Best Rug &amp; Carpet Stores 2010

Rugs can vary enormously in style, size, and price — from handcrafted wool rugs that cost as much as an original oil painting to cotton weaves less than $100. Pricing depends on the material used (silk is $$$, wool is $$, cotton is $) as well as size and the process involved in making it (hand-tufting is $$$, machine-weaving is $). Here are our favorite sources that span the entire spectrum from high to low.

Best High-End Rug Stores

Maude Decor: These aren't your traditional floorcloths. Made from hand-painted canvas, these are pieces of art for your floors, handcrafted in Vancouver, BC. Shown: B&B II: Bold & Beautiful Collection, price on request.
ABC Carpet & Home: This store is a New York City landmark, and the carpet selection is second to none. Shop here for Oriental rugs, antique kilims, and the popular Madeline Weinrib Collection. Shown: Charcoal Brooke by Madeline Weinrib, price on request.
The Rug Company: Run by Suzanne and Christopher Sharp, they feature a wide variety of contemporary rugs in wool and silk. They collaborate closely with many designers, including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, and Barber & Osgerby. Shown: Overleaf by Marni, price on request.
Angela Adams: Her rugs run the gamut from the ultra-expensive handmade Angela Adams collection to more affordable lines for retail stores. Rugs are brightly colored and patterned, and the handmade line is richly textured. Shown: Birds and Bees Collection, price on request.
Safavieh: They originated in a Madison Avenue showroom and have since expanded into retail stores around the world. Shop here for high-end silk and wool rugs in traditional patterns. Shown: David Easton Hand-Knotted Wool and Silk Rug, price on request.
Peace Industry Rugs: Melina and Dodd Raissnia have a San Francisco store where they sell their own collection of hand-crafted felt rugs. For many years, they owned a workshop in Iran, which they're currently relocating, due to recent sanctions. Shown: Hextile Felt Rug, $2,205.

Best Mid-Range Rug Stores

Crate and Barrel: The quality of wool and cotton rugs at Crate and Barrel is good, and you can often find discounts in the online outlet section of their webshop. Shop here for traditional patterns, stripes, and basic solids. Shown: Asami Brown Rug, $300 (4x6) - $1,200 (10x14).
Anthropologie: They have a nice selection of romantic rugs in rich colors and patterns. Shop here for trendy florals, bohemain styles, and saturated golds, greens, and reds. Shown: Whorled Trapunto Rug, $90 (2x3) - $1,100 (8x10).
FilzFelt: They're a Boston-based web business that imports high-quality German wool felt, and they offer readymade and custom floor coverings in a variety of solid colors. Shown: Rectangle Floor Mat, $85 (24"x36") - $1,800 (108"x144").
Jonathan Adler: His "happy chic" look is instantly recognizable, and his rug collection is full of candy colors and tongue-in-cheek patterns. JA rugs are available through his webshop and showrooms. Shown: British Flag Rug, $160 (2x3) - $650 (4x6).
DwellStudio: While Dwell has sold affordable rugs through Target for a while now, they just this year began producing a higher quality collection, available through their own catalog and a select network of retail dealers. Shown: Gate Azure/Cream Rug, $650 (8x10).
Thomas Paul: Available through modern retail dealers like Design Public, 2Modern, and others, Thomas Paul's circular and rectangular rugs are decorated with birds, branches, and images from the natural world. Shown: Love Birds Rug, $270 (3'x5') to $1,470 (8'x11').

Best Budget Rug Stores

Dash & Albert Rug Company by Annie Selke: Made from woven cotton, these rugs come in a variety of preppy pastel styles. The collection is super affordable and mixes stripes, plaids, and classic patterns. Shown: Staffordshire Stripe Woven Cotton Rug, $28 (2x3) - $385 (9x12).
Chilewich: Their floor mats are made from vinyl, so they're waterproof and easy to clean. Styles are basic and modern, and they come in a variety of brights and neutrals. Shown: Basketweave Woven Floor Mat, $120 - $550
IKEA: Their inventory includes some good solid wool rugs and basic woven cotton designs. Certain lines, like the Stockholm collection, are made from hand-knotted cotton and wool. Shown: Stockholm Triangel, $400 (7'-10"x5"-7").
Flor Modular Carpet Tiles: FLOR offers stylish colors and patterns, extra thick pile, and a modular system that makes it easy to install by yourself. It's also affordable and recyclable. Shown: Black and White Rug, $130 for 10 tiles.
West Elm: They market the 'modern loft' aesthetic, and their rug collection includes a few affordable styles in multiple sizes. Shop here for natural textures and muted colors. Shown: Zig Zag Rug, $40 (2x3) - $650 (9x12).
CB2: A good resource for graphic rugs, they usually have a few different stripey styles in stock, as well as a good selection of FLOR tiles. The quality is decent and prices are affordable. Shown: Switchback Rug, $300 (5x8).