I’m Suddenly Convinced Every Adult Home Needs an Animal-Shaped Rug

Alexa CasanovaShopping Writer
Alexa CasanovaShopping Writer
I cover all things shopping, from cleaning and organizing finds to decor and furniture that’s worth every penny. Your home says a lot about you, so I’m always curious about the things people choose to bring into their space — and aim to make it easier to find those things! I’ve written home and lifestyle content for Well+Good and Design Milk.
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Bright living room with orange sofa, colorful pillows, glass coffee table, plants, and exposed beams.

I think we could be having way more fun when shopping for area rugs. Don’t get me wrong, I love a fluffy rectangular shag or a round jute rug as much as anyone, but what about something animal-shaped? Animals have been fixtures in the design world forever, and motifs inspired by their coats already show up in rugs all the time, so embracing an animal-shaped style feels like a natural next step. 

Animal-shaped rugs are about more than kids’ rooms. The unique designs give grown-up spaces a touch of whimsy, which I honestly could use more of in my life. If you could use the same, I went ahead and curated a selection of the best animal-shaped rugs you can buy right now, all under $400.

9 Best Animal-Shaped Rugs Under $400 

Swans, zebras, tigers, and bees… Keep reading to see which animal-shaped rugs made the cut.

Growing up on a Farm Chicken Washable Handmade Shag Area Rug
$155

Hear me out: this little chicken rug would be absolutely adorable in an entryway or mud room. The brown base and white speckles give it a warm, rustic feel — and you can toss it in the washing machine for easy upkeep.

$155 at Rugs Direct
Alligator-Shaped Hand-Hooked Recycled Indoor Outdoor Rug
$50

A durable polyester construction makes this gator-shaped rug a go-to for indoor and outdoor spaces alike. And according to World Market shoppers, it works almost anywhere: running down a hallway, in the bathroom, beside the tub or vanity, or layered atop a larger rug on a patio or in a sunroom.

$50 at World Market
Animal Baby Butterfly Washable Handmade Area Rug
$199

Okay fine, this Baby Butterfly rug is technically for kids’ rooms, but I think the muted rose palette and fluffy high pile would be perfect bedside your bed, or layered over of a natural fiber rug. And in case you’re wondering, the braided antennae can be removed before machine washing.

$199 at Rugs Direct
Jungle Tiger Shaped Tufted Wool Rug
$140

This option from Urban Outfitters is a quirkier (and, I’d argue, more humane) take on a tiger hide rug. Hand-tufted from 100% wool, it feels cozy underfoot and has a bold boho look that’s bound to attract compliments.

$140 at Urban Outfitters
Swan Lake Washable Handmade Area Rug
$199

The “swancore” trend is still going strong, and this Swan Lake rug is proof. It features graceful curves and a dreamy-soft medium pile that softens any room. And don’t worry about keeping its ivory pile clean: it’s machine washable!

$199 at Rugs Direct
Planet Bee Washable Hand-Tufted Area Rug
$215

Let’s bee real, this rug is a work of art in its own right. Hand-tufted in a shaggy medium pile, it brings warmth and charm to a bedroom or living space. Plus, the antennae and legs are braided for an extra layer of artful detail.

$215 at Rugs Direct
Duquense Wool Animal Print Indoor Rug
$128

For an eclectic jungle aesthetic, go for this zebra-shaped rug from Wayfair. The splayed-out form is a playful take on classic zebra hide rugs, and features a durable thick pile that’s well-suited to busy homes. One Wayfair shopper says it’s surprisingly easy to clean, too!

$128 at Wayfair
Ducky Washable Handmade Area Rug
$179

This ducky-shaped rug would be the cutest addition to a bathroom. The pastel yellow color subtly brightens the room, while the fluffy high pile brings the cozy factor. You’ll love stepping onto it instead of cold bathroom tile.

$179 at Rugs Direct
Olivia Wendel Swan Rug
$300

A swan on its own is cute, but a swan with its babies? Darling. This Olivia Wendel rug is hand-tufted from 100% wool, and it is completely made to order, so no two rugs are alike. I personally love the colorful outlines on it, too; the rug looks like a drawing brought to life on your floor.

$300 at Urban Outfitters

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