Area rugs might just be the hardest-working piece in a room. They not only define a space, they also add visual interest, bring together disparate styles and colors, and can feel pretty darn cozy under your feet. And when you’re ready for a new look, you can swap out an area rug much more easily (and for way less money) than you would wall-to-wall carpeting.
Here are some retailers that offer stylish rugs for cheap. After our roundup, check out our guide for buying cheap rugs — so you won’t end up wasting your money on one that doesn’t fit your space or wears out too soon. And be sure to top off your home’s new look with a cheap but stylish accent chair.
Wayfair
With its dizzying array of home products, Wayfair can take hours to wade through. Instead, go straight to the area rugs, and use the filters on the left hand side to zero in on the style, size, color, brand and price point of the rug you’re looking for.
A cheap rug we loved: We’re huge fans of the modern polka dot take in this animal print black-and-white rug. Bonus? The neutral color scheme means it will fit in virtually anywhere.
Sales not to miss: Though it holds regular sales throughout the year, the big one to watch is Way Day. Spanning two days in April (or May) and October, the mega-sale offers discounts of up to 80% and free shipping with every order.
Shopping tip: Wayfair doesn’t send coupons often, but when they do, it’s directly to customers. You can register your email on the site for personalized coupons, or visit RetailMeNot for promo codes.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters may be your go-to for graphic t-shirts, but don’t overlook its well-curated home section. It’s brimming with of-the-moment selections at affordable prices. The rugs are particularly noteworthy. They lean toward colorful, fun and easy on the wallet, making them a low-commitment way to experiment with patterns and trends.
A cheap rug we loved: With its wavy raised texture, the Wild Bows tufted rug looks much more expensive than it is.
Sales not to miss: Black Friday, Christmas, Labor Day and Memorial Day — UO holds major sales on the usual holidays. And if you download the UO app, you can get early access to sales.
Shopping tip: If you’re a frequent Urban shopper, you can sign up for the UO rewards program, which gives you discounts based on how much you spend.
Target
It’s no secret Target has an excellent selection of home goods, including area rugs. If you don’t see what you like in a location near you, go online, where the options tend to be more plentiful. There are deals to be had from reputable designers including Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, My Texas House and Project 62.
A cheap rug we loved: You can pair this patterned beauty with a wide range of shades and textures. And because it’s made of polypropylene, it can withstand lots of wear and tear.
Sales not to miss: Target offers sales around holidays — Easter, Halloween, Christmas — and seasons. A larger-than-normal amount goes on sale in early January, when stores are making room for newer inventory, according to All Things Target. To access the weekly sales and digital coupons, download the Target app.
Shopping tip:
Target offers several ways to save. You can apply for a Target RedCard, which gives you 5% off your in-store and online purchase and free two-day shipping and extended returns. You can also sign up for Target Circle. This loyalty program has no member fee and gives you early access to sales and personalized deals.
AllModern
Want a contemporary area rug that won’t break the bank? Look no further than AllModern, which specializes in stylish floor coverings that just look like they cost a bundle.
A cheap rug we loved: Handmade in India, this understated wool rug would fit easily into any room. It’s also a cinch to clean. Just run a vacuum over it.
Sales not to miss: AllModern is a sister site of Wayfair, so it too has a mega-sale held in late April, called the Sale of the Year. If you’re willing to hunt for a bargain, also check out the year-round Open Box and Closeout deals, which feature discontinued and like-new products.
Shopping tip: Many rugs come with free shipping — it’ll say so on the product page. If you don’t like your purchase, you can return it for a refund or store credit within 30 days, though shipping costs do apply.
Amazon
There are no shortages of filters to help you sift through the area rugs available on Amazon. And thank goodness, because there are thousands of reasonable options at your fingertips from popular brands like Safavieh and nuLOOM.
A cheap rug we loved: We’re a sucker for a chunky jute rug — it adds instant texture to a room and is easy on the wallet.
Sales not to miss: Any Amazon Prime member worth their membership fee knows about Amazon Prime Day, a two-day sale when prices on tech, mattresses, appliances and more (including area rugs) are slashed by up to 66%.
Shopping tip: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can ship many items, including bulky area rugs, right to your door for free.
Rugs USA
There are sales going on every day at Rugs USA, so chances are you won’t pay full price for an area rug. And because the site houses a seemingly endless assortment of floor coverings, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
A cheap rug we loved: Did someone say machine washable? If this pre-distressed rug gets too dirty, just toss it in the wash and it’ll look good as new.
Sales not to miss: Though Rugs USA’s regular sales are tough to beat, be sure to check out the Deals of the Day and Clearance Sales, where you can find discounts as deep as 80%.
Shopping tip: Rugs USA ships for free within the contiguous USA and Canada. It also accepts returns within 30 days of delivery, minus return fees.
AliExpress
People like to shop at AliExpress because it offers a vast selection of products at low prices, often directly from manufacturers, which can result in significant savings. The platform provides international shipping to many countries, making it accessible to a global audience. Frequent discounts, promotions, and buyer protection policies enhance the shopping experience. This e-commerce brand offers a wide array of stylish furniture, including beautiful area rugs at very affordable prices.
A cheap rug we loved: Nothing beats a classic boho style rug.
Sales not to miss: AliExpress has sales year-round especially around major holidays as well as seasonal clearance. If you are a new customer be sure to take advantage of their exclusive first order “welcome” deals of up to 70% off list prices.
Shopping tip: Check if your order comes with free shipping.
eBay
Shopping for rugs at eBay is another smart option because it offers a unique mix of new, used, and collectible items, often at competitive prices through auctions and fixed-price listings. The platform allows you to find rare or discontinued rugs that are hard to find elsewhere. Plus with eBay’s buyer protection program and secure payment options you can decorate confidently.
A cheap rug we loved: Nothing beats a cozy plush Greek flokati rug.
Sales not to miss: Check for sales and markdowns throughout the year. Follow your favorite sellers to stay informed of price reductions or sales promotions.
Shopping tip: Check if your order comes with free shipping.
How to Shop for a Cheap Rug (the Right Way)
Even a cheap rug can set you back a couple of hundred dollars or more, so you want to make sure you choose well. Consider the following as you’re shopping:
Size: There are a number of factors to think about, like how big the room is and where the furniture is situated. In general, look for an area rug that’s large enough to fit all of your major pieces of furniture on it, either completely on or half on, half off. There should be some floor space visible. Online guides, such as this one from Home Depot, can provide detailed instructions.
Materials: This is what the area rug is made from. Common materials include:
- Wool: durable, long-lasting, good at repelling water, soft, may fade over time.
- Cotton: affordable, easy to clean, may wear out over time.
- Silk: soft underfoot, can be expensive, requires professional cleaning.
- Sisal/jute: durable, neutral tones, renewable, can be difficult to clean.
- Synthetics (nylon, polypropylene): affordable, can be used indoors or outdoors, easy to clean, may not feel as soft underfoot.
Traffic: Match the material of the area rug with the amount of action it will see. In other words, save the fluffy flokati or sumptuous silk for a bedroom and lay down a trusty wool or synthetic in a heavily frequented spot, like the hallway or living room.
Budget: How much you’re willing to spend on an area rug might just be the most important deciding factor. Yes, rugs can be wildly expensive. But you can also find ones that fit your decor and budget.
To help you score the affordable floor covering of your dreams, we rounded up eight of our favorite places to find deals on cheap area rugs. Check out more of our favorite home products.
The post The 8 Best Places to Find Cheap Rugs That Don’t Look Cheap appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.