Choosing the perfect area rug to complement your hardwood floors and add warmth to your space can be an exciting endeavor. When selecting the ideal piece for your desired room, keep in mind the dimensions, aesthetic, material, budget, and maintenance needs—and be sure to draw inspiration from your surroundings.
“Determine if your area leans towards a classic vibe or a modern flair, perhaps something abstract or bohemian, and then explore the available color palettes,” suggests Yoselin Castro, a senior interior designer with Mackenzie Collier Interiors. “This will ensure your design vision remains focused.”
This stylish area rug from Ruggable stands out as it’s more substantial and plush compared to other options they offer. It’s machine washable and comes in two color variations along with several size choices. Additionally, you can opt for either a standard or cushioned rug pad to enhance comfort while safeguarding your hardwood floors. The geometric design adds a contemporary touch, elevating the look of your favorite room.
Recognized as one of our top picks for washable rugs suitable for families with children and pets, this low-pile rug infuses a sense of sophistication into your space. Featuring a mix of cool and warm tones, it serves as the perfect accent against rich hardwood flooring.
I placed this rug in my bedroom and adore it—my dogs do too,” shares Mary Henn, associate shopping editor. “Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to vacuum and spot clean. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it durable enough for high-traffic areas.”
Another convenient and stylish option is this chic wool rug from Pottery Barn. You won’t have to compromise on luxury for practicality here; it’s hand-woven from 100% yarn-dyed wool, ensuring both quality and uniqueness. Inspired by the beauty of tilled fields, this low-pile rug cleverly conceals dirt while adding a touch of luxurious softness to your home.
The exquisite Nahla rug from the Ralph Lauren Collection is hand-knotted and a worthwhile investment that can last a lifetime. According to Ali Hafezi, vice president of Babash Rug Services, an American Society of Interior Designers Industry partner, these rugs should only undergo professional cleaning. However, with proper care, its hand-loomed nature guarantees longevity.
From a design standpoint, Hafezi notes, “The weaving technique and horizontal elements seamlessly integrate the rug with the hardwood floors, while the vibrant colors create a striking contrast against darker woods.”
The Kamran washable rug from Ruggable offers a rustic, vintage charm at an affordable price point. Don’t be misled by its classic appearance; it boasts modern machine-washable technology. This farmhouse-inspired rug makes for a smart addition to busy spaces.
Hand Woven Rugs typically feature neutral shades and timeless patterns, making them versatile additions to nearly any room and design scheme. This tasseled Hand Woven Rug is available in an impressive 13 sizes, including a generous 12-foot-by-18-foot option for those expansive rooms you’re struggling to style. It also comes in various colors, though our favorite is the off-white for a clean yet elegant aesthetic.
Shag Area Rug
According to Hafezi, shag rugs are a fantastic choice due to their timeless appeal, adaptability, affordability, and compatibility with both dark and light hardwood floors. This particular shag rug from Ruggable is available in four light shades and five different sizes. The cherry on top? It’s machine washable!
Hafezi adds that its versatility allows you to easily reposition it in various environments, making it a practical option if your decor plans change later on.
On the other hand, West Elm offers a jute rug that combines functionality with durability, providing a refreshing alternative to conventional rugs. However, it’s crucial to use a proper rug pad with this jute option; its coarse fibers can damage hardwood floors by scratching the surface and trapping dirt and stains. Once you secure a pad, you can confidently set this textured piece in place.
For a lively touch, the Robot Party Rug is perfect for high-traffic areas and can be spot-cleaned with ease. It’s available in vibrant colors as well as classic black and white, with options for round or square shapes and low- to medium-pile heights. (A little secret—the premium medium-pile height creates a soft, comfy area for kids to play on!)
Lastly, the Ruggable rug designed in partnership with Jonathan Adler makes a striking impression in any room. Plus, it’s washable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant. Known for his playful and bold aesthetics, Adler’s snake rug comes in stunning emerald green, eye-catching sapphire, and elegant neutrals, guaranteed to make guests do a double take wherever it’s placed.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors
To find the perfect area rugs for hardwood floors, it’s crucial to begin with precise room measurements. Start by measuring the space, as this will help you determine the ideal rug size. Typically, an 8 x 10 rug suits many rooms, but some may require a larger or smaller size. Below, explore additional aspects to keep in mind while selecting your new rug.
Materials
For hardwood floors, the ideal rug materials are gentle and won’t scratch the surface. Think about opting for natural fibers such as jute, sisal, and seagrass, as well as cotton, wool, microfiber, and low-pile options. These choices are not only simple to care for and clean but also sit comfortably on your floors without requiring excessive fasteners.
Maintenance
It’s crucial to evaluate the maintenance requirements of a rug prior to making a purchase. Rugs crafted from inferior materials might shed, leading to frequent de-pilling and vacuuming. Moreover, rugs made from non-absorbent substances can complicate the process of managing spills and cleaning them with carpet cleaners. For these reasons, we suggest opting for soft cotton rugs or those that can be machine washed. Additionally, jute and other natural fibers have specific care guidelines, with most requiring spot cleaning.
Value
Rugs are often a significant investment, with some exceeding $200 based on their dimensions. It’s wise to select rugs that retain their value in the long run. Wool stands out as the most resilient choice, capable of enduring for many years with minimal signs of wear. However, this durability comes at a price, as wool is among the priciest materials available. If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, consider jute or synthetic fiber rugs. While they might not have the longevity of wool, they can help you save some cash upfront.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn serves as a shopping editor and writer for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, and as a product tester for Taste of Home. With experience testing over 100 items ranging from outdoor equipment and DIY tools to mattresses and vacuum cleaners, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. Mary earned her MA in Writing from Missouri State University, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her accolades include the AWP Intro Journals Award in 2020 and the Martha Jane Starr Research Award in 2019.
Additionally, we sought insights from Yoselin Castro, a senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, alongside Ali Hafezi, the vice president of Babash Rug Services. Their expertise proved invaluable in our quest to identify the finest area rugs suited for hardwood flooring.
How We Found the Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors
In our quest to identify the finest area rugs for hardwood floors, we embarked on a thorough investigation into the qualities that contribute to a rug’s durability and value. We evaluated options from well-respected brands alongside a variety of materials. Our compilation featured rugs made from soft fabrics, designed to sit comfortably on hardwood surfaces without causing scratches. Additionally, we scoured online reviews to gather customer feedback on each choice. Our team also sought advice from industry professionals, who directed us toward rugs known for their lasting performance.
FAQ
What rug material is best for hardwood floors?
When selecting rugs for hardwood floors, wool, cotton, and natural fibers stand out as the top choices. Wool boasts exceptional durability and has the ability to resist stains. On the other hand, cotton is user-friendly, often machine washable, and easy to maintain. Additionally, natural fibers serve as a fantastic option for spaces that experience heavy foot traffic. They also complement rug pads beautifully.
Which type of rug backing is most suitable for hardwood floors?
Ensuring your rug stays in place is crucial. Failing to do so could lead to mishaps as it may slide around! This is why rubber backings are recommended.
Which rugs should you steer clear of when it comes to hardwood floors?
It’s best to skip rugs that have harsh and coarse backings, as they can create scratches on your floors that are tough to fix.
