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For more information on how we tested area rugs in our lab, check outour testing processbelow.

The Better Homes & Gardens Arches Hi Lo Area Rug on a wood floor in an entry.

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Its thinner than some other rugs on this list.

It also proved easy to clean.

We were shocked by how easy it was to vacuum up the coffee grounds.

AllModern Ovid Area Rug

Credit: AllModern

None of the coffee grounds were left behind and the rug looked good as new.

Our only complaint was how thin this rug is, so we recommend pairing this one with arug pad.

We vacuumed it occasionally and found that it was easy to clean.

A person walks barefoot on the AllModern Ovid Rug

The AllModern Ovid Rug is thinner, so it won’t show as much wear and tear in high-traffic areas.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

We also liked the pattern of the rug and noted that it brightened up our space.

It may be harder to vacuum than some other options.

This rug is thick, soft, and substantial-feeling.

A person pours dirt on the AllModern Ovid Rug

Its so plush, we noted, that we could even envision ourselves taking a nap on it.

In durability tests, this Safavieh area rug performed very well.

It also held up to foot traffic and wasnt noticeably dampened despite its high pile.

The corner of the AllModern Ovid Rug

About 95% of the chocolate syrup stain came out of the rug.

The higher pile makes it a little difficult to clean.

It also earned points for looking exactly like its online photos.

The bottom of the AllModern Ovid Rug

It also lays flat on the floor without any curling edges.

Although its wonderfully cozy and soft, this also makes it a little more delicate and difficult to clean.

We observed that some abraded areas looked fluffier than the rest of the rug.

The AllModern Ovid Rug in an entryway

About 95% of the stain came out, though we could still see a shadow of it.

We noted that this rug was just as cozy as when we first started using it.

We appreciated the soft feel and that it was easy to care for as well.

A person walks barefoot on the AllModern Ovid Rug

Despite its delicate looks, this rug fared reasonably well in the durability test.

Even after six months of use, this rug remained in great condition.

Its not at all plush and feels more like walking on a mat.

A person pours dirt on the AllModern Ovid Rug

Though this doesnt happen very often, we thought this rug looks better in person than online.

The rug is made from woven polypropylene cords and has a dense texture with a low pile.

Its important to note that this is not a soft, plush rug.

The corner of the AllModern Ovid Rug

We thought that it felt more like walking on a fibrous mat than a piece of carpet.

Still, its worth considering for its impressive durability, especially if you have pets.

We liked it for a mudroom, a large entryway, or maybe even a basement workshop.

The bottom of the AllModern Ovid Rug

Even after experiencing frequent foot traffic, this rug remained in great condition during testing.

It can feel a little rough on bare feet.

Thankfully, the rug is fairly easy to clean.

The AllModern Ovid Rug in an entryway

The rug added nice texture to our upstairs hallway.

Even though it experienced foot traffic, it remained in great condition and looked good as new.

We vacuumed sparingly to avoid damage and were able to spot-clean without any issues.

Safavieh Milan Shag Accent Rug

Credit: Amazon

The texture is a little stiff.

Although it has a low pile and the fibers seemed fairly fine, its quite dense and felt high-quality.

The rug felt pleasant to walk on and we liked the overall aesthetic.

A person vacuums the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug

The Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug is super plush and lays flat with no curled edges.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The rug also performed well in our tests for durability.

We were able to vacuum all of the coffee grounds with a few swipes.

Although a few stains have persisted, we still think it looks somewhat new.

A person walks on the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug barefoot

Its offered in fewer colors and sizes than other options.

This might sound too good to be true, but we determined that it lives up to its claims.

Compared to other rugs weve used, it was the best at keeping stains out.

A person vacuums the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug

Plus, its soft, sleek, and less expensive than other rugs of the same size.

Tumble Tabor rugs come with an EVA foam pad that connects like a puzzle in three sections.

During testing, we found that it was easy to set up without any instructions.

A person walks on the Safavieh Milan Shag Collection Accent Rug barefoot

Once assembled, you insert the foam pad into the corners of the rug, then smooth it flat.

The rug felt soft and smooth with just the right amount of cushion.

The material feels well-made and proved itself to be highly durable.

AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

Credit: AllModern

Even after six months of use, we were still impressed by this rug.

Theres only one color option, and the texture isnt the softest.

Even after consistently moving furniture on the rug, no snags, tears, or excessive wear occurred.

A person walks on the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug barefoot

The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug has a dense pile that makes it feel cozy.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Like many indoor/outdoor rugs, the texture of this one isnt the softest.

Still, the texture works well if youll primarily use it on your deck or patio.

We did find that it took a little time for this rug to completely flatten out.

A person places the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug on a rug pad

We also appreciated how easy it is to clean.

All of the rugs were opened and laid out to flatten for two weeks before testing began.

We noted how much damage the rug experienced after 10 seconds of brushing.

A person holds a brush while touching the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

However, we didnt find its overall appearance to be as appealing as other area rugs we tested.

Its also one of the more affordable area rugs we tested.

Also keep in mind that a bigger, thicker rug will provide better sound absorption.

A closeup of the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

Material

When choosing the area rug that’s best for you, consider the material as well.

Area rugs are offered in a variety of materials, including polypropylene, polyester, and wool.

If youre hoping for a quick delivery, look for an option that says Ready to Ship.

The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug folded in half

Your Questions, Answered

What key in of area rug is best for hardwood floors?

You’ll want to consider the thickness and size to best protect the high-traffic areas, Stephan says.

What kind of area rug is easiest to clean?

The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug on a wooden floor

She also recommends indoor/outdoor rugs for an easy-to-clean option but notes that they can feel a little less cozy.

What is the best size area rug for a living room?

If your space has a minimalist feel, a smaller rug will enhance that aesthetic, she says.

A person walks on the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug barefoot

How much do area rugs typically cost?

Area rugs are available in a very wide variety of price options and at any budget, Stephan says.

The lowest price range typically for synthetic rugs can start as low as $100, she says.

A person places the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug on a rug pad

Prices will vary based on materials, size, and design.

What Is BHG Recommends?

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

A person holds a brush while touching the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

A closeup of the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug folded in half

The AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug on a wooden floor

Amazon Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug

Credit: Amazon

Person feeling the Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug

The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug looked so realistic that it almost fooled us.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A closeup of the Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug on wood flooring

The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug folded over

The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug on a wooden floor

Person feeling the Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug

A closeup of the Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug on wood flooring

The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug folded over

The Ashler Home Ultra Soft Faux Sheepskin Rug on a wooden floor

Ikea Lydersholm Rug

Credit: IKEA

A person sprays liquid onto the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

We noticed liquid could drip through the Ikea Lydersholm—you may want to place it away from a sink.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

A person blots a stain on the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

The underside of the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

The Ikea Lydersholm Rug folded in half

The Ikea Lydersholm Rug on a wooden floor

A person sprays liquid onto the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

A person blots a stain on the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

The underside of the Ikea Lydersholm Rug

The Ikea Lydersholm Rug folded in half

The Ikea Lydersholm Rug on a wooden floor

Revival Hart Jute Rug

Credit: Revival

A person vacuums the Revival Hart Jute Rug

We easily vacuumed coffee grounds from the Revival Hart Jute Rug, which was impressively durable.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

A person walks barefoot on the Revival Hart Jute Rug

The Revival Hart Jute Rug folded over

The corner of the Revival Hart Jute Rug

The Revival Hart Jute Rug on a wooden floor

A person vacuums the Revival Hart Jute Rug

A person walks barefoot on the Revival Hart Jute Rug

The Revival Hart Jute Rug folded over

The corner of the Revival Hart Jute Rug

The Revival Hart Jute Rug on a wooden floor

Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

Credit: Revival

A person walks barefoot on the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug is low-pile but dense and made of 100% wool.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

A person sprinkles coffee grounds on the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

A person brushes the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug folded over

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug on a wooden floor

A person walks barefoot on the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

A person sprinkles coffee grounds on the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

A person brushes the Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug folded over

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug

The Revival Dawn Ombre Wool Rug on a wooden floor

Tumble Tabor Natural/Ash Washable Rug & Cushioned Rug Pad

Credit: Tumble

Person touching the corner of a Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

The Tumble Tabor Washable Rug held up well to abrasions when we used a pet brush to mimic claws.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Hand spilling a red liquid on a Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Person standing on one corner of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Closeup of both sides of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Closeup of a corner of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Tumble Tabor Washable Rug displayed on a wood floor

Person touching the corner of a Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Hand spilling a red liquid on a Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Person standing on one corner of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Closeup of both sides of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Closeup of a corner of the Tumble Tabor Washable Rug

Tumble Tabor Washable Rug displayed on a wood floor

Amazon Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor & Outdoor Casual Solid Tonal Border Area Rug

Credit: Amazon

Person using vacuum cleaner on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

The Unique Loom Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug is easy to clean with either a broom or vacuum.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Person walking with muddy foot on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Person cleaning things from Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug with broom and dustpan

Person spreading Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug on floor

Pair of chair and a table placed on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Person using vacuum cleaner on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Person walking with muddy foot on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Person cleaning things from Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug with broom and dustpan

Person spreading Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug on floor

Pair of chair and a table placed on Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

A person vacuums the AllModern Ovid Rug

We vacuumed each rug to see how easy it was to pick up debris without damaging the fibers.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person brushes the AllModern Walker Checkered Shag Area Rug

To test durability, we abraded the fibers of the rugs using a brush to mimic wear and tear.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens