Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Ali Howard

Best places to buy rugs, according to an interiors expert

“A good rug can completely shift the mood of a room”. - (Bombay Sprout/Dusk)

A good rug can completely shift the mood of a room. It anchors furniture, softens hard flooring and adds colour, texture and pattern in one go. When rug shopping, the first thing to think about is size. Too small and it can make a space feel oddly disconnected; larger rugs tend to work better, especially in living rooms where the front legs of sofas and chairs can sit comfortably on top.

Material is worth paying attention to as well. Wool remains a favourite thanks to its durability and soft feel underfoot, while natural fibres like jute or sisal bring a more relaxed, textural look. Washable or synthetic styles can be a godsend in busy homes, particularly in kitchens, hallways, or anywhere prone to muddy shoes or the occasional spill.

Finally, consider how much of a statement you want the rug to make. Bold patterns can ground a room instantly, while softer neutrals act as an easy backdrop that let other pieces shine. To help narrow things down, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to buy rugs right now – from design-led studios and heritage names to high-street favourites and online specialists.

Read more: The best online homeware shops to transform your interiors

The best rug shops for 2026 are:

  • Ruggable – Stylish, washable rugs for busy households, Ruggable.co.uk
  • Dunelm – Affordable rugs with a wide range of styles, Dunelm.co.uk
  • La Redoute – Design-led, mid-range rugs, Laredoute.co.uk
  • Dusk – Relaxed, neutral and budget-friendly rugs, Dusk.com

Bombay Sprout

Founded by designer Zara Bolingbroke-Kent, Bombay Sprout has built a loyal following for rugs that lean confidently into colour, craft and personality. Designed in North Norfolk and handwoven by skilled artisans in India, the collection blends a British interior design sensibility with traditional weaving techniques and natural fibres like wool and jute.

Expect bold stripes, playful borders and richly layered palettes that instantly anchor a room while still feeling relaxed and lived-in. Many designs can be customised for size and colour, which gives you plenty of freedom to play with scale and tone.

From chunky jute pieces to flatweave dhurries, and collaborations like the Laura Stephens collection, the offering balances heritage craftsmanship with an easy, contemporary energy.

Bombay Sprout x Laura Stephens skye runner

Buy now £435, Bombaysprout.com

Bombay Sprout Jaipur jute rug

Buy now £325, Bombaysprout.com

Bombay Sprout dottie diamond flatweave rug

Buy now £345, Bombaysprout.com

Bombay Sprout Tibetan clouds flatweave rug

Buy now £425, Bombaysprout.com

Ruggable

Ruggable has built its reputation on a simple but very clever idea: rugs that can go straight in the washing machine. At the heart of the brand is its two-piece system – a lightweight rug cover that sits on top of a non-slip pad, then peels off easily when spills, muddy shoes or general life happen. The designs cover a wide spectrum, from vintage-style Persian patterns and faded medallions to graphic geometrics and softer, painterly florals. The colour palette leans into warm neutrals, dusty blues and earthy terracottas, which makes them easy to slot into existing schemes.

Where these rugs really come into their own is in hardworking spaces – kitchens, hallways and dining areas where spills are pretty much guaranteed. Stylish, low-fuss and refreshingly practical, these are good-looking rugs that can handle real life.

Read more: Can this washable rug survive coffee spills and muddy paws?

Jonathan Adler inkdrop burgundy flatwoven rug

Buy now £349, Ruggable.co.uk

Iris Apfel protea natural rug

Buy now £479, Ruggable.co.uk

Ruggable sana black and gold rug

Buy now £399, Ruggable.co.uk

Ruggable Calabria coral multicolour rug

Buy now £99, Ruggable.co.uk

Floor Story

Based in Shoreditch, Floor Story approaches rugs with a distinctly design-led mindset. Rooted in London’s creative scene, the studio works with emerging talent and established designers alike, producing handmade rugs that push colour, pattern and form in unexpected directions.

The collection is graphic and expressive – think bold geometry, offbeat colour pairings and pieces designed to be a focal point. Many styles come from collaborations with artists and designers, alongside an in-house range and carefully sourced vintage finds, which keeps the overall edit varied and slightly leftfield.

Craft still sits at the centre: rugs are hand-knotted, tufted or flatwoven using specialist makers and ethical weaving centres, with options for bespoke sizing and colour if you want something tailored to your space.

Choose Love din dins mono pink

Buy now £1130, Floorstory.co.uk

2LG Studio portal in yellow flatweave

Buy now £1130, Floorstory.co.uk

Gill Thorpe rigg and furrow 01 hawthorn flatweave

Buy now £1130, Floorstory.co.uk

Laura Spring solstice in pink and green

Buy now £1130, Floorstory.co.uk

Alternative Flooring

Alternative Flooring takes a more textural approach to rugs, with a focus on natural fibres and design that celebrates pattern and craft. Founded in the late 90s in Andover, Hampshire, the brand originally set out to offer a wider choice of plant-based floor coverings such as sisal, seagrass, coir and jute – materials that bring a tactile feel to a room.

The rug offering builds on that same idea. Expect chunky natural weaves, wool flatweaves and patterned designs. Texture is a big part of the appeal, whether that’s tightly woven sisal, softer wool or layered borders that frame the rug and add definition to a space.

Collabs with British designers, including Margo Selby and Ben Pentreath, add a more decorative edge, bringing stripes, colour and graphic pattern into the mix. The result is a collection that balances natural materials with confident design.

Alternative Flooring Margo selby assembly rug

Buy now £1100, Alternativeflooring.com

Alternative Flooring Jerry woosie rug

Buy now £239.7, Alternativeflooring.com

Alternative Flooring Susie sisal runner

Buy now £295.59, Alternativeflooring.com

Alternative Flooring Margo Selby Westbrook striped rug 2

Buy now £282.4, Alternativeflooring.com

Pappelina

Pappelina brings a distinctly Scandinavian take, blending crisp pattern with serious practicality. The Swedish brand was founded in 1999 by designer Lina Rickardsson and has become known for its woven plastic rugs, produced in Sweden using traditional looms and a technique that gives them a surprisingly soft, flexible feel underfoot.

The look is clean and graphic. Expect stripes, simple geometrics and colour pairings that feel very Nordic – think muted blues, warm neutrals and sharper hits of mustard or black. The designs are reversible too, which adds a subtle shift in tone depending on which side is up.

Everyday functionality is very much part of the appeal. Woven from phthalate-free PVC, the rugs are durable, water-resistant and even machine washable, making them particularly useful in kitchens, hallways and outdoor spaces.

Pappelina vera black runner rug

Buy now £150, Pappelina.com

Pappelina Anya pale orange runner rug

Buy now £110, Pappelina.com

Pappelina edit brick - area rug

Buy now £440, Pappelina.com

Pappelina Molly happy area rug

Buy now £440, Pappelina.com

Layered

A Scandi brand with a strong design perspective, Layered has quickly become known for rugs that blur the boundaries between art piece and floor covering. Founded in Stockholm in 2015, Layered draws inspiration from fashion, architecture and contemporary culture, translating those references into bold pattern, colour and texture.

The aesthetic is refreshingly graphic and expressive. Expect sculptural shapes, geometric pattern and rich colour combinations that shout ‘statement piece’. Collections range from handwoven wool rugs to designs inspired by traditional Scandinavian textiles, all produced with an emphasis on craftsmanship and durable materials.

Sustainability also plays a role in the brand’s approach, with many rugs made using natural or recycled fibres and produced through specialist weaving partners. The result is a collection that feels modern, creative and entirely fashion-forward.

Read more: 8 best sofas, tried and tested by interior experts for style and comfort

Layered Gio wool rug coppa canella

Buy now £1495, Layeredinterior.com

Layered shaggy edge wool rug eden

Buy now £1295, Layeredinterior.com

Layered Gio wool rug doppio rossa

Buy now £1495, Layeredinterior.com

Layered Evelina kroon wool rug currant bush

Buy now £1395, Layeredinterior.com

Heal’s

A long-standing name in British interiors, Heal's has been championing well-made, design-led homeware for more than two centuries. Still anchored by its Tottenham Court Road flagship, the store has built a reputation for promoting modern design and working with both established and emerging designers.

The rug selection reflects that design-forward approach. Alongside Heal’s own range, the edit brings together pieces from renowned makers and studios, spanning everything from textured wool and jute to more graphic, contemporary designs. The mix means you can find understated neutrals or something more statement-making in one place.

For anyone who enjoys browsing across brands rather than sticking to a single label, it’s an especially useful stop. A thoughtful in-house collection sits alongside designer rugs from names like Linie Design, GAN and Louis de Poortere, making it a reliable destination for both everyday staples and standout pieces.

Tom Dixon line rug black

Buy now £320, Heals.com

Louis de Poortere hadschlu rug agha old gold

Buy now £599, Heals.com

Heal's x Ambar city grove terracotta rug

Buy now £429, Heals.com

Dunelm

A reliable high-street destination for affordable homeware, Dunelm’s rug offering is vast and refreshingly straightforward. The range spans everything from chunky jute styles and cosy shaggy piles to washable rugs, traditional Persian-style designs and modern graphic patterns, all at price points that make switching things up far easier on your bank balance.

There’s a practical feel to the selection, too. Many designs come in multiple sizes, runners and circular shapes included, which makes it easier to coordinate different areas of the house. Neutral wool blends, colourful prints and durable synthetics all sit side by side, giving you plenty of options depending on your space.

For quick updates or first-time decorating, it’s an easy place to pick up a rug that brings warmth, colour and texture underfoot without pushing the budget.

Dunlem Catherine Lansfield Larsson geo rug

Buy now £49, Dunelm.com

Dunelm Sophie Robinson joyful stripe wool rug

Buy now £169, Dunelm.com

Dunelm Hani floral wool rug

Buy now £99, Dunelm.com

Dunelm indulgence dune rug

Buy now £55, Dunelm.com

Zara Home

Fashion-led interiors with a slight Mediterranean mood are very much the territory of Zara Home, where rugs follow the same relaxed, design-conscious aesthetic as the brand’s textiles and furniture. Expect natural materials, soft palettes and patterns that feel gently decorative rather than overly busy.

The range leans into texture and craft. Think woven jute and sisal styles, cotton and wool rugs, plus block-print florals, faded vintage-style patterns and simple stripes that sit easily in everyday interiors. Natural fibres like wool, cotton and jute feature heavily, bringing warmth and texture underfoot while keeping the look stylishly understated.

There’s also plenty of variety here in shape and scale, from large living-room rugs to smaller bedside styles and runners for hallways. If your decorating style skews relaxed and tonal, this is a reliable place to pick up rugs that feel high-end yet easy to live with.

Zara Home rectangular jute rug

Buy now £69.99, Zarahome.com

Zara Home rectangular vintage-effect rug

Buy now £129.99, Zarahome.com

Zara Home wool rug

Buy now £69.99, Zarahome.com

Zara Home colour block print cotton rug

Buy now £39.99, Zarahome.com

Habitat

One of the original high-street champions of modern interiors, Habitat still has a knack for making design-led pieces feel wholly accessible. Founded in London in 1964 by Sir Terence Conran, the brand helped introduce a generation of British shoppers to contemporary homeware and continues to balance good design with sensible price points.

The rug offering reflects that same approach. The range covers plenty of ground, from wool and cotton rugs to natural jute and flatweave styles, alongside graphic patterns and softer, tonal designs that work across different interiors.

You’ll also find the occasional design collab woven into the mix, often bringing bolder colour or pattern into the collection. The overall feel here is practical and design-aware – Habitat is a reliable place to buy a rug that adds texture, warmth and a bit of personality without stretching the decorating budget.

Habitat soumak natural jute flatweave runner

Buy now £70, Habitat.co.uk

Habitat luxe chain green wool cut pile rug

Buy now £100, Habitat.co.uk

Habitat braided grey border jute flatweave rug

Buy now £45, Habitat.co.uk

Habitat crosshatch square beige wool cut pile

Buy now £100, Habitat.co.uk

La Redoute

French interiors brand La Redoute has become something of a quiet favourite for stylish rugs that feel a little more design-led than your average high-street offering. Much of the range sits under its in-house labels – including La Redoute Intérieurs and the more elevated AM.PM line – which means the aesthetic feels cohesive while still offering plenty of variety.

The selection is broad but well edited. Expect Berber-style wool rugs, chunky jute designs, vintage-effect kilims and softer shaggy piles, alongside graphic prints and patterned styles that bring a bit more colour into the mix. Natural materials feature heavily too, with wool, cotton and jute appearing across many designs.

Price points are relatively accessible, especially during the brand’s frequent sales, which makes it a great place to find something both stylish and affordable.

La Redoute lean rectangular rug

Buy now £129.99, Laredoute.co.uk

La Redoute tabaka rectangular rug

Buy now £62.95, Laredoute.co.uk

La Redoute lassan rug in 89% jute

Buy now £109.96, Laredoute.co.uk

Habitat giovi rug in 100% jute

Buy now £129.99, Laredoute.co.uk

Pelican House

A more artisanal route into rug buying, Pelican House operates as a London-based design studio specialising in bespoke, hand-crafted pieces. The focus is firmly on craftsmanship and transparency, connecting interior designers and private clients with weaving communities while producing beautiful rugs that feel highly individual.

The aesthetic here is sculptural and design-led. Expect refined geometry, warm neutrals and tactile surfaces that bring depth underfoot, alongside more graphic patterns that act as a focal point within a room. Many rugs are handwoven using traditional techniques, often in India or Nepal, with materials chosen for durability and texture.

Bespoke projects sit at the heart of the studio’s offering, with clients able to customise size, colour and design. The result is a collection that feels thoughtful, craft-driven and luxurious – in a cool, understated way.

Pelican House rook moss

Buy now £1779.6, Pelican-house.com

Pelican House zig zag jute runner

Buy now £1375, Pelican-house.com

Pelican House chequerboard sage

Buy now £1699.2, Pelican-house.com

Pelican House frith

Buy now £1968, Pelican-house.com

Dusk

Best known for bedding and bedroom furniture, Dusk has quietly built a solid edit of rugs that follow the same relaxed, neutral-first aesthetic. The focus here is on easy, unfussy designs that slot neatly into everyday spaces, with plenty of soft textures and calming tones.

Across the collection you’ll find wool rugs, shaggy piles, jute styles and traditional Persian-inspired patterns, alongside simpler stripes and checks. Many designs come in practical sizes for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways, with runners and outdoor styles also part of the offering.

Price points remain refreshingly accessible, which makes Dusk a go-to when you want to add warmth or texture without turning the purchase into a major investment. A good option for simple, cosy pieces that work effortlessly with modern interiors.

Dusk hand woven wool checkerboard rug forest green

Buy now £85, Dusk.com

Dusk Theo handwoven wool rug white

Buy now £139, Dusk.com

Dusk Zahra Persian style machine washable runner

Buy now £25, Dusk.com

Rugvista

A useful destination if you want sheer variety, Rugvista operates entirely online and specialises in rugs alone, which means the selection is impressively deep. Founded in Sweden in 2005, the company built its reputation by bringing a huge range of designs to the web at a time when rug shopping still tended to happen in specialist showrooms.

The assortment spans both traditional and contemporary styles, from hand-knotted oriental carpets and vintage-style pieces to modern designs, shaggy piles and washable rugs. Materials range widely too, including wool, cotton, jute and silk, with options across different price points and sizes.

A large portion of the collection sits under the brand’s own label, developed with long-term manufacturing partners and designed to balance style, quality and value. For anyone who prefers browsing a huge edit in one place, this is an easy way to compare colours, patterns and materials before settling on the right rug.

Rugvista moderna pile pink/ orange wool rug

Buy now £230, Rugvista.co.uk

Rugvista Ellinor multicolor rug

Buy now £130, Rugvista.co.uk

Rugvista sway green jute rug

Buy now £144, Rugvista.co.uk

These are the best garden furniture stores 2026, expert-recommended for outdoor living

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.