When I began decorating our nursery in preparation for our firstborn, finding the best nursery rugs was of utmost importance. As a person with cold feet—and I mean that in the most literal sense—rugs are an absolute essential in my home. In a shoes-off household, I like knowing that my toes will be nice and toasty no matter what room I’m in or what the weather is like outdoors.
Rugs are one of my favorite items to shop for while traveling—I have multiple hand-tufted rugs from Morocco, a patterned rug that I found in Bogota, and a kilim rug I love so much that I’ve transported it through five moves. But with a newborn, my rug priorities quickly shifted to outfitting a baby’s nursery. Once focused on pattern, style, and story, my sights are now set on kids rugs that are hypoallergenic, plush, easy on the knees, machine washable, pill-free, and stain-resistant.
My partner and I spent months researching, testing, spilling, spot cleaning, spilling some more, and chatting with parents in the design industry to identify which nursery rugs came out on top for beautiful baby rooms. Here, some of our favorites that will suit both you and your little one.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Multicolor: Nestig Sunrise Rug, $399
- Best Rainbow: Nestig Arches Rug, $399
- Best Checkerboard: Irregular Checkerboard Rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel, $548
- Best for a Playroom: HAY Tapis Rug,
$645$483 - Best Flatweave: Revival Halo Flatweave Wool Rug, $299
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Materials
100% natural cotton fibers, woven by local artisans in Brazil using nontoxic dyes.
Care Instructions
Machine washable, baby! I also found that throwing the rug in the dryer for 10 minutes really fluffs it up and makes it look less towel-like! Highly recommend!
Tester: Briana Feigon, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Our daughter enjoys the tactile element of this rug, running her fingers through the fibers of the rug and trying to grasp onto the threads.
How do you like sitting on it? I was drawn to this rug for the playful color scheme and the fact that it is made of soft 100% natural cotton fibers. I was impressed with how compact the rug is able to fold up into because of how plush and comfy it is. The colors are just as rich in person as they look online. That said, I do wish this rug had a bit more padding. I found that the rug looks and feels somewhat towel-like and wouldn’t make for a great play rug. I imagine this accounts for how easy it is to throw in the washing machine, and since our daughter is a spit-up queen, this has very much come in handy, but I would recommend putting over a rug pad to add some extra cushion.
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Materials
100% organic cotton. It’s available in two colorways (pink or seaglass, which is a light blue) and uses nontoxic dyes. Each rug is handmade in Brazil.
Care Instructions
The recommended care instructions for this particular rug from Nestig are to wash on a cold, delicate cycle using gentle detergent with a low pH.
Tester: Malena Galloway Rivas, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? There’s a shagginess to the rug, which I love–it adds a bit of depth and fluff which makes it cozy to sit on. Also, cleaning the rug is a breeze, considering the size. I appreciate that it’s pretty lightweight so shaking off the dust/dirt isn’t too much of an arm workout.
How do you like sitting on it? As soon as I enter my daughter’s nursery, I love stepping onto the rug with my bare feet—it’s soft and the perfect size for both of us to sit on and play. The colors in the rug (dusty rose, beige, orange, and sage) complement the accent wall (forest green) and the natural tones of the furniture. We wanted the nursery to be filled with jewel tones and muted hues and the rug is the perfect addition that ties the space together.
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Materials
90% natural wool and 10% cotton
Care Instructions
It’s normal for shedding or loose fibers to occur with this rug and it should diminish over time with regular vacuuming or trimming. I want to note that this rug is easy to vacuum, though it is “not recommended to use powerful vacuums or vacuums with beater bars. Blot stains and clean professionally.
Tester: Clara Haneberg, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? Baby loves sitting on this supersoft, “beautifully imperfect” rug, and its irregular square shapes always draw his eye. The rug provides a plush foundation for our nursery while also doubling as a whimsical backdrop for our son’s toys—its unique, contrasting high-low pile create “dips” for his trucks to drive down and act as pretend parking spots to put his tiny dinosaurs. He always giggles when we enter his room, and I’m highly certain this rug has something to do with it!
How do you like sitting on it? I enjoy sitting on this well-made rug. Its contrasting high-low pile doesn’t negatively affect its comfort when sitting. It’s plush enough for me to get on all fours and play along with my little one for hours.
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Materials
Jute and cotton with a nonslip polyester backing
Care Instructions
Vacuum regularly and spot treat stains with a product made for natural fibers. Professionally clean as needed.
Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? He loves playing on it! It definitely sees a lot of action. We have this rug in our playroom and it’s absolutely perfect for that area—it’s understated but still characterful, soft but still serves as an ideal surface for play. It really checks all the boxes. And its nonslip backing is a godsend. With all the movement that happens in this area of our house, it would be a terrible nuisance to have to constantly reposition a rug pad.
How do you like sitting on it? I’m so happy with it! It really feels like an ideal rug for a high-traffic, multipurpose space—durable, attractive, and so comfortable. And I love the subtle hint of color. It’s not a rug I’d immediately turn to for a nursery, but for a playroom it’s a perfect 10.
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Materials
Hand-carded all-natural wool on cotton foundation
Care Instructions
Vacuum regularly with a rug-friendly machine (no beater brush!). Spot-clean by blotting with a paper towel or cloth. Then add clean water or use a damp cloth to dilute the stain before blotting again. Repeat until the stain is removed. Gentle detergent can be used for particularly stubborn stains. Do not dry-clean or steam clean. Professionally clean as needed.
Tester: Shoko Wanger, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? He plays really happily on it. The weave is flat enough that he can roll his trucks over it with ease and soft enough that it’s a pleasant surface to walk, run, and dance on. When I asked his opinion on it, he said, “Feels like Santa!”—which is unquestionably a compliment.
How do you like sitting on it? It’s an impressive rug. You really get a sense of the quality of the hand-carded wool when you sit on it. Also, as a parent who appreciates understated uses of kid-friendly color, I love how subtle—yet impactful—the pink fibers are.
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Materials
100% cotton and made with natural dyes
Care Instructions
It’s machine washable, which is one of the reasons I chose it. Since it’s made with natural dyes, Nestig recommends using a mild detergent with a low pH instead of harsher ones like Tide that might cause the colors to run. They also recommend running an extra rinse cycle to ensure the detergent is fully washed from the rug.
Editor’s note: While this pick is sold out, the Hand-Tufted Velvet Rug in Blue Tigger from Maisonette is a similar and great option if you’re looking for a tiger rug option, though made from 100% wool instead of 100% cotton.
Tester: Elaheh Nozari, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? My three-month old niece did tummy time on it—it is supersoft but not itchy, which makes it good for a baby. I also have hardwood floors and I found that it’s an easy rug to move around to parts of the apartment that might need more cushioning for tummy time or playing. It does slip so if you’re planning to keep it in one place as an area rug, I’d recommend buying a rug pad to make sure it stays in one place.
How do you like sitting on it? It’s very comfortable! I was worried that it would feel itchy, but the cotton is supersoft and cushioned.
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Materials
97% cotton, 3% other fiber.
Care Instructions
Machine wash on delicate wash using a mild detergent (no bleach, no softeners.) Do not leave the wet rug in the washer, as colors may run or stain. Tumble dry at low temperature. Avoid drying in the sun. During the first few days, it is advisable to sweep the rug with a hard brush in the direction of the plush, and then it is recommended to use the vacuum cleaner but not a robot vacuum.
Editor’s note: While this pick is sold out, the Casablanca 704 Rectangle from Maisonette is a great alternative, featuring a very similar design and plush pile texture.
Tester: Briana Feigon, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? This rug has been a huge hit in the house. Beautiful design and high-quality materials, this gender-neutral rug quickly creates a focal point in any baby room. It is plush enough that I can put our baby down directly on it without needing to lie out a blanket or play mat. It’s also supersoft to the touch and fluffy. The instructions guided us to put in the dryer for 10 minutes after unpacking, and this makes all the difference in fluffing it up!
How do you like sitting on it? I actually just set up a set of drawers in the nursery while sitting on this rug, and it was the perfect padding for my postpartum knees and wrists. Very comfortable. I envision many hours of play on this rug in the years to come! Best of all, Lorena Canals’ pieces are feel-good purchases, as the brand donates a portion of proceeds to support children’s education in Northern India.
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Materials
Handwoven wool and cotton
Care Instructions
Vacuum on low-power setting. Absorb stains with a paper towel, dab with a damp cloth and mild detergent. (I’ve tested this with some of my daughter’s spit-up and it worked like a charm!)
Editor’s note: While the Ethan Cook Rug is sold out, the Willa Wool Handloom Rug from DWR has a similar design, handloomed from wool and cotton with a similar flatweave, kilim-style to the Flat Works Rug.
Tester: Briana Feigon, contributor
How did your baby/kid like sitting on it? The vision for this rug was a kid-friendly rug in an adult room. We spend a substantial amount of time with our daughter in the living room, and wanted a rug that would be suitable for her but also elegant enough to feel adult-appropriate. Posie loves the color blocking of this rug and we love that it is made of hypoallergenic fibers. Sometimes our daughter will have playtime directly on the rug, and other times we will spread out a play mat or throw blanket on top of the rug to offer Posie some extra padding to play on top of.
How do you like sitting on it? HAY recommends a rug pad to go under this rug to offer extra support and there is no nonslip backing to go along with it. I completely agree. It’s thin, which made delivery and set up a breeze, but without a pad it is very slippery on hardwood floor. The pattern in person is such an amazing statement piece and constantly receives compliments. It brightens up our entire room!
More Kids Rugs We Love
Vintage Narel Flatweave Rug
If you’re looking for a one-of-one nursery rug, Revival has you covered with a slew of vintage and unique finds like this flat-woven option with a bold mustard yellow hue depicting a hand-tufted landscape. High-pile dogs, houses, and trees give a plush contrast to the durable wool base.
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West Elm Kids x National Geographic Topo Rug
Give your nursery a taste of the great outdoors with this organically shaped area rug. Designed in collaboration with National Geographic, this rug’s tufting varies from flat-woven to high-pile to mimic our planet’s natural topography. Plus, the scene is ideal for playtime with whatever favorite animal your child is obsessed with these days.
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Serena & Lily Gingham Rug
Lean into the coastal vibe for your nursery with this adorable rug from Serena & Lily. Its soothing blue gingham palette works with a number of themes, and it isn’t too juvenile to keep as your child inevitably grows up. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this rug is highly durable for years of stain-free playtime.
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Flutterby Multicolor Rug by Iris Apfel
Known for their washable area rugs, Ruggable has since ditched the two-part construction and now makes options that can be tossed into the washing machine in their entirety. This playful nursery rug from the late Iris Apfel’s collection features a kaleidoscope of insects sure to spark your kid’s imagination.
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Ernesta Kaia Rug
For those with a nature-themed nursery, allow your child to literally walk on the wild side with a cheetah print flatweave. The wool and nylon makeup is incredibly durable and low-maintenance—simply blot liquids and stain treat as needed. Thanks to custom sizing, you can rest easy knowing this rug will fit your space just as you imagined it.
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Joseph Altuzarra Hot Air Balloon Rug
Fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra lends his signature whimsy to nurseries in his West Elm collection. This hot air balloon area rug offers just the right amount of playfulness with the extended balloon shape, while still being a soft and safe place for your child to play.
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12th Street Area Rug by Jeremiah Brent
Designed by AD100 Honoree Jeremiah Brent, this sweet floral rug boasts high-end design details like cut-out edges and wool blend construction. The tonal color palette offers a sophisticated take on pink that your little one can grow with as their personalities and tastes evolve.
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Schoolhouse Pixel Handloom Shag Rug
Retro Revival: Another brand with its finger on the pulse of playful design is Schoolhouse. This ’70s design brings major fun onto the floor, and its handloom cut pile weave is supersoft, so your little one doesn’t have to worry about rug burn while rolling around.
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Crate & kids Daisy Field Kids Performance Area Rug
Floral Favorite: We can’t resist the daisy pattern on this piece. Your baby will love the print as well as the pile texture, made from 100% microfiber for an easy clean and long-term durability. In cold temps, this rug brings the fun of flower-picking inside.
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How We Chose
When shopping for kids rugs, we take a more material-conscious approach than we might otherwise, since we know your little one will likely be rolling and chewing and grabbing onto this decor moment. In this article, we prioritized rugs that are manufactured using things like non-toxic dyes and eco-conscious or organic cotton or wool materials without sacrificing style. Our runners-up offer other tasteful, if less eco-aware options, to round out your search for playful rugs to suit your little one’s sanctuary.
What to Look For in the Best Nursery Rugs
When they’re not in your arms (or in their crib), babies clock in a lot of tummy time on the ground. Because of this, parents should ensure that the surfaces their little ones are crawling on are as gentle as possible, especially considering how sensitive a baby’s skin and mouth will be from making frequent contact with the nursery rug or play mat you decide to go with.
Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute and parent of a four-year-old and a two-year-old, believes that texture and warmth are key components in a nursery. “When shopping for the right rug, consider fabrications that will make the nursery soft, livable, and playful,” she says.
Natural fibers
Natural fibers such as 100% wool, cotton, or hemp, are prime materials for area rugs that will last a long time. For kids who suffer from asthma or allergies like dust and pollen, wool and jute are especially sought after for keeping bacteria and germs at bay thanks to their thickly woven surfaces that trap air inside of the rug and prevent germs from multiplying.
Jute rugs may be less plush and soft to sit on, but they are another recognizably safe option for kids with allergies—especially dust allergies—as jute naturally repels dust mites. Tightly woven, strong fibers with low pile heights (thinner) also shed less, another boon for little crawlers with allergies. The super-durable, easy to clean material makes sense for highly trafficked areas of the house and the neutral colorway looks great long after your kiddo has grown out of it.
Cheerful patterns
Phoebe Sung, cofounder of Cold Picnic, has built an entire homeware brand around the bright colors and unconventional patterns. With two children of her own, she’s witnessed the appeal of punchy patterns and bold imagery in rugs firsthand. She installed a version of her brand's Crocodile rug on the stairs of her home because their kids love crocodiles so much.
Phoebe also recommends tufted rugs for durability, especially in highly trafficked areas: “We like to use the hand-tufted rugs for playrooms since they’re plush and better for falls,” she says. “But woven rugs are ideal for heavier traffic or snack areas since they’re durable, easy to clean and—in case of disastrous mess—reversible.”
Machine-washable designs
The amount of fluids newborns excrete is very impressive: Spit-up, snot, bottle spills, diaper explosions, the list goes on and on! So, it’s safe to assume that anything and everything that your baby comes into contact with will eventually get stained. This is what leads most parents to explore the world of machine washable rugs, as in ones that you can pop in the washing machine whenever they have experienced an epic spill. We’ve tested several modern nursery rugs you can pop in the washer, but if you’re looking for reviews of more brands (like Ruggable and Tumble Living), we’d recommend checking out this article.
Versatility
Barbora Samieian, cofounder of Sundays Company and a mother of four, understands the importance of finding the perfect nursery rug that is versatile enough to live as a kid’s room rug as well. “The nursery stage is so special but so short-lived! I’m a big fan of multifunctionality and choosing furniture and accessories that can live on in other areas of your home as your children grow.” With that advice in mind, opt for a high-quality design you know will last once the nursery decor is swapped out.
