There’s no better way to anchor a space, indoors or out, than by unrolling a rug. Needless to say, here at The Spruce, we’ve tested hundreds of styles—from all-natural jute and hand-tufted wool to printed vintage look-alikes and flatweave runners—to see how they perform in living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and even on back patios. 

In doing so, we’ve learned you don’t always have to spend a fortune for a quality area rug. You just have to know what to look for. 

In our opinion, the best affordable rugs are also incredibly durable. If you’re fine with blended fibers or man-made constructions like polyester and polypropylene, it’s easy to scoop up a 4 x 6-foot piece for $100 or less, all without limiting your choices between patterns, palettes, and even piles.

PHOTO: Wayfair
What We Like

  • Vintage-passing patterns

  • Great range of sizing and colors

  • Easy-to-maintain, non-shedding polyester construction

Yes, there are designer collaborations you can snag from Amazon for under $100. This best-selling collection between Loloi (a family-owned textile brand based in Dallas, Texas, known for its floor coverings) and home renovation duo/internet-famous couple Chris Loves Julia is almost never listed at full price. 

A perfect pairing of a power-loomed, durable polyester and vintage-inspired pattern earned this rug top praise from our team. We love it so much that we already want to purchasing the same rug in a different size. With its standout price, pretty design, soft texture, and easy maintenance, what’s not to love?

In fact, after roughly a year of use, it still impresses. The low pile structure is a breeze to vacuum (no shedding!), and the traditional floral motifs in a range of faded color combinations are ideal for reducing the visibility of dirt, dust, and other sources of debris if you’re not able to cross off the chore as frequently as preferred. It also refuses to stain. 

There are only a couple of discrepancies to be mindful of. While the rug is fantastic for its value, the low pile does feel a bit flat (despite being soft!). We compensated for the lack of cushion and a slippy canvas backing by simply pairing it with a pad. 

Dimensions: 3 feet, 6 inches x 5 feet, 6 inches | Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.13 inches | Color Options: 8

nuLOOM Wynn Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like

  • Soft for outdoors

  • Knitted look, like a chunky sweater

  • Washing just requires rinsing with a hose

As far as indoor-outdoor rugs go, products tend to lean heavily on one environment or the other. And those durable enough to endure the elements tend to feel like plastic more than anything. But not this rug.

Crafted with polypropylene, a thick, soft fiber also known as olefin, we discovered in testing that this design by NuLoom would do just as well indoors as out. And we love that it almost feels like wool. 

It was fine to leave outdoors, and although it has a tightly braided weave, can be hosed down for a quick clean without the worry of mold or mildew growth. Plus, the lighter gray colorway features subtle speckling (aptly named salt and pepper), ideal for obscuring dirt and other bits that could be more easily visible, even potential future stains. 

We were also pleasantly surprised by the lack of loose threads, snags, and pulls, especially after dragging potted plants and furniture across its surface. So feel free to lay this one out beneath a dining or patio set.

Dimensions: 4 x 6 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Pile Height: 0.3 inches | Color Options: 3


Our first impression of Safavieh’s Courtyard collection was that the rug felt incredibly high quality, and we loved the detailed stitching in subtle checker, chevron, and diamond geometrics. While available in 10 different monochromatic color combos, including bright greens and blues, we were particularly smitten with the beige. 

Aside from its versatile design, which allows it to be kept indoors by the end of the summer season (our tester brought the 8-pound rug into her home without any issues), we were most impressed with its lack of wear, despite the fact that two dogs were constantly playing on top of it. The only sign of age is a slight fraying at a couple of the corners; otherwise, we expect this rug to last for years. 

It’s also incredibly easy to clean, earning points in the outdoor category, including pet accidents, which the Bissell Light Green Machine easily handled. Mulch and chunks of dirt have never been a cause of concern, coming free with a few swipes of a broom or passes from the vacuum. It also has yet to fade, though it hasn’t been exposed much to constant direct sunlight. 

Dimensions: 4 feet x 5 feet, 7 inches | Material: Polyester | Pile Height: 0.25 inches | Color Options: 1

IKEA Lohals Jute Rug
PHOTO: IKEA
What We Like

  • Great for layering

  • Can be laid on top of underfloor heating

  • Adds natural texture, warmth, and tone to a space

This natural fiber rug has enjoyed a long-running, best-seller status at Swedish design stalwart IKEA. It looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests, adding an earthy element to whatever room you place; its warm, cozy vibe is suitable for kitchen spaces and dining rooms as much as home offices and guest bedrooms. 

Aside from its internet-famous price point, however, perhaps what we appreciate the most over is its ability to lay flat. And that’s not exactly an easy feat with jute—a fiber harvested from leafy plants—as the tightly woven fibers can feel and look a bit unruly or chunky.

The Lohals, however, has earned a reputation for its visually pleasing texture that refuses to wrinkle. This also makes it great for capturing dirt and preventing it and other debris from being tracked throughout the home, but it doesn’t play as well with water.

And although jute is known for being softer than other grassy materials like sisal, it’s not precisely as plush or soft as wool, either, which is something to be mindful of if you’re looking for something plush underfoot. 

Dimensions: 4 feet, 4 inches x 6 feet, 5 inches | Material: Jute | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Color Options: 1 (neutral)

AllModern Ovid Runner
PHOTO: AllModern
What We Like

  • Vibrant colors and eye-catching pattern

  • Incredibly easy to vacuum and clean

  • Pet and pet hair friendly

With brighter-than-expected hues and a classic Oriental-inspired pattern, AllModern’s Ovid Runner is our top pick for adding warmth to hallways, narrow rooms, or anywhere you might need a long and narrow runner.

In addition to its standout appearance, we loved how durable this runner was when we tested it at home. Not only did it hold up to foot traffic well after six months, but we liked how well it hid dirt and stains that appeared over time. And when we cleaned this runner, it was a total breeze to get looking like new.

We also particularly liked how this runner performed in a house with pets. Even with regular wear and tear (and plenty of fur and litter!) from a cat, it didn’t show any wear. 

The only real pain point we found with this budget-friendly rug was its thinness. Its very low pile height meant it wasn’t plush underfoot by any means, but we still liked that it added a slight bit of warmth on top of hardwood floors. We definitely think a rug pad is necessary here to get a bit more cushioning.

And speaking of rug pads, adding one to this AllModern rug will also help keep it in place. Because the Ovid Runner is so lightweight, it can move around a bit as it’s walked and stepped on. A grippy rug pad will help prevent slips and sliding, in our experience. 

Dimensions: 2 feet, 2 inches x 6 feet, 11 inches | Material: Viscose | Pile Height: 0.13 inches | Color Options: 2

Tumble Tabor Natural/Ash Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad
PHOTO: Tumble
What We Like

  • Holds up well

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Foam rug pad included

  • OEKO-Tex-certified

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

Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug
PHOTO: Urban Outfitters
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. But its less-than-a-pound weight has also been beneficial when storing it during the winter. 

Cozy isn’t exactly the word we’d use to describe it, as it’s best suited to outdoor spaces. However, it’s an easy-to-care-for, eco-friendly rug that resists the growth of mold and mildew. It’s also incredibly quick-drying (it feels drier than our tester’s deck does after strong rainfall).

Dimensions: 4 x 6 feet | Material: Plastic | Pile Height: N/A | Color Options: 27

Rugs USA Moonglade Washable Area Rug
PHOTO: Rugs USA
What We Like

  • Grippy, secure non-skid pad

  • Soft, plush texture

  • Stains and spills can be easily removed and cleaned up

Wool rugs often carry a high price, but that’s not the case with the Rugs USA Moonglade Rug. This area rug is our favorite pick for anyone who’s searching for a shag rug that’s easy to care for and yet wonderfully fluffy underfoot.

We were impressed when we tested this 100 percent wool rug. It’s not only soft to the touch, but its longer fibers were still surprisingly easy to clean. Spills and stains came out almost effortlessly, and we thought the combination of the rug and a grippy rug pad (also sold by Rugs USA, but at an extra cost) made for one great slip- and slide-proof combination.

Another standout feature of this washable shag rug we loved? Its high pile and plush, thick feel. This is a rug that’ll provide its own cushioning underfoot, adding softness, warmth, and almost a full inch of soft wool wherever it’s placed. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to keep door size in mind if you’re placing this rug near an entryway or right inside (or outside) a room.

We didn’t love that loose dirt, like soil, sand, and dust got trapped in the wool’s shag-like fibers, which made vacuuming it up tricky. We found we needed to use either a handheld vacuum to get up close or shake the rug out to get it fully dirt-free. However, it was still easier to clean than a shag alternative with extra long fibers.

Dimensions: 3 x 5 feet | Material: Wool | Pile Height: 0.95 inches | Color Options: 1

Final Verdict

The Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Area Rug is our overall best affordable rug because it offers the perfect balance of value, comfort underfoot, and long-term durability. If you’re looking for the versatility of an indoor/outdoor rug, we also loved nuLOOM’s Wynn Braided Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug and its impressive softness that feels almost like real wool.

How We Tested the Best Affordable Rugs

We’ve tested dozens of rugs at The Spruce, putting them through walking, dirt and liquid spills, simulated pet claws, and plenty of different real-life environments both in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa and in the homes of our team of editors across the country.

In addition to placing the rugs we tested in high-traffic areas for up to six months (or a year, in some cases), we also tested their performance in the face of mud, coffee spills, and even random rainstorms. We put them through vacuuming, washing (according to the care instructions, of course), wear and tear from kids of all ages, and plenty of daily traffic.

As we’ve tested washable rugs, indoor/outdoor rugs, and rugs both thin and plush, we’ve considered details like rug construction, their intended purpose and placement, and price. For this list, we focused only on rugs priced at $100 or less in roughly a 4 x 6-foot format (if available, that is; otherwise, we chose rugs slightly smaller or larger within the price range).

Ultimately, we found there are some trade-offs you’ll make when choosing a more affordable rug. Rugs under $100 tend to be thinner, with low pile and less cushiness underfoot. They are also typically made with manmade fibers like polyester and nylon–but the tradeoff is these synthetic alternatives do tend to be incredibly durable.

Slightly Bigger Budget? Buy These Rugs 

Revival Hart Jute Rug ($199) : An internet-famous jute rug, the Hart by Revival is a handmade flatweave that can be purchased in an unbleached, brindled look or is sold in a darker brown dye or modern white that, and a few fun, custom colors (terracotta! olive! teal!) that are equally as warm. Its shedding has also been described as minimal.

Dash and Albert Kali Natural Machine Washable Rug ($218): An Annie Selke brand, Dash and Albert is a luxurious rug company known for offering some of the cream of the crop when it comes to floor coverings. But there are several rugs you don’t have to shell out for, like this machine-washable, polyester design.

Ruggable Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Rug ($229): This top-rated rug from interior designer Jonathan Adler’s collection with the brand is actually made with chenille, a soft yet sturdy fabric known for its thick fibers. Despite this, like all Ruggable options, it also happens to be stain- and water-resistant, in addition to coming in an exclusive, machine-washable format.

What to Look for When Buying Affordable Rugs

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 get a bad rep, they’re actually incredibly durable (hello, low-maintenance upkeep). 

Most of our favorites–including our overall best rug from Loloi and Chris Loves Julia–are constructed with either polyester or nylon, both of which are durable and water- and stain-resistant, and touted for holding vibrant colors, despite that some are even safe to stick in the wash. 

If your heart is set on natural materials, we find jute and cotton tend to go for better prices, but you’ll likely have to avoid wool and silk.

Sizing and Price Tags

Sizing, however, can impact a price tag more than materials, however. The difference between a 4 x 6-foot rug and a sprawling 9 x 12-foot upgrade can be hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. But that doesn’t mean you should go with a smaller format to save your coin. Nailing down the right dimensions is paramount for a rug to look right 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
  • 9 x 12 feet 

To figure out which size to shop, 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 quite have the budget to make a bigger rug work, especially if your heart is set on color or pattern, don’t fret. Our hot tip is to go with an affordable jute and layer the brighter piece—albeit in a smaller cut—on top.

Patterns, Palettes, and Piles to Fit Your Vibe

Don’t make our list of the best affordable rugs an end-all, be-all. There are myriad design choices for this decorative detail, whether you’re looking for a punchy pattern (like a geometric harlequin or something more neutral to layer another area rug (we love tapping a natural fiber like jute for this exact reason).

Suppose you’re designing a room from scratch. You can either go with a punchy pattern (like a geometric harlequin) or swap an existing style to easily blend in with the rest of your room’s decorative objects and upholstery; you can’t go wrong with something more neutral. Plus, there are subtle ways to ensure the product doesn’t appear flat—experts recommend playing with pile heights and textures. 

Most affordable rugs (and most of the rugs on this list) feature a low pile, also known as a flatweave, which loosely translates to the fiber heights. 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 also influence how soft or cushy a rug feels. Designers often opt for something a bit bigger in cozy spaces like bedrooms and dens. Low piles are ideal in high-traffic areas.

Non-Slip Backings and Pads are a Must 

If you ever walk into a room and wonder if your rug got up and grew legs, be sure to either prioritize non-slip backings or add a rug pad to your cart, as these added features can help keep your chosen floor covering securely in place. This is paramount if you want to add a piece to a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen or hallway, where rugs are even more prone to roaming underfoot. 

Slippage and curling at the edges can also happen if a budget-friendly buy lacks any sort of traction underneath. To avoid tripping hazards such as these, you can also scoop up corner grippers (we found this discounted four-pack on Amazon for $9) that act like superglue or Velcro for your floor.

Why Trust The Spruce?

The one aspect of the home that our former senior shopping writer, Morgan Bulman, possesses the most knowledge of is flooring. Hardwood, vinyl, tile, and carpet—you name it, she’s written about it. She’s interviewed manufacturers and designers about how to shop for a good rug or runner (and knowing the difference between subpar floor coverings and quality ones). In other words, she knows a thing or two about how to sniff out the best affordable rugs.

Our Experts:

  • Heather Adams, Senior Shopping Editor

Read the full article here

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