personal shopper

I Tested (and Rated!) Every IKEA Rug — Here Are the Best Ones for Every Style and Space

Megan Gray
Megan Gray
Estate sales, yard sales, and antique shops were regular weekend destinations for my brother and me as kids. My parents, always on the hunt for period-appropriate decor for our Staten Island 19th-century house, made sure of it. Since then, I’ve had a love for home design and…read more
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IKEA Onsevig rug in living room with Personal Shopper tag on right corner.
Credit: IKEA
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When it comes to home design, finding the perfect rug for your space is very important. While the choices can feel overwhelming, IKEA is one destination you should definitely keep in mind when shopping. Alongside popular items like their bed frames and dressers, the iconic Swedish brand features an impressive variety of area rugs. Because these rugs can be very budget-friendly and vary based on style, we set out to test the best IKEA rugs for your home in this new addition to the Personal Shopper series. 

Our Personal Shopper series is designed to save you the trip: We check out the retail spaces you care about most to evaluate furniture and decor in person, providing you with unfiltered feedback. Following our visits to brands like West Elm, The Home Depot, and Pottery Barn, our latest stop was the Red Hook IKEA location in Brooklyn, New York, where our team evaluated tons of IKEA rugs currently on display. 

Credit: AT Media

Why IKEA? 

Given our editors’ extensive history of recommending the retailer’s chic yet affordable design choices, highlighting IKEA for our Personal Shopper series is an ideal match. With IKEA offering over 100 unique options, it serves as an excellent place to find savings on major decor investments like rugs. Their selection ranges from durable outdoor styles to vibrant patterns that can transform your room’s layout. Because scrolling through all those options can be a bit challenging, our team is here to help!

Although IKEA features storefronts globally, shoppers who do not live near a brick-and-mortar location can still access most of the brand’s products online. Orders that meet a minimum threshold of $35 qualify for shipping, with rates dynamically calculated. Additionally, the convenient Click & Collect feature allows customers to purchase items via the web and retrieve them at a nearby store for a small service fee — although this charge is completely waived for anyone signed up as an IKEA Family Member (which is free to join).

The Criteria

We judged every IKEA rug we found in-store based on the following five criteria to help us determine whom the rug suits best, from homes with pets and kids to homes that just need a style refresh.

  • In-store placement: We noted the rug’s location within the store to see if it was placed in high-traffic zones like main walkways, or if it was situated in quieter areas like back corners or displayed on walls.
  • Aesthetic: Which design style or atmosphere is it most compatible with? Does it feature striking patterns, colors, or lines? Does it complement your current furnishings, or does it serve as the main attraction?
  • Feel: Does it have a coarse texture, or does it feel gentle and plush?
  • Fluff factor: What is the rug’s pile thickness? Does it have long, tufted threads or significant volume? Alternatively, is it a flat, thin rug that is tightly woven with very little bulk?
  • Versatility: Does it work indoors and outdoors? Is it reversible? Does it come in a wide range of colors and sizes?

Why You Should Trust Me as a Tester 

These IKEA rugs were all tested by me, Megan Gray, along with a few other members of the shopping team. As an Apartment Therapy shopping writer, I test, review, and recommend products, from rugs and sofas to bed frames and laundry hampers. I’ve covered them all, so I know what makes a piece of furniture or decor worth your time.

We spent the day at the IKEA store in Red Hook, Brooklyn, to judge every rug on display based on its style, design, pile, and durability. 

Credit: Megan Gray

Every IKEA Rug Tested by Editors 

Best Natural Option: LOHALS

What impressed us: Upon entering the IKEA rug department, the LOHALS immediately caught our attention — and honestly, pictures don’t do it justice. The way the light catches its natural color variations brings a welcoming warmth and rich texture that effortlessly adapts to various environments, from a relaxed living space to a sophisticated dining room. Plus, it looks way more expensive than it is (reviewers agree with us on this, too), and can easily hide dirt.

Crafted from machine-woven 100% jute, its low pile offers excellent durability and effortless vacuuming. Although restricted to a single colorway, it is offered in three sizes alongside a matching door mat. To ensure stability, IKEA suggests pairing it with two anti-slip STOPP FILT rug underlays. It is also recommended to unpack and air out the LOHALS for a couple of days, as any initial natural odor will rapidly fade away.

What we love

  • High-end look and feel
  • Natural design
  • Its neutral look will never go out of fashion
  • Durable

Good to know

  • Only one color option
  • May have a smell at first
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay

Specifications:

Credit: Megan Gray

Best Soft Option: STOENSE

What impressed us: According to Katie Maguire, our director of shopping strategy, the STOENSE stands out as a “very classic rug” that feels “soft on your feet without feeling like it’s shedding or would get gross.” Thanks to its plush pile and timeless appearance, it seamlessly fits into numerous design styles, such as coastal or farmhouse, making it an ideal addition to spaces like a comfy living room or a cozy bedroom. It features a synthetic rubber backing, and for enhanced stability it can be paired with STOPP FILT rug underlays. You can choose from six available colors, including options like green and pale pink.

This machine-woven rug comes in four distinct sizes and is crafted from durable, stain-resistant synthetic fibers. Its surface features a delicate sheen that shifts depending on the angle of the light. For those looking to fill a bigger room, IKEA suggests combining multiple STOENSE rugs, as the dense, deep pile can hide the seams between them.

What we love

  • Classic design
  • Six color options
  • Soft and plush feel

Good to know

  • May have a smell at first
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay

Specifications:

Credit: Katie Maguire

Best Runner: VÄGSKYLT

What impressed us: Because I’ve owned the VÄGSKYLT rug for more than a year, I didn’t need to examine it during our store visit. It currently sits by the front door in my apartment’s main hallway, where it successfully withstands a high volume of foot traffic from my two kids. The vibrant pink and orange stripes look great and do a surprisingly good job of concealing dirt. Although a darker, on-sale black and green striped version is also available, it wasn’t on view at the store.

While the cotton material initially felt a little coarse, it has broken in beautifully and grown significantly softer over time. Using it alongside the STOPP FILT rug underlay is essential; it completely prevents any sliding and keeps the runner firmly rooted to the floor — even when subjected to heavy vacuuming. I love it so much, I’m tempted to buy another one for my kitchen.

What we love

  • Bright colorway
  • Hides dirt
  • Durable

Good to know

  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay
  • Only one size available

Specifications:

  • Material: Cotton
  • Sizes: 2′ 7″ x 8′ 2″
  • Pile height: Low
  • Colors: 2 options
Credit: Megan Gray

Best for Kids & Pets: TÅGSPÅR

What impressed us: The TÅGSPÅR Rug immediately caught our eye with its remarkably high-end look compared to nearby options. It balances plushness and softness without feeling overly squishy underfoot. Featuring a blend of high and low pile, it introduces dimensional layers and rich texture that create an eye-catching 3D effect across your floor. Because the surface is crafted from wool, it is inherently durable and soil-repellent, making it a great pick for households with pets or children.

Keep in mind that wool tends to shed initially, so IKEA advises vacuuming it frequently right after setup. Additionally, it isn’t 100% natural fiber: the rug incorporates a plastic coating for extra durability, along with a polyester base and cotton backing, which could also lead to microplastic shedding over time.

What we love

  • The 3D effect
  • Durability
  • High-end design
  • Soft and plush (but not too much)

Good to know

  • Only one color and size option
  • Higher price point compared to other IKEA rugs

Specifications:

  • Material: Wool
  • Sizes: 6′ 7″ x 9′ 10″
  • Pile height: Medium
  • Colors: 1 option
Credit: Katie Maguire

Best Cozy Rug: ÄRENDE

What impressed us: The ÄRENDE is a solid choice whether you prefer vibrant hues or soft neutrals. Even while hanging in the store, its high pile was so inviting that our team wanted to touch it and lie right down on it. It delivers a warm, cozy feel at an accessible starting price of $49.99, which reviewers frequently praise for its exceptional value.

Beyond its inviting texture, the rug offers impressive durability — the stitching held firm when we tugged on it, and its substantial thickness makes it ideal for dampening noise in an apartment. It also earns high marks for resisting dirt buildup, although IKEA notes that any initial unrolling odor can be quickly resolved by vacuuming and airing it out.

What we love

  • Multiple color options
  • Soft
  • Cozy
  • You want to lay down on it

Good to know

  • Brighter colors may need more frequent cleaning
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay
  • Only one size option

Specifications:

  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Sizes: 3′ 11″ x 5′ 11″
  • Pile height: High
  • Colors: 4 options
Credit: Reid Webb

Best Statement Maker: MARKBLÅMME

What impressed us: Bold and striking, the MARKBLAMME boasts an elevated look that reminded us of higher-end floor coverings. Its unique combination of pink, beige, and brown checks and stripes creates an unexpectedly cohesive pattern that feels like it can upgrade any room’s decor. Crafted from a polypropylene and polyester blend, the low-pile surface remains soft to the touch, earning high praise from reviewers for its remarkable durability, easy maintenance, and outstanding value.

While its sole size option (5′ 3″ x 7″ 7″) may run a bit small for larger living areas, the eye-catching design easily offsets the sizing limitation. Plus, subtle height variations within the low pile add a subtle layer of texture and dimension with every step.

What we love

  • Bold design
  • Soft
  • Pattern can hide dirt

Good to know

  • Feels thin
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay
  • Only one color and size option

Specifications:

  • Material: Polypropylene, polyester (min. 90% recycled)
  • Sizes: 5′ 3″ x 7′ 7″
  • Pile height: Low
  • Colors: 1 option
Credit: Katie Maguire

Best Modern: KOLDBY

What impressed us: Bringing a luxe, high-fashion aesthetic, the KOLDBY looks like something straight out of a stylish Milanese apartment. Arranged in stacks in the showroom, each piece displays its own natural distinctions; they catch the light with an elegant sheen. And because no two are identical in size, every piece feels truly one-of-a-kind. Crafted from durable cowhide, these soft-touch rugs work effortlessly across living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas — and can even be hung on the wall.

According to IKEA, the hides are obtained as food industry byproducts to make full use of the materials. Plus, the hides are treated without heavy metals or toxic chemicals. For increased security and stability, use an anti-slip underlay beneath the rug and trim as needed.

What we love

  • Soft feel
  • Gives a luxe aesthetic
  • Durable
  • Surface has a sheen in the light

Good to know

  • Not vegan
  • Sizing and colors naturally vary
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay

Specifications:

  • Material: Cowhide
  • Sizes: Between 71 – 78” wide, 78 – 86” long (sizes naturally vary)
  • Pile height: Low
  • Colors: 2 options
Credit: Megan Gray

Best Geometric Style: STOCKHOLM

What impressed us: If you’re looking for a bold, uniform geometric pattern, the STOCKHOLM rug is a standout pick. While it isn’t soft or plush underfoot, it offers a sturdy, well-structured feel. Plus, because it’s hand-crafted from wool and cotton, it will naturally soften as it ages.

We spotted this striking piece hanging on display in-store, and its two generous sizes could effortlessly bring a room together in a dining or living area. Reviews confirm it’s both comfortable and long-lasting, although shoppers note that it tends to collect dirt easily and works best when paired with an underlay.

What we love

  • Geometric pattern really stands out
  • Can hide stains
  • Softens over time

Good to know

  • Because it's wool, there may be some shedding
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay
  • Only one color option

Specifications:

Credit: Mila Hoang

Best Traditional Rug: ONSEVIG

What impressed us: About 10 years  ago, I purchased an IKEA rug featuring a Persian-inspired design similar to the ONSEVIG, and it continues to hold up wonderfully in my living room (unfortunately, it’s no longer available; RIP, VALBY RUTA). And when I touched the low-pile display model in-store, it had the same mid-level plushness. The ONSEVIG rug is truly a workhorse — stain-resistant, soft yet resilient underfoot, and well-equipped to manage kids, pets, and everyday dirt.

Its vintage-style faded pattern gives it a timeless, lived-in feel, and reviewers frequently highlight its quality and comfort relative to the price. Ultimately, it’s an attractive piece that effortlessly elevates any room’s decor.

What we love

  • Durable
  • Stain-resistant
  • Traditional Persian-inspired design

Good to know

  • Only one color option
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay

Specifications:

Credit: Katie Maguire

Best Outdoor Rug: MORUM

What impressed us: While IKEA’s selection of indoor/outdoor floor coverings was somewhat limited, the MORUM made an immediate impression. Its broad range of sizing and color choices really stood out (neutral black, dark green, beige, vibrant orange), and the combination of a polypropylene surface with a synthetic rubber backing gives it a sturdy, durable feel. Maintenance is easy as well — you can simply brush off dirt using mild detergent and rinse it clean with water.

Up close, the design features subtle, elegant accents along a thin yet smooth, flatwoven profile. If you plan to set it up inside, IKEA suggests adding a rug underlay, and they recommend bringing the rug indoors when it’s not actively in use. Additionally, a few customer reviews mention that it can hold onto moisture when left in the elements, so that’s something to keep in mind.

What we love

  • Elegant details
  • Multiple color and size options
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors

Good to know

  • Feels thin, but smooth
  • May retain water when left outside
  • Needs a STOPP FILT rug underlay indoors

Specifications:

Credit: Reid Webb

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