Do most area rugs need a pad underneath?

Rug pads are great because they prevent slippage, prolong wear, protect the floor underneath, and provide additional comfort and quiet. That being said, most of our rugs do not actually require a pad underneath. Many, like those from the Andes, crafted with sheep wool and cotton, are durable and sturdy enough to be placed directly on the floor. But for enhanced protection and longevity, a rug pad is always a welcome addition.

Do area rugs absorb sound?

Area rugs are a design-friendly way to absorb sound and insulate a room. They are a wonderful way to reduce noise, as footsteps on a rug are more muted than on hardwood floors or tile, and they also dull ambient sounds. Additionally, they provide warmth and a general sense of well-being. Who doesnt love a good area rug!

How do I care for my area rug?

Most area rugs are easy to maintain with a few simple steps. For small stains and spills, you can spot clean with warm, soapy water. Never rub the affected area, always blot! You should vacuum your rugs to remove dirt and debris. And to ensure that rugs wear evenly, it is recommended to place a pad beneath them, and rotate them regularly. As with most vibrant works of art, direct sunlight may dull the colors. For more substantive cleaning, it is recommended that you dry clean your area rug.

Are there eco-friendly area rugs?

Were huge fans of eco-friendly everything! When it comes to area rugs, you can look for certain indicators that it is produced in a sustainable way that reduces our carbon footprint. Some artisans, like a handful of weavers from India, use recycled fabrics: cotton, rayon, and polyester. Others stress the use of natural dyes and ethically-sourced wool. (Wool is particularly celebrated for being recyclable, abundant, and naturally stain-resistant.)

Are any of your area rugs handmade?

Handmade, or footmade! Many of the weavers who produce area rugs use a pedal, or foot, loom. While they technically have the assistance of a machine--a treadle or handloom--its operation requires the dexterity, strength, coordination, and patience of the artisan. Additionally, most area rugs are finished by hand.

What are traditional methods of making area rugs?

Traditional area rugs are mostly woven on looms. Treadle, or foot, looms make use of pedals to lift and lower the looms harness. This raises the threads of the warp, so that the weft can pass through the opening in the threads. This type of loom is common in the Andes, Central America, as well as Mexico, and traces back to Mayan weavers in the period after the Spanish arrived. Elsewhere, such as India, handlooms are still used. The designs are mapped out in advance, and it takes about four to five days to complete a dhurrie, or traditional Indian floor covering. While the work to craft each of these rugs may be labor intensive, the beauty of the finished product makes it well worth the wait.

What materials are used to make area rugs?

While area rugs are handcrafted by artisans from all over the world, they share certain features in spite of their vastly different regions. From the Andes to Central America, Mexico to India, most artisans use some combination of sheep wool, cotton, and natural and industrial dyes. Some artisans, like those from India, may incorporate other materials, like jute, or recycled cotton, polyester, and rayon, into their works. Some of the Zapotec weavers in Mexico use dyes made from natural materials like walnut shell, cochineal, and flowers. With these materials, artisans create vibrant colors and authentic patterns, ideal for adding dimension and warmth to any home.

Spring Area Rugs at NOVICA

Bestseller

Summer Sky, Mexican Zapotec Rug (2.5x5)

Mario Chavez

(36)

$389.99 Wholesale

$389.99
Bestseller

Red Birds on the Wing, Peruvian Handwoven Red Wool Rug with Birds (2x5)

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$244.99 Wholesale

$244.99
Bestseller

The Jungle World II, Chain-Stitched Animal-Themed Wool Area Rug (3x5) from India

Amit Moza

(44)

$259.99 Wholesale

$64.99 - $259.99
Inca Empire, Inca-Inspired Wool Area Rug from Peru (2x3)

Gamaniel Esmit

(5)

$119.95 Wholesale

$119.95
Vicus, Geometric Patterned Handloomed Wool Area Rug in Red (2x3)

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Bestseller

Festive Charm, Jute and Recycled Cotton Area Rug from India (3x5)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Sunset, Peruvian Hand Loomed Wool Area Rug (4x6)

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$429.99 Wholesale

$429.99
The Jungle World III, Chain-Stitched Animal-Themed Wool Area Rug from India

Amit Moza

(44)

$262.99 Wholesale

$62.99 - $262.99
Tribal Sunshine, Wool dhurrie rug (4x6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$187.99 Wholesale

$187.99
Sky Geometry, 4x6 Handwoven Wool Dhurrie Rug in Aqua from India

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$177.99 Wholesale

$177.99
Wonderland, Stars and Flowers on Bordered Wool Dhurrie Area Rug (4x6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Bestseller

Tiger Delight, Floral and Tiger Motif Wool Area Rug from India

Amit Moza

(44)

$447.99 Wholesale

$119.99 - $447.99
Spring Buds, Handcrafted Floral Wool Area Rug (2x5.5)

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$229.99 Wholesale

$229.99
Turquoise Calm, Handloomed Turquoise Wool Rug with Birds and Flowers (2x5)

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$249.99 Wholesale

$249.99
Persian Brilliance, Beige Grey Hand Knotted Wool Viscose Rectangle Area Rug 5x8

Gopal Khaitan

$904.99 Wholesale

$904.99
Stripes and Diamonds, Diamond and Striped Pattern Wool Area Rug from India (4x6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Exciting Vintage, 4x6 Handwoven Multicolored Wool Dhurrie Rug from India

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99
Cheerful Energy, Wool rug

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Chakras in Pink, Chakra-Themed Embroidered Cotton Yoga Mat in Pink (2x6)

Harish Verma

(1)

$104.99 Wholesale

$104.99
Naturalist, Naturals Textured Jute Taupe/Tan Area Rug

JRF Collective: Natural Rugs

(5)

$255 Wholesale

$45 - $505
Delhi Heights, Hand Tufted Indian Sapphire and Ivory Wool Rug (5x7.5)

Vikrant Bhosle

$474.99 Wholesale

$474.99
Blue Ziggurat, Cotton rug

Mahmood

(4)

$139.99 Wholesale

$139.99
Delhi Colors, Chevron Pattern Wool Area Rug from India (3x5)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Bohemian Class, Diamond-Patterned Handwoven Cotton and Jute Area Rug (2x4)

Sajad

(155)

$107.99 Wholesale

$107.99
Bizet, Natural Jute and Rayon Hand Loomed Area Rug

JRF Collective: Natural Rugs

(5)

$1145 Wholesale

$101 - $1145
Starry Diamonds, Diamond Pattern Wool Area Rug from India (3x5)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$119.99 Wholesale

$119.99
Celestial Stripes, Geometric Striped Pattern Wool Area Rug from India (4x5.5)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$184.99 Wholesale

$184.99
High Sierras, Hand Woven Aqua and Beige Area Rug (2x3)

Marco Bautista

(19)

$219.99 Wholesale

$219.99
Nelly, Natural Tone Solid Taupe/Ivory Sisal Area Rug

JRF Collective: Natural Rugs

(5)

$1095 Wholesale

$63 - $1095
Beach Caravan, 4x6 Wool Dhurrie Rug with a Border in Mint from India

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$179.99 Wholesale

$179.99
Scarlet Garden, Red and Yellow Handwoven Wool Dhurrie Rug (4 x 6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$169.99 Wholesale

$169.99
Celestial Diamonds, Handloomed Acrylic Geometric Area Rug in Orange (2.5x4.5)

Women United for Artisan Development

(25)

$227.99 Wholesale

$227.99
Elite Beauty, Ivory Floral Hand Knotted Wool Rectangle Area Rug (5x8)

Gopal Khaitan

$877.99 Wholesale

$877.99
Coral Reef, Modern Coastal Orange/Ivory Wool Area Rug

JRF Collective: Modern Rugs

(2)

$1270 Wholesale

$104 - $1270
Summer Dance, Fair Trade Geometric Wool Area Rug (4x6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$159.99 Wholesale

$159.99
Blue Majestic Garden, Blue and Grey Floral Wool Area Rug (5x8) from India

Gopal Khaitan

$549.99 Wholesale

$549.99
Erith, Indoor-Outdoor Tribal Multi Color Area Rug

JRF Collective: Indoor-Outdoor Collection

$1180 Wholesale

$110 - $1180
Endless Stars, Hand Woven Colorful Wool Area Rug from Oaxaca

Mario Chavez

(36)

$377.99 Wholesale

$377.99
Rolling Hills, Hand-Woven Flat Weave Wool Area Rug (4x6)

Parvez Alam

$259.99 Wholesale

$259.99
Eartherial, Naturals Textured Jute Ivory/White Area Rug

JRF Collective: Natural Rugs

(5)

$780 Wholesale

$45 - $780
Harvest Gold, Natural Textured Jute Taupe/Tan Area Rug

JRF Collective: Natural Rugs

(5)

$780 Wholesale

$45 - $780
Hourglass Geometry, Hourglass Pattern Wool Area Rug from India (4x6)

Sonik Sethi

(40)

$154 Wholesale

$154
Fiesta Universe, Naturally-dyed 100% Wool Area Rug with Zapotec Designs

Alfredo Ruiz

(25)

$839.99 Wholesale

$839.99
Light of the Horizon, Zapotec wool rug (2x3.5)

Alfredo Ruiz

(25)

$189.99 Wholesale

$189.99

Featured Reviews

Natural ivory/white textured jute area rug, 'Eartherial'

Mary

Jun 23, 2021

This rug is sturdy, simple, and attractive

This rug looks great in my living room. It is thick, sturdy, and comfortable. Its neutral colors are soothing.

Ivory Hallway Area Rug

Jute and recycled cotton area rug, 'Festive Charm' (3x5)

Joan

Dec 25, 2025

enduring charm & beauty

I love the combination of jute and recycled cotton. The colors are vibrant and cheerful. These rugs will be the centerpieces of my living room decor for many years to come.

Colorful Area Rugs

Multicolor Area Rugs

Hand-knotted Area Rugs

Cotton Area Rugs

Eco-Friendly Area Rugs

Wool rug, 'Red Birds on the Wing' (2x5)

Sally

Dec 23, 2019

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!

The red version of this rug doesn't begin to match the picture tonalities. The rug is so exquisite and vibrant I want more offerings in larger sizes. As soon as I laid the rug beside my bed my cat was in complete disbelief, "Really, this is for me?" She loves it. This is a spectacular piece of art--please consider making a 4'x6' and 5''x 8' size.

Beautiful Rugs

Birds

Carpet Style Rug

Floor Area Rug

Hallway

Pretty Floor Area Rugs

Red

Sunset

Very Durable Rug