We Tested (and Rated!) All the Rugs at West Elm — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

One thing you might not have anticipated when it comes to decorating your home is just how many rug options are available online. The options are truly endless, but one retailer you don’t want to skip when shopping for a new rug is West Elm. In addition to carrying some of our favorite desks, coffee tables, sofas, and accent chairs, the high-end home store has an impressive selection of stylish area rugs. Depending on the size you’re looking for, West Elm rugs can be notoriously pricey (but worth it!); so we did our research to help you choose the best West Elm rug for your space.

In this edition of our Personal Shopper series, we tested over 50 West Elm rugs in person at one of the brand’s NYC stores to find our favorites. Whether you’re looking for a low-shed shag rug or a floral piece for the dining room, you’ll find it here.

West Elm is an editor- and reader-favorite store for all things home and kitchen, including rugs. Its impressive selection not only looks good, but you can also trust that its products are made of premium materials that’ll hold up amid daily use.

West Elm also offers free furniture customization and design guidance, if needed, as well as complimentary swatches to help you find your ideal materials and colors. Below are the exact rugs we tested — both store bestsellers and newer models we were excited to finally see in person.

We judged every West Elm rug we found in-store based on the following five criteria to help us determine whom the rug suits best, from the busy parent to the year-round patio dweller.

• In-Store Placement: Where was the rug positioned in the store? Does the area get lots of foot traffic, like in the front or along major walkways? Is it in an area with low foot traffic, such as back corners or hanging up?
• Aesthetic: What decor scheme or mood does it best suit? Does it have bold lines, patterns, or colors? Does it play nice with other decor elements, or does it steal the show?
• Feel: Is the surface soft to the touch? Or is it roughly textured?
• Fluff Factor: What is the rug’s pile height? Is it tufted with long threads or otherwise voluminous? Is the rug flat or thin — in other words, tightly woven with minimal volume?
• Versatility: Does it work indoors and outdoors? Can it be layered? Is it reversible? Does it come in a wide range of colors and sizes?

Every West Elm rug was tested by former Shopping Writer, Nikol Slatinska. She tested and reviewed furniture and decor for the Personal Shopper series to help readers find the best pieces for their homes, especially small spaces. From sofas and bed frames to rugs and accent chairs, she covered it all — making her an expert on all things furniture and decor.

Nikol spent the day at the West Elm store in NYC to evaluate the brand’s rugs on their design, pile, and durability.

Note: Prices listed are for size 5’x8′ or similar.

What impressed us: The Kai flatweave rug is impossible to ignore — and not just because it was hung front-and-center when we entered the store. This floral number stuns with its handwoven motif and distressed finish, which lends a vintage vibe.

Despite its rugged feel, the low-pile rug is made to withstand heavy foot traffic, thanks to its blend of wool, jute, and cotton. What’s more, it comes in two colors. Both Sand and Marina Blue will imbue your space with a sense of calmness.

Although nothing’s stopping you from placing the Kai rug in your bedroom or living room, its materials best lend themselves to spaces like the dining room, entryway, or even the hallway (and yes, there’s a runner version for that).

Specifications:

• Material: Wool, jute, and cotton
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 2.5’x7′
• Pile Height: Low
• Colors: 2 options

What impressed us: Truth be told, we can’t think of a home or lifestyle the Lumini rug wouldn’t be suitable for. Although it’s handcrafted and 65% wool, it’s tough enough for bustling households; its dense ribbed pile is just thick enough to be both cozy and easy to clean.

The rug also comes in four neutral colors, so it’s fit for a variety of decor styles. This understated accessory could not only blend into any room but also tie the entire space together without overwhelming it.

If you prefer bold colors and patterns, you’ll want to opt for another rug on this list, but the Lumini is for those after an easy, reliable solution for rooms that could use a little extra something. No matter how many times you move or redecorate, this pick is going to remain a staple in your decor rotation.

Specifications:

• Material: Wool, polyester, and nylon
• Sizes: 3’x5′, 4’x6′, 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 10’x14′, 2.5’x7′, 2.5’x9′, 2.5’x12′
• Pile Height: Medium
• Colors: 4 options

What impressed us: Although jute rugs are practical, they’re not always the most exciting to look at. And, if a store carries more than one model, they tend to blend together in a sea of tan. That’s not the case with this jute rug, though. Most of it is comprised of thick woven knots that are large even for a natural fiber rug, while the border is punctuated by a smaller weave.

The knots are noticeable under your feet as you walk across, so if you prefer a smooth feel underfoot, this isn’t the rug for you. But we think it’s perfect for a kids’ playroom or screened-in porch.

Additionally, we appreciate that the rug’s material isn’t uniform in color. Instead, you get a good mix of light, tan, and brown fibers, which only makes this piece that much more striking. And did we mention the rug was handcrafted by artisans? Well, we probably didn’t need to.

Specifications:

• Material: Jute
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′
• Pile Height: Medium
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: Once again, West Elm surprised us with how soft its rugs are. The Distressed Foliage rug is medium pile but somehow stuffed animal-soft, so don’t be surprised if you opt to lie on it instead of your sofa. That being said, this isn’t the most durable rug West Elm carries, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have young kids or pets.

Its hand-loomed pattern is meant to resemble “cascading vines,” albeit in an abstract and subtle way. We also enjoyed feeling its pebbled texture, which is noticeable without being obtrusive. Opt for the rug in Pearl Gray for a sunnier look, or try one of the two cool tones for a more tranquil aesthetic.

Specifications:

• Material: Viscose, wool, and cotton
• Sizes: 3’x5′, 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 10’x14′, 25.’x7′, 2.5’x9′
• Pile Height: Medium
• Colors: 3 options

What impressed us: This rug is much more vibrant in person, and we’re not exaggerating when we say that it took our breath away when we flipped to it on the hanging rug wall. As its name suggests, the rug mimics a serene landscape — perhaps a lake at dawn. The closer you look, the more vivid the colors appear.

We think it would be a wonderful pick for a home office, as such spaces can often look drab and lifeless. Even if you don’t change your desk setup, this piece is enough to transform the entire room. It’s neither too rough nor too soft, so it’s just utilitarian enough for a workspace. Unlike a lot of the other West Elm rugs we’ve covered, the Sun-Kissed Landscape rug is tufted and printed, not woven, but it’s still 100% handcrafted.

Specifications:

• Material: Nylon
• Sizes: 3’x5′, 5’x8′, 6′ Round, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 10’x14′, 2.5’x7′, 2.5’x9′
• Pile Height: Medium
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: Although we love West Elm’s modern, organic aesthetic, the Faceted Tile Rug was still a refreshing departure, thanks to its punchy pattern. The trapezoids and unique color scheme create an almost art deco appearance, but you can still pair the rug with either modern or vintage-inspired decor — in fact, a stronger contrast could elevate the entire look of your living space.

You’ll also find that the diamonds and emerald-colored trapezoids are raised, which creates a 3D effect and makes this pick appealing not just visually but also texturally. The high-pile rug is hand tufted from polyester, 60% of which is recycled.

Specifications:

• Material: ​​Recycled polyester and non-recycled polyester
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 10’x14′
• Pile Height: High
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: Color-blocked decor, whether it’s wall art, a rug, or even a shower curtain, often comes in bold, in-your-face hues. That’s why the Ombre Blocks Wool Tencel Rug is such a pleasant deviation from the norm. We were instantly charmed by its warm rose-gold color scheme, which would look right at home next to a fireplace.

With a high pile that’s hand tufted with wool and Tencel Lyocell, it has a soft yet durable feel that’s easy to clean and great for high-traffic homes.

Specifications:

• Material: Wool and Tencel Lyocell
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′
• Pile Height: High
• Colors: 2 options

What impressed us: The most apt word we could use to describe the Indra rug is simply “cool.” We viewed a lot of rugs with interesting weave patterns that no doubt took a lot of effort to create, but this one takes the cake in terms of intricacy. That’s largely because the individual shapes that make up the grand overall motif are so small; we could look at it and marvel at them for minutes on end. The tiny tassels on the short ends complement the rest of the rug perfectly, too.

In addition to looking cool, the Indra is also soft and thin, like a mat, and immune to shedding. Even though its navy-and-cream color scheme is pretty subdued, this rug is still a knockout.

Specifications:

• Material: Viscose and cotton
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, 2.5’x7′
• Pile Height: Medium
• Colors: 1 option

What impressed us: It’s a good thing this rug was hanging in the store. If it had been on the floor, we might’ve done something unseemly — like lie down on it. The Cozy Plush rug was easily the softest rug we touched out of more than 50 models, so if you want something inviting enough to curl up on, look no further. We also loved its alabaster color, which is close to the white hue available but more reminiscent of a toasted marshmallow.

Even though the rug is made of shed-resistant fibers, it’s not the most durable option, so we think it would be great for the bedroom. After all, stepping onto its curly shag each morning would help prolong your dreamy state for a couple more minutes. When caring for the rug, just make sure your vacuum is powerful enough to withstand its long fibers.

Specifications:

• Material: Polyester
• Sizes: 5’x8′, 6’x9′, 8’x10′
• Pile Height: High
• Colors: 2 options