Background: Prior to PureWow, I was employed by several upscale interior designers in New York. I’ve been deliberating with clients for longer than I’d like to admit, whether it was over a $3K cowhide at BaBoo or a $5K oriental at ABC Carpet & Home. Although there are plenty of ways to spend a lot of money on a rug, I’ll tell you a little secret: pricing isn’t always a sign of luxury. The creation of a rug is what truly gives it a luxurious feel. The buzzwords that count when looking for a rug that appears costly (without breaking the bank) are wool, leather, and handwoven. Craftsmanship is essential, and a cheap rug can have the same magazine-quality appearance as its more expensive counterparts if the proper materials are used.
In order to compile a list of my favorite rug designs, I looked through Wayfair’s inventory below (much as I used to do for clients). Here are ten carpets that Architectural Digest designers would like, ranging from a $35 Cali-cool oriental to a $74 antique Joanna Gaines number.
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1. Bungalow Rose Faro Rug
This rug immediately reminded me of a boutique hotel I had stayed at in Sonoma, California. It has a sophisticated yet casually Cali-cool edge thanks to geometrics and deliberate fading, while its gentle pinks and earthy browns recall the vibe of a wine-country home. Furthermore, despite its elaborate design, it is composed of long-lasting, stain-resistant polyester and has a modest pile height of 0.13 inches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its gentle texture makes it perfect for anchoring an open-plan living room or a comfortable study, and the machine-woven process can withstand even the busiest environments. Naturally, upkeep is simple—just use water to spot clean or vacuum without a beater bar.
2. Birch Lane Lanora Rug
This natural number is perfect if you’re looking for something that exudes understated quality. The rug’s neutral color scheme and crisp, architectural lines evoke a minimalist chicness reminiscent of a Soho apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows. Therefore, the material is what gives it such an upscale appearance. Hand-tufted from 100% wool, the natural fibers provide a somewhat subdued sheen for an additional rich finish in addition to feeling soft underfoot. Additionally, it is strong enough to endure high-traffic areas like living rooms or bedrooms because to its 0.39-inch pile height. Pro tip: To maintain its best appearance, stick to expert spill cleaning and stay away from vacuums with beater bars, which can be harsh on the fibers.
3. Foundry Select Fazeley Rug
Cowhide rugs are my preferred choice for achieving an upscale aesthetic, but they can be expensive, so this less expensive alternative is revolutionary. For something that starts at $1K for a two-by-three, the craftsmanship—hand-woven using leather in a flatweave technique—offers that rich, tactile texture. It is also adaptable enough to suit both contemporary Mediterranean aesthetics and classic eclectic styles thanks to the neutral color options (tan/ivory and grey/ivory). Even better, leather is inherently strong, so this gentleman will last for a long time. Just bear in mind that cowhide does need some care; to maintain its best appearance, I would suggest getting it cleaned by a professional.
4. Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Judy Rug
I adore this rug because it evokes the rustic yet elegant vibe of a quaint upstate cabin. It feels contemporary and new thanks to the geometric design and the handwoven, braided weave, which gives it an artisanal quality. Additionally, the rug is made to withstand spills in the dining area or kitchen because of its jute and cotton blend. All it needs is a vacuum without a beater bar to keep it looking brand new, and it is GoodWeave-certified, indicating that it has been manufactured ethically. (For spills, spot clean with a dry cloth). Did I also mention that it is available in two colorways—natural/spice and beige/ivory?
5. Mistana Augustus Indoor/Outdoor Rug
This indoor/outdoor rug might have easily been lifted from a recent article in Architectural Digest that focused on combining contemporary practicality with vintage beauty. The rug perfectly captures this year’s New England eclectic trend with its Southwestern, tribal-inspired design, which is now trending on Instagram. Beyond the look, though, it’s made of a blend of polyester and polypropylene and is designed for outdoor use. It comes in four colorways. The rug’s latex backing adds longevity, and its stain-, fade-, and weather-resistant design makes it ideal for patios, sunrooms, entryways, and more. Better yet: Cleaning is simple and only requires a quick hose down.
6. Kelly Clarkson Home Sylvie Rug
Joanna Gaines would approve of this rug for 2024 because it’s all about modern farmhouse, yet it feels updated without the shiplap undertone. With warmth and texture, the understated chevron design, available in four shades, avoids the overtly rustic, corny farmhouse aesthetic. Its flatweave method and hand-woven wool ensure that it feels just as opulent as it appears. The stain-resistant qualities make it useful for high-traffic areas, and the medium pile offers a plush, luxurious feel. However, it’s important to note that it will initially shed a little; according to the manufacturer, it usually takes 20 to 25 vacuums (at the very least) to reduce shedding.
7. Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Mona Rug
In relation to Joanna Gaines, this rug from her Magnolia Home x Loloi collection would look great in a gorgeous Waco fixer-upper. The neutral colors keep it feeling modern, while the framed border and classic medallions give it a lived-in, “I’ve been here forever” air. Additionally, it is made of polyester that is power-loomed, which adds a nice texture underfoot without sacrificing durability. Its canvas backing assures that it won’t slip and slide, and its stain-resistant finish guarantees that it will withstand the rigors of daily life (particularly if you add a rug pad). Additionally, there are two custom color variations available, and I adore how the rug will softly alter its appearance based on the lighting and time of day in your space.
8. Foundry Select Tinnley Rug
This striped beauty skillfully combines contemporary style with everyday functionality. Its cream and gray neutrals create a clean, minimalist look that would look great in a spacious Scandinavian living space. The thick border and vertical stripes create a striking yet subtle finish, and the hand-tufted, 100% wool composition makes it as soft underfoot as it is long-lasting. It’s also simple to combine with any of your current décor thanks to the three color options—white/grey, white/black, and cream/grey. For more stability, just make sure to use a rug pad with it.
9. AllModern Orlie Rug
This AllModern piece is stylish and classic enough to remain in style, yet it has all the features you might desire in a high-end, modern piece. Its tone-on-tone geometric provides a subtle, contemporary edge with a solid shade to keep it grounded, and it is made entirely of hand-tufted New Zealand wool. Additionally, it is constructed with incredibly sturdy craftsmanship, ensuring that it will not pull when placed in the living room or bedroom. Naturally, it has a high-profile, soft pile that is quite comfortable underfoot; nonetheless, spot cleaning is essential because it cannot be machine washed.
10. AllModern Clio Rug
This rug can be easily incorporated into any space thanks to its 14 color variations, which include deep burned red, dark eggplant, and traditional navy. It is made from soft wool in India for a luxurious sensation underfoot, and its simple, minimalistic design lets the color and texture speak for themselves. Additionally, the fringe feature adds just enough visual intrigue to make a statement, and the hand-looming technique gives it an artisanal touch that makes it feel more distinctive and less mass-produced. The icing on the cake? This gentleman will come back to life with a quick spot clean using a mild detergent because wool naturally resists dirt and stains.
