I wouldn’t be a true millennial living in a big city if I didn’t regularly complain about housing prices, rental increases and the general cost of living.
Half my furniture was newly purchased when I moved into my new apartment (mostly bigger pieces like a fridge and bed frame), the rest has been handed down by friends and family, plus the occasional Facebook Marketplace find.
The Best Affordable Rugs, According To marie claire:
- Best Overall: Miss Amara Zamora Wave Washable Rug, From $249
- Best Washable: Ruggable Nico Solid Olive Rug, From $199
- Best Pattern: Double Plinth Brown Chenille Rug, From $250
However, I often find myself wanting to find new ways to make my space feel fresh and exciting, without having to spend thousands of dollars on new furniture or appliances. The answer? So far, it’s been a simple refresh using colour and texture. Enter: a new rug.
Rugs often fall into the category of ‘sometimes affordable, sometimes wildly excessive’. But from my time spent trawling through the internet and shopping around for the best options, I’ve come to the conclusion that while luxe rugs undeniably look gorgeous, you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your space.
That being said, it’s worth keeping in mind that, generally, the bigger the rug, the higher the price tag. For something smaller in a bedroom, you’ll find it far less expensive than a rug large enough to anchor your living room.
If you’re looking to add a little luxury without spending a fortune, “Texture is the shortcut to ‘expensive’,” says Miss Amara founder Alexandra Weller. “Medium to higher pile rugs instantly add depth and a sense of softness and depth to a room. That tactile layer reads as luxury, whether the fibre is natural or human-made.”
Of course, there are often great sales and seasonal discounts to be found on many of the rugs below, as well as extra savings when you sign up to brand loyalty programs.
All that to say, I’ve done the research for you and found some of the best affordable rugs so that you can love your chic, elevated home without breaking the bank.
Miss Amara
Miss Amara has become a go-to online destination for stylish, practical rugs ranging from classics to machine-washable and pet-friendly options, all in a wide variety of colours, patterns and sizes to suit bedrooms, living rooms and high-traffic spaces. The curated collection prioritises both design and everyday wearability so you can elevate your space without the usual interior-store fuss.
MISS AMARA
Odessa Abstract Washable Rug
MISS AMARA
Zamora Wave Washable Rug
MISS AMARA
Gabbi Cream Shag Rug
MISS AMARA
Celeste Scalloped Jute Round Rug
Double
Double specialises in machine-washable rugs in a huge range of textures (from chenille to vegan wool and jute styles) and shapes (runners, rounds, large area rugs) designed for real-life rooms where spills and pets aren’t a deal-breaker, so you get style and practicality.
DOUBLE
Plinth Brown Chenille Rug
DOUBLE
Dry Olive Chenille Rug
DOUBLE
Willow Cream Highland Round Rug
DOUBLE
Bundle Teal Chenille Rug
Ruggable
Ruggable is best known for machine-washable rugs that merge style with real-life practicality, offering a wide variety of sizes, patterns and design aesthetics that work in living rooms, bedrooms and high-traffic spaces. The two-piece system makes spills and messes far less stressful, which is why they’re a go-to for busy homes, pets and families alike.
RUGGABLE
Impasto Greyscale Rug
RUGGABLE
Nico Solid Olive Rug
RUGGABLE
Haylan Ivory & Blue Rug
RUGGABLE
Alister Blush Rug
Freedom
Freedom’s homewares range includes plenty of rugs in different materials and styles — from plush wool and flatweave synthetics to bold patterned and outdoor pieces — making them a good one-stop shop for versatile floor coverings that work in living rooms, bedrooms or alfresco areas.
FREEDOM
MESTON Floor Rug
FREEDOM
MILDRED Floor Rug
FREEDOM
HOGAN Floor Rug
FREEDOM
MADRAS Floor Rug
Early Settler
Early Settler’s rug selection runs from budget-friendly washable textiles to larger patterned and traditional floor rugs, covering a variety of looks and fibres so you’re sure to find something for every room in your home.
EARLY SETTLER
Maze Plush Rug
EARLY SETTLER
Bromby Scalloped Wool Rug
EARLY SETTLER
Fractured Lines Hi Lo Rug
EARLY SETTLER
Dale Diamond NZ Wool Rug
Myer
Myer’s rug department stocks hundreds of styles — area rugs, runners, kids’ rugs, outdoor options and more — across loads of price points and designs, meaning you can browse everything from classic woven pieces to on-trend washable rugs all in one place.
RUG CULTURE
Revive Roxy Pastel Washable Rug
LOOPSIE
Gerritsen Printed Washable Rug
RUG CULTURE
Evelyn Rug
LOOPSIE
Noho Printed Washable Rug
“Start with your furniture plan, not the rug. A rug should create a visual boundary; it anchors the zone and tells the eye where the ‘room’ begins and ends,” Weller explains. For living spaces, bigger almost always wins. Ideally, your rug is large enough for all key furniture to sit comfortably on it (at minimum, the front legs). A rug that’s too small can make the room feel chopped up, whereas a generous size instantly feels more considered, and more luxurious.”
“The biggest one is going too small. If you’re deciding between sizes, and the room allows, go the larger option. It’s usually the difference between a rug that “sits in” a room and one that truly anchors it,” Weller tells us. “The second is choosing purely on looks without factoring in lifestyle. Think about how the space actually gets used: high traffic, pets, kids, dining, lounging, play. Pile height, texture and fibre all matter here.”
Ultimately, it comes down to your lifestyle, as Weller explains. “Human-made fibres (like quality polyester blends) can be a brilliant choice: they’re designed to feel soft and elevated underfoot, while being tough, practical, and generally more forgiving with everyday marks. In the same breath, wool is a classic for a reason; it has a natural warmth and texture, and it tends to soften and develop character over time. The best choice is the one that fits how you live, not just how you want the room to look on day one.”
Colour can play a huge role in the visual appeal of your space. Weller advises that “Richer, more nuanced tones tend to feel elevated because they add visual weight and warmth. Right now, we’re in the peak of a real return to earthy depth — greens, chocolate browns, deep terracottas, and burgundy — especially when styled with classic shapes and clean, considered furniture. It creates that lived-in, indulgent feeling without needing a huge budget.”
“It comes down to how you style your home,” says Weller. “If you like changing things up — artwork, cushions, decor — a neutral rug is a smart investment because it becomes a timeless base you can build around for years.”
“But if your furniture is fairly classic and you want the room to have a ‘moment’, a bold rug can be the most cost-effective statement you can make. It does a lot of heavy lifting visually – and can make the whole space feel more intentional, without needing to update everything else.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
