
Buying Guide for Living Room Rugs

Why buy a living room rug?
Adding an area rug to a room is a great way to protect your carpet or hardwood floors from heavy traffic and messes from pets, children, and everyday wear and tear. They can act as a statement piece, a background to tie the room together, or a nice addition of warmth to your cold hard floors; the reasons for rugs are almost endless. Living rooms are often the place you go to be cozy, so a rug in the living room just makes sense!
What should you look for in a living room rug?
- Measurements: The first thing you should do when you decide you’re going to buy a rug is measure the room to make sure you know the largest size rug you can fit in the room. Rugs that are too small will throw off the proportion of the room, while rugs that are too big might come too close to the wall.
- Size and Shape: Once you know the measurements of the room, you can then determine the best size of rug for your living room. Keep in mind that you’ll want to lean toward oversized options rather than risk buying a rug that’s too small. If you have a sofa or other seating, it looks best when the rug comes under the furniture. There are also multiple shapes available if you want something unique.
- Pattern: Rugs come in so many patterns, so how do you know which will be the best fit? Consider the decor already in the room and if you want to match or contrast it. Some people prefer a distressed or vintage look, while others go for a modern or vibrant rug. Others like a boho look or a classic Persian rug appearance.
- Use: Typically, living room rugs will see a lot of traffic, so it’s good to keep that in mind. Whether you have kids or pets, there are rugs meant to withstand whatever life throws at it.
Is it easy to clean a living room rug?
Adding a rug to your living room means you will also have to consider how to clean and maintain it for longevity. Depending on the material of the rug, there are different methods to keep it clean. Rugs made from natural fibers are durable and easily hide stains but may require professional cleaning. Synthetic fiber rugs are easy to clean and usually stain-resistant but may not hold up to repeated spills. Rugs made from artificial silk are the most sensitive, as they absorb water and oils and won’t hold up to repeated stains.
Our Picks for the Best Living Room Rugs
Safavieh Madison Collection Rug
A machine-woven rug with a trendy pattern that's great for high foot traffic.
Pros: This floral patterned rug adds a chic design to almost any room. Its classic medallions and distressed look are easy to maintain with its enhanced synthetic fibers that also make it virtually non-shedding. It’s conveniently pet- and kid-friendly, so the whole family can hang out in the living room without worry. The fabric is stain-resistant, so it’s a great choice if you plan to snack near it.
Cons: It’s recommended that you buy a non-skid pad to put underneath this rug to prevent it from sliding. The colors in the pictures might vary from how they look in person, and the distressed style might be too faded for some.
Bottom Line: This contemporary patterned rug is an ideal choice for those with a busy lifestyle who need a stylish rug that’s easy to care for. In other words, it’s a great choice for most families.
Artistic Weavers Chester Boho Moroccan Area Rug
This functional machine woven rug brings style and elegance to your home.
Pros: This rug is designed to withstand everyday wear in high-traffic areas of your home. It’s tough, stain-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning with a clean cloth. The functional medium pile allows for convenient placement in entryways and underneath furniture and won’t obstruct your doorway. This rug is kid- and pet-friendly.
Cons: This rug may come with creases, but it will flatten out after being laid flat for a few days.
Bottom Line: This beautiful, machine-woven rug is made with polypropylene fibers for maximum durability in your home.
Pros: This rug is built with a soft, velvety surface and memory foam, making it a luxurious choice. It creates an intimate atmosphere for any living room, bedroom, dorm, playroom, apartment, office, or study. There are many beautiful colors to choose from, which will remain vibrant even with use. There are also multiple size options available.
Cons: This rug is hand wash or spot clean only, so it’s not a convenient choice for anyone who might prefer to toss the rug into the wash to get it clean.
Bottom Line: If you want a plush, cozy, long-pile rug, you won’t be disappointed with this cozy rug wherever you place it in your home.
Unique Loom Trellis Frieze Collection
A beautifully patterned Turkish rug that's easy to clean.
Pros: This Turkish-made rug is machine woven in a beautiful and versatile design. It easily matches most rooms’ decor, and its high-quality make will stand up to daily use. To clean this rug, you can vacuum and spot clean it. It can be shampooed with carpet cleaner but should be immediately dried afterward.
Cons: It’s recommended you purchase a non-skid mat to put underneath this rug to prevent slipping. You might need to lay it flat for a few days after unwrapping it.
Bottom Line: This rug is a geometric lover’s dream. It will stand out while being easy to incorporate into your home’s style. Plus, it’s a great value for the price.
SAFAVIEH Madison Collection Round Area Rug
A gorgeous, round rug that features a boho chic vibe.
Pros: If you’re looking for a rug that is round, stain-resistant, and non-shedding, then look no further. This expertly machine-woven rug is made with a mix of polypropylene, jute, polyester, and cotton, making it stress-free to clean. Simply opt for regular vacuuming and gently blotting out minor stains with a mild detergent or carpet cleaner. This rug features a unique, glam paisley design that will enhance any room in your home.
Cons: This rug may contain temporary creases upon arrival, so allow time for creases to flatten and settle.
Bottom Line: This whimsical rug has virtually no shedding and can withstand heavy use in a well-used living room.
Final Thoughts
The addition of a living room rug will not only enhance your home’s style but also decrease the noise in your space. Noise absorption is just one of the many benefits rugs pose because they will absorb the sound from stamping feet. Rugs also provide comfort and warmth and are a great grounding aspect to your home.