugart 5'3" by 7'3" Sealife Multi-Color Rug, $400, AllModern
A Touch of Mid-Century: Safavieh Amherst Round Rug
This pick is for those who love the unique patterns and warm tones of a mid-century modern space. The Safavieh Amherst rug uses vintage design elements alongside modern touches. The result? An abstract but easy-to-incorporate accent for your living room, bedroom, or office.
Instead of looped fibers, this rug has a low, cut pile made from synthetic materials. Not only does this give it a plusher, more shag-like feel, but it's also easy to maintain. Despite the light coloring, it can be used both inside and out, and holds up well in areas with high traffic. The brown zigzags weave in and out of each other for a design that's subtle, but reminiscent of the geometric patterns that were popular in the '50s and '60s.
Safavieh 7' Amherst Round Rug, $309, YLiving
For A Rustic-Boho Vibe: Manhattan Rug
Navy blue is currently one of the hottest design trends — including for kitchens and front doors. Depending on how it's styled, it can have a reserved, classic feel, or it can be playful and vibrant. This pick from Amer Rugs captures a little bit of both. Its blue hues are tied in with teals, reds, and yellows, all in an intricate pattern with a plush cut pile. (If you're looking for something a little more subdued, you can get this pick with an ivory background and colorful patterning instead.)
When placed in a bedroom or living space, this rug will give the room a rustic, bohemian-inspired feel. It's stain- and fade-resistant to stand up to wear, dirt, and sunlight, and it's available in seven different sizes, from runners to rounds.
Amer Rugs 7'6" by 9'6" Manhattan Rug, $172, Hayneedle
Snag This Shag: Oakdene Hand-Tufted Rug
Shag rugs reached peak popularity in the 70s — but this design trend isn't going anywhere. With a pile of two-and-a-half inches, the Oakdene rug from Willa Arlo Interiors can soften up any room. It's hand-tufted using polyester strands, and has a cotton backing to reinforce the durability. (That said, definitely pair this one with a non-slip rug pad if you're using it on a hard floor.)
Instead of the flashy, psychedelic colors of several decades ago, this pick is available in three neutral tones: ivory, sable, and silver. Reviewers have placed it in their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms to boost the coziness of the space.
"Very thick and full, true shag, and color is exactly as pictured," one reviewer says. "This style rug is usually pricey but I got such a bargain on this." No wonder it has over 2,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
Willa Arlo Interiors 5' by 8' Oakdene Rug, $224, AllModern
A Unique Hand-Woven Runner: Corbata Runner
Finally, if you're looking for a small-space option, the Corbata runner is the way to go. It's available in three different sizes, so you can place it in front of your door, along your hall, or in your kitchen. While this rug is definitely unique, its clean lines and muted colors help it to blend effortlessly into your space.
Even though the longest option costs less than $500, this piece is hand-woven from sheep's wool. That combined with its flat-weave construction makes it an awesome pick for households with pets, children, and lots of traffic. Instead of a commercial manufacturer, you're getting a unique piece that's made from a fair-trade weaving cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico. In fact, it's so beautiful, some people even opt to turn it into a wall-hanging instead.
Corbata 2'6" by 8' Runner, $425, The Citizenry
We hope you loved these beautiful but budget-friendly area rugs! So you know, Lonny may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.
