Best Overall (Living Room)
Best PicknuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug
30k reviews back this up. Soft, stylish, holds up. Jute and cotton construction, traditional Moroccan diamond pattern, great value for living rooms and bedrooms.
Pros
- Highly reviewed with consistent ratings
- Stylish Moroccan diamond pattern
- Multiple sizes available
- Soft jute/cotton feel underfoot
- Great value for the quality
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Sheds slightly when new (normal for jute rugs)
Best for High Traffic
High Traffic PickSafavieh Rag Rug Collection
Machine washable, reversible, hides stains. The practical choice for anywhere that sees real life. One Wirecutter editor has had theirs since 2015.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Reversible (two surfaces in one)
- Multicolor yarn hides stains naturally
- Affordable
- Wide size range
Cons
- Thin underfoot (get a rug pad)
- May shrink slightly in wash
- Not the softest feel
Best Flatweave
Best FlatweaveDash & Albert Herringbone Woven Cotton Rug
Classic pattern, hides dirt, works in almost any room. Wirecutter pick. High-quality cotton that holds up with kids and dogs. Herringbone design covers marks and stains naturally.
Pros
- Herringbone pattern hides stains and marks
- Attractive neutral color options
- Durable high-quality cotton
- Works in dining rooms and living rooms
Cons
- Most expensive cotton pick
- Hand-wash or professional cleaning recommended
- May shrink in machine wash
Best Budget
Best Budget PickMaples Rugs Pelham Solid Shag Rug
Soft, machine washable, cheap. Hard to beat in a bedroom. Wide color selection, consistent Amazon performer, great for low-traffic areas.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Soft shag texture
- Affordable for most sizes
- Wide color selection
Cons
- Not great for high-traffic areas
- Thinner than it looks in photos
- May flatten over time with heavy use
Skip These
SkipGeneric Ultra-Cheap Amazon Rugs (Under $25)
If it looks too cheap to be true, it is. The $15-$25 rug category is full of products that shed massively, smell like chemicals, have loose weaves that fray, and have no backing stability. Spend $10-$15 more and get the Maples instead.