Rug shopping online can feel overwhelming. Below are my favorite retailers and practical tips to help you find the best place to buy rugs that suit your home and budget.
When I revealed my living room makeover back in 2013, the post became one of the most viewed on The Turquoise Home and was pinned thousands of times. That makeover generated a flood of questions about the room — curtains, paint, furniture — but the most common question by far was, “Where did you get your rug?”
RELATED: Find out what rug size to buy for each space in your home
Back then, buying rugs online was just becoming popular and many people wanted to know where to shop. Today, online options are abundant and buying a rug remotely is much easier if you know what to look for. Before listing my favorite retailers, here are practical tips to make online rug shopping less stressful and more successful.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my disclosure policy.
Tips for Buying Rugs Online
1. Price match
Many rugs are sold by multiple retailers under different names or product codes. To find the best price, search the rug’s descriptive keywords (for example, “olive charcoal rug”) and compare listings across stores. Check the total cost — including shipping and any return fees — and choose a reputable seller with fair policies.
2. Search for real-life photos
Product photos can be misleading. Look for real-life photos from bloggers, customer reviews, or social media to see how the rug looks in various lighting and room settings. Searching by the rug’s alternate names helps you find these real-life examples and gives a better sense of scale and color.
3. Measure your space
Never buy a rug by guessing. Measure the area and mark the rug’s dimensions on the floor with painter’s tape. Visualizing the rug’s footprint prevents surprises when it arrives — many people discover their intended rug is too small or too large once taped out. This simple step saves time and money.
4. Know the “rules” of rug sizes
There are general guidelines for rug sizes depending on the room and furniture layout. I’ve summarized helpful rug-size rules in my post linked above. These rules are useful but not absolute — if you love a look that breaks the rules, go for it. What matters most is how the rug makes the room feel.
Best Places to Buy Rugs Online
Over the years I’ve bought rugs from several retailers and refined a list of trusted sources. Below are retailers I’ve used and recommend, with notes about what makes each one a solid option.
1. Wayfair
I’ve purchased more rugs from Wayfair than anywhere else. They often offer free shipping and fast delivery, and their customer service is responsive if an issue arises. Wayfair carries a wide range of styles and price points, making it easy to find good-quality rugs at affordable prices.
2. Amazon
Amazon stocks many of the same rugs you’ll see elsewhere, often at comparable prices. I’ll buy from Amazon when items include free returns — that flexibility makes it easier to test a rug in your space and return it if it doesn’t work. Prime members also benefit from fast shipping on eligible rugs.
3. Ruggable
Ruggable is a standout for washable, two-piece rug systems. If you need rugs in high-traffic or spill-prone areas — kitchens, entryways, kids’ rooms — washable rugs are a smart, functional choice. They wash well and hold up to frequent cleaning, making them a practical investment for busy homes.
4. Overstock
Overstock often mirrors Wayfair’s inventory and pricing, so it’s a good second place to check if an item is sold out or priced differently. Comparing Wayfair and Overstock can help you snag the best deal on the same rug.
5. Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs offers higher-end and designer-inspired rugs with a reliable return process. I’ve been impressed with their quality and customer service; they make returns straightforward if the rug doesn’t suit your space.
6. Chris Loves Julia Rug Collection by Loloi
The Chris Loves Julia collection by Loloi is available at several retailers and is known for attractive, well-priced designs. These rugs strike a balance between style and quality, and they’re a dependable choice when you want a designer look without a hefty price tag.
Have you discovered a favorite place to buy rugs online? Share your top stores and tips for buying rugs sight unseen — I’d love to hear what worked for you.
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