Step On It — The 12 Best Rugs Are the Style Zeitgeist (Underfoot)

Want to know what the culture looks like right now? This edit of 2025’s best rugs offers a bird’s-eye view of the current state of style

A collection of modern rugs against a colorful background
From oddly specific shades of blue to growling tiger prints, the symphony of trends you’ve seen on runways and in your FYP is now all over the best rugs, too.
(Image credit: Nordic Knots; Joon Loloi; Urban Outfitters; Anthropologie; Lulu and Georgia)

For every trend swirling in the zeitgeist, of which there are many, there’s a rug for that. Right now, it’s everything from icy baby blue (the new darling of the fashion industry) to tiger print (slightly sleazy, very cool, and a feline cousin to the leopard that had a chokehold on interiors just a few years back). Add in the revival of antique styles — think Brussels-woven botanicals circa 1700 — and the take-home is clear: what’s underfoot is just as trend-driven as what’s on your body.

Swapping out your tired old carpet for one of these of-the-moment rug trends isn’t just a design choice — it’s a style signal. It says: I’m tapped in. I know exactly what’s going on. And in an era where trend cycles move faster than ever, a rug is an unexpectedly low-effort way to stay current. While replacing a sofa (especially if you live in a third-floor walkup like I do) might feel daunting, rugs are low-lift, relatively affordable, and wildly effective at shifting the energy of a space.

And yes — even as a style editor, I know that looks aren’t everything. You might recall in Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), when Rebecca Bloomwood discovers her stunning "score" of a sample-sale coat is actually polyester. Not happening here. My job is to point you to where to buy rugs that not only look good, but hold up — no pilling, no shivers, no buyer’s remorse.

So the next time you step outside and clock the sartorial prowess of the pedestrians — or scroll past the impossibly chic people on your feed — you can rest easy knowing you’re already one step ahead. Because you’ve got trends you can actually step on.

FAQs

How Do I Choose the Best Rug?

It's not actually the looks you should focus on first. From choosing a living room rug to the best rug for any space in your home, it all starts with the material. Where your rug lives, how much foot traffic it sees, and how often it’s exposed to water, dirt, or wear all affect its longevity, and all trace back to fiber.

Wool, while pricey, is the gold standard: durable, naturally stain-resistant, and (when done right) timeless. Cotton is more budget-friendly and low-maintenance, with a soft, breezy feel. Jute and sisal bring organic texture and are great for messier zones like dining rooms. Synthetics like nylon are designed for durability in high-traffic areas, while silk — another luxe option — is best reserved for low-touch spaces like bedrooms or sun-drenched reading corners. It’s stunning, but highly delicate.

Once you’ve picked your material, move on to size and pile height. (If you’re not sure how big your rug should be, we answer the important question: How big should your living room rug be?) Medium pile strikes a balance between softness and practicality, while high pile is plush but higher maintenance — best for bedrooms or quieter corners of the home.

The real answer? The “best” rug is the one that works for your space, your lifestyle, and your thresholds for chaos and coffee spills.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Rugs?

The best time to buy a rug is the very moment that your space feels like it needs a little something, without committing to a full-blown renovation.

But if you want to score big, timing matters. The best rug deals usually hit between November and February — think Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas markdowns leading into New Year clearances, when retailers make space for spring collections. These are key dates for discounts, especially on styles that skew more seasonal.

However, you can score big on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and other Holiday weekends with many retailers offering big sales across multiple categories.

What Is the Most Durable Rug Material?

Durability generally comes down to two camps: natural vs. synthetic. The former tends to be pricier, but the differences go well beyond cost.

Wool is the gold standard of natural rug fibers — a sustainable material that's naturally stain-resistant (thanks to lanolin), and easy to clean. “It’s the most durable naturally sourced fiber,” says Eleanor Dykes of Riviere Rugs. It’s especially ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms.

That said, don’t discount synthetics. Materials like polyester, PET, and nylon offer impressive durability at a lower price point. “Nylon or PET yarn is highly durable, but they are man-made fibres,” Eleanor notes.

They’re often stain-resistant, washable, and kid-friendly — but they’re not always the most sustainable. If that matters to you, it’s worth factoring into your decision.


You’ve got the rug — now learn how to make it work for you. Our guide to decorating with rugs covers the placements, pairings, and pro-level tricks that separate the stylish from the just… carpeted.

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.