Add a dash of style to the room of your choice with the best area rugs for hardwood floors.
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10 Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors to Complete the Room
Updated on Aug. 01, 2024
Finding the best area rug for hardwood floors to warm up your space can be a fun challenge. When shopping for the right fit for that room you have in mind, consider the size, style, material, price and cleaning requirements—and don’t forget to draw inspiration from your space.
“Decide whether your space craves something traditional or contemporary, abstract or boho, and then see what colors are available,” says Yoselin Castro, senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. “This will help you keep the design direction really clear.”
Geometric Area Rug
Nina Takesh Lune Charcoal Tufted Rug
This cool area rug from Ruggable is thicker and softer than other Ruggable rugs. This machine-washable option comes in two color options and a variety of sizes. Plus, you can choose a standard rug pad or a cushioned rug pad for ultimate comfort to protect your hardwood flooring. The geometric pattern and lines bring visual interest and a contemporary design to your favorite room.
On Sale
Washable Area Rug
Baltinglass Rust & Blue Washable Area Rug
Named one of our best washable rugs for homes with kids and pets, this low-pile area rug adds elegance to your space. It has a blend of cool and warm hues, so it’s an ideal accent against rich hardwood floors.
“I put this rug in my bedroom and love it—and so do my dogs,” says associate shopping editor, Mary Henn. “Luckily, it’s super easy to vacuum and spot clean. It’s also machine washable, so it will hold up in high-traffic areas.”
Luxury Wool Area Rug
Lorena Canals Almond Valley Washable Wool Rug
Another easy-care, washable area rug choice is this stylish wool rug from Pottery Barn. But you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for convenience with this one. It’s hand-woven from 100% yarn-dyed wool, guaranteeing uniqueness and quality. Inspired by a landscape of plowed fields, this low-pile rug hides dirt while also adding a touch of dreamy, plush comfort to your home.
Hand-Knotted Area Rug
Lauren Ralph Lauren Nahla Currant Hand-Knotted Rug
This beautiful Nahla rug from the Ralph Lauren Collection is hand-knotted and an investment for a lifetime. Ali Hafezi, vice president of Babash Rug Services, an American Society of Interior Designers Industry partner, says these types of rugs should only be cleaned by a professional. But because it’s hand-loomed, it will last a long time with proper care.
From a stylistic perspective, Hafezi says, “The weaving style and horizontal accents throughout work to blend the rug into the hardwood while the vivid colors work to set contrast against darker hardwood.”
Vintage-Style Area Rug
Ruggable Kamran Washable Rug
The Kamran washable rug from Ruggable delivers a rustic, vintage feel with an affordable price tag. But don’t let its classic style fool you—it has the modern technology of being machine washable. So this farmhouse-inspired rug is another smart choice for rooms that see a lot of foot traffic.
On Sale
Moroccan Area Rug
Rugs USA
Moroccan rugs are often neutral in tone and classic in pattern, so they fit in seamlessly into almost any room and design scheme. This Moroccan tasseled rug comes in a whopping 13 different sizes, including a huge 12-foot-by-18-foot option for that giant room you’re having trouble styling. It also comes in a variety of colors, but our favorite is the off-white for a simple, yet elegant, look.
Shag Area Rug
Light Grey Shag Rug
Shag Area Rug
Hafezi says shag rugs are a good idea because they’re classic, versatile, relatively inexpensive and work on dark- and light-toned hardwood floors. This shag rug from Ruggable comes in four light colors and five different sizes. Best of all? It’s machine washable!
“As a bonus, the rug remains versatile across different settings, so you can move it around into just about any situation if you decide on something else in the future,” Hafezi says.
Jute Area Rug
Channel Jute Rug
This jute rug from West Elm is functional and durable, and it can feel like a fresh choice compared to more traditional rugs. It’s important to note that a proper rug pad is absolutely essential for a jute rug, because its rough fibers can scratch hardwood surfaces, etching away the finish and driving dirt and stains into the wood. Once you snag one, you’re all set to lay this textured pick out.
Kids' Robot Area Rug
Ruggable Robot Party
This rug stands up to high traffic, can be spot-cleaned and is bright and cheery—the Robot Party Rug takes home top marks for kids! You can get it in multi-colored and black and white, a round or square shape and low- or medium-pile height. (Psst—the premium medium-pile height makes for a soft, cushy place to play on the floor!)
Snake Design Area Rug
Jonathan Adler Venom Emerald Rug
This Ruggable rug in collaboration with designer Jonathan Adler makes a bold statement in any part of your home. Bonus: It’s washable, stain-resistant and water-resistant. Adler is known for his cheeky, bold designs, and this statement snake rug comes in beautiful emerald green, standout sapphire and a chic neutral. It’ll have guests doing a double take wherever you lay it.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors
When shopping for the best area rugs for hardwood floors, it’s important to gather accurate room sizes before starting your search. First, measure the room; this will help guide you to your desired size. Most rooms can fit an 8 x 10 rug, while others may need larger or smaller options. Ahead, see other features to consider when shopping for a new rug.
Materials
The best materials for rugs for hardwood floors are soft and non-abrasive. Consider natural fiber rugs (like jute, sisal and seagrass), cotton, wool, microfiber and low-pile rugs. These materials are easy to maintain and clean when needed. They also lay nicely on your floors without needing too much securing.
Maintenance
Another essential feature to consider is assessing how much maintenance your rug will need before purchasing. If it’s not made with quality materials, it could shed, causing you to have to de-pill and vacuum constantly. Also, rugs with non-absorbent materials can also make it challenging to soak up spills and clean with a carpet cleaner. That’s why we recommend a soft cotton rug or machine washable ones. Jute and natural fibers also come with their own care instructions—most need to be spot-cleaned.
Value
It’s no secret that rugs can be expensive. Depending on the size, one can cost well over $200. We recommend choosing rugs that hold their value over time. Wool is the most durable and can last for decades without showing much wear and tear. The downside? It’s one of the most expensive materials to purchase. You can opt for affordable options like jute or rugs made from synthetic fibers. They won’t last long, but it does save money.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn is a shopping editor and writer for Family Handyman, Readers Digest and product tester Taste of Home. She has tested over 100 products, from outdoor gear and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums. Mary She holds an MA in Writing from Missouri State University and an MFA in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has won the AWP Intro Journals Award in 2020 and the Martha Jane Starr Research Award in 2019.
We also consulted with Yoselin Castro, senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors and Ali Hafezi, vice president of Babash Rug Services, who guided us to finding the best area rugs for hardwood floors.
How We Found the Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors
To find the best areas rugs for hardware floors, our team began with extensive research to learn about the features that make rugs durable and what the money is. We considered picks from reputable brands as well as a handful of materials. We compiled a list of drugs that were crafted with fabrics gentle enough to rest on hardwood floors without scratching them. We then searched the internet to find what customers said about each selection. Our team also consulted with experts who guided us to rugs that stood the test of time.
FAQ
What rug material is best for hardwood floors?
Wool, cotton and natural fibers are the best materials when looking at rugs for hardwood floors. Wool is more durable and can also repeal stains, while cotton is easy to clean and can even be machine washable in some cases. Natural fibers are another double material for high-traffic areas in your home. Plus, they pair well with rug pads.
What kind of rug backing is best for hardwood floors?
Securing your new rug is an important step. There could be accidents without making sure it doesn’t slip and slide! That is why rubber backings are best to anchor your rug down on the sleek, hardwood surface.
What rugs not to use on hardwood floors?
Avoid selecting rugs with abrasive and rough backings. These cause scraps in your floors that are difficult to repair.
