The 15 Best Rugs for 2025 — Transformative, Room-Anchoring Styles to Start the New Year Right

New year, new carpet. Refresh your space swiftly and stylishly with a definitive list of the best rugs to shop right now

a collection of modern rugs
(Image credit: Image credit: Ruggable; Rugs USA; Ruggable; Anthropologie; Lulu & Georgia)

Finding the best rugs for your space is a lot like getting bangs — everything might have seemed fine before, but once you spot the dullness, it’s game over. Change becomes non-negotiable. You take the leap, and suddenly, the room, the vibe, the universe shifts. Speaking as someone who just got a fringe and a new rug, let me confirm: I feel — my home feels — like new.

Here’s the thing: not all rugs are created equal. Like a haircut, when it’s good, it’s great — and when it’s bad, well, it’s… impossible to ignore. Maybe that “bargain” rug starts unraveling or shedding onto your socks. Maybe you splurged, but the result is just a very expensive disappointment. That’s why buying the best rug from someone who knows where to buy rugs is essential. As Livingetc's Style Editor, I’m here to help.

Below, I've selected the most stylish, well-made, and well-reviewed rugs that (not a ridiculous amount of) money can buy. I’ve scoured top-rated sellers online and reviewed rugs in-store, all while (politely) interrogating sales staff at spots like Anthropologie and ABC Carpet & Home. I’ve also tapped into the collective genius of my Livingetc editorial team — a team of interior design pros always ready with spot-on recommendations.

What am I looking for? Timelessness, of course, but also what’s trending for 2025. Spoiler: geometry is having a moment, and it’s way more fun than the math you remember from high school. Only the most reputable retailers made the cut.

So, without further ado, let’s find you that regret-proof, game-changing, universe-shifting rug. New year, new rug, new you.

The Best Rugs to Shop

Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.

How Do I Choose the Best Rug?

Wondering how to choose a living room rug? The answer is somewhat complex: a mix of material, lifestyle, and a little bit of math.

Start with material. Wool is the gold standard: timeless, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. But if your budget balks, cotton is an easy-clean favorite, jute and sisal bring breezy texture, and synthetics like nylon are built to withstand messier moments. Don’t put silk in the entryway unless you enjoy watching your investment get trampled.

And then you need to work out how big should your living room rug be? According to interiors expert Aditi Sharma, “Your area rug should be 8 to 12 inches longer than your sofa.” Easy enough, right? As for pile height, low is sleek and durable (great for high traffic areas like kitchens or hallways), medium (between 0.25" and 0.5") is a good all-around contender, and high pile rugs are the most indulgent option — soft, cloud-like, and luxurious underfoot. Do note though that they demand more cleaning and are best reserved for low-traffic places like bedrooms.

The right option doesn’t just look good or follow current rug trends; it works with your life, so choose wisely.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Rugs?

While there’s no bad time to buy a rug, the best deals tend to fall between November and February. This stretch is packed with major rug salesBlack Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas markdowns — all leading into New Year clearances, when retailers make room for spring collections. If you're shopping outside of winter, mark your calendar for Labor Day, another prime moment to score discounts, especially on summer styles.

What Is the Most Durable Rug Material?

When it comes to durability, rugs fall into two main categories: natural and man-made fibers. The best option for you depends on your priorities — sustainability, affordability, or stain resistance.

Natural materials, like wool, have stood the test of time and are inherently durable. “Wool is the most durable naturally sourced, sustainable fiber. It’s endlessly renewable, the naturally occurring lanolin content acts as a built-in stain guard, and wool rugs can be repeatedly cleaned,” says Eleanor Dykes of luxe rug makers Riviere Rugs. Wool rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms, where beauty and longevity are key, making them a smart long-term investment.

Synthetic materials have come a long way in recent years, offering affordable and incredibly durable solutions. Options like polyester, PET, and nylon are often stain-resistant, machine-washable, and ideal for homes with kids or pets. However, they’re less sustainable than natural fibers. “Nylon or PET yarn is also highly durable but less sustainable as these are man-made synthetic fibers,” Eleanor adds.

Luckily, this edit contains both of the above options to suit your preferences.

Julia Demer
Style Editor

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.

With contributions from