The addition of a rug to a space in your home can be the one thing that brings the whole room together. It’s an important piece in any interior design! When you’re looking for a rug for a room in your home, west elm has tons of options for you to choose from.
But we know how busy you are, and sometimes when you’re trying to look at a rug online you can’t really envision what it actually looks like and how it feels. That’s where I come in! I went to the Jacksonville, Florida west elm and spent hours reviewing every rug that they have in their showroom.
I pulled each one out off its rack and touched it, ran my hand over it, and made a decision on how durable it would be in high-traffic areas. I also checked the quality and any other details that you might miss if you were looking at a rug online to give you an accurate assessment so that you can make a purchasing decision.
Related: All west elm Furniture Reviews Here | West Elm Sofa Review | West Elm Curtains Review
Methodology
Before I jump into the reviews, though, let me lay out what is important to me when choosing a rug. You may have different priorities, so I want to make sure that I’m as transparent as possible. Even if I didn’t like a particular rug, I tried to be descriptive about what it feels like to touch it, and unbias opinion on quality and durability, and areas of the home or lifestyle that would be suitable for a particular product, so you can make your own decisions based on your preferences.
For me, my home is a reflection of me: comfy, cozy, with a lived-in look. I tend to gravitate towards bright colors and statement pieces because I like my home to have bits of bold throughout. More importantly, for me, when choosing a rug is the fact that I have a 40-lb husky-corgi, who sheds his entire coat twice a year (but really is just molting all the time).
While we prefer hardwood floors, for this reason, we need area rugs! And the most critical factor is how much dog fur is going to collect in a carpet, how visible it will be, and how difficult it seems to vacuum it out! With that out of the way, here is our ultimate review of all the rug options at west elm!
west elm Rug Reviews
Sun Faded Jute
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.4”
- Materials: 100% jute
- Additional Details: Reversible. Handcrafted on a loom and stonewashed by hand.
Pros:
- Tasseled
- Reversible
- Durable
Cons:
- No backing
- Not soft
Overall Impression: I like how each rug would be unique because it’s handwoven on a loom. You can see the different thicknesses and inconsistencies in the weave. I don’t like how rough the jute is under my feet, so I wouldn’t want this anywhere I’d be running around in bare feet.
But I do like the color, and the tassels are a cute touch.
Shoreline All-Weather
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 2.5’x7’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.5”
- Materials: 72% all-weather polypropylene, 28% recycled polyester
- Additional Details: Indoor/outdoor use; waterproof; shed resistant
Pros:
- Soft for an indoor/outdoor
- No plastic feel
Cons:
- Not reversible
Overall Impression: I was really surprised by how soft this rug was that I didn’t even realize at first that it’s an indoor/outdoor! It was cushiony and didn’t have that plastic roughness that you typically find in all-weather rugs. I like the mix of black, white, and royal blue, and the pattern is really cool.
It looks different depending on what angle you’re coming at it from! I would definitely get this for a porch or patio!
Etched Clouds
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.8”
- Materials: 100% nylon
- Additional Details: Good for high-traffic areas
Pros:
- Durable
- Suitable for high-traffic areas
Cons:
- Only one color option in grey/white
Overall Impression: I really liked this one! The graphic design on it is created mimicking how an etching is made. Up close, you can’t really see the whole picture, but the clouds appear further you move away from it. It’s a really cool illusion!
It’s definitely durable enough for our crazy household and would vacuum up dog hair pretty easily. It was also one of the plusher options west elm had on display, without moving into a higher pile like shag rugs. That made it really soft and cushiony underneath the feet!
I just wish there were other color options. White would never do well in my home!
Patina Rug
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 3’x5’, 2.5’x7’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 4
- Materials: 60% viscose, 40% wool
- Additional Details: Hand-tufted.
Pros:
- Low-pile rug, but thick weave makes it cushioned
Cons:
- Very prone to lint
- Would be hard to vacuum up pet hair
Overall Impression: The first thing I noticed about this rug is the amount of dust and fibers that were stuck on it. This rug wasn’t even on the floor, but hanging up! While it is typical of new handcrafted rugs to shed, and it usually takes three to six months for this to stop, there were non-native fibers attached too. My dog never stops shedding, and this would be like a fur magnet!
Jute Boucle
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 2’x3’, 2.5’x7’, 2.5’x12’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 2
- Materials: 100% jute
- Additional Details: Ethically produced to meet NEST standards
Pros:
- Handcrafted
- Durable
- Tightly woven
Cons:
- Not soft underfoot
- Not cushioned
Overall Impression: I’m not a fan of putting jute rugs in my home in areas where we walk around without shoes on. I just don’t like the rough feeling under my feet, personally. But I do think that this rug would be good to put in an entryway or laundry room, or other high-traffic areas.
It’s really durable and seems like it would resist dirt pretty well and keep it from tracking into the house. Plus, because it’s tightly-woven, it’ll retain the dirt rather than act like a sieve and have it funnel onto your floor below. Therefore, it’d be an excellent option to make sure your floors are protected.
Campbell Flatweave
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.2”
- Materials: 86% wool, 14% cotton
- Additional Details: Reversible. Handwoven. Fair-Trade Certified.
Pros:
- Interesting design
- Variety of colors and textures work in a number of spaces and aesthetics
Cons:
- Some parts of the rug are thinner than others making the surface uneven
Overall Impression: I really like the geometric color blocking that’s going on in this rug. Because it’s bringing a lot of different colors together, it could be a perfect piece to tie together different elements of a room. The different textures also give it a unique feel and add an interesting vibe.
The only thing I don’t like about this rug is that because there are a variety of different weaves going on, there are parts of the rug that are thicker and more cushiony than others. That’s a little weird to walk over because it kind of makes an uneven surface. However, I would probably get used to it pretty quickly.
Sunkissed Landscape
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 2.5’x7’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.5”
- Materials: 100% nylon
- Additional Details: Features a recycled cotton backing.
Pros:
- Durable
- Really rich colors
- Good for high-traffic areas
Cons:
- Synthetic
- Heavy, rich blue on one side is a bit uneven
Overall Impression: I loved all the colors in this rug, but was a little turned off by how uneven it was. I’m a little sensitive when it comes to balancing things out, and while I love how vibrant the blues are in this rug, I wish they weren’t so heavy only on one side. However, if your home has an open-space layout, I think this would work as a transitional piece from one area to the next.
It’s a beautiful piece that really reminds me more of a piece of artwork than a rug!
Verve
Details:
- Available Sizes: 3’x5’, 2.5’x7’, 4’x6’, 6’x9’, 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 7
- Materials: 100% nylon
- Additional Details: Shed resistant.
Pros:
- Durable for high-traffic areas
- Easily cleaned and vacuumed
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Synthetic composition
Overall Impression: The teal in this rug is lovely, and I’m immediately drawn to it. I also love that there are hints of yellow in there too, that you don’t expect! As an abstract take on traditional striped patterns, the variation really gives it an abstract vibe.
There are so many hidden details, and it could be a great statement piece. I’d prefer to put this in a monochromatic minimalist space, where it could really shine as the central focal point in the room. I’d add bits of yellow and teal pops around the room to also bring it together in a really clean way!
Alloy
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Materials: 52% wool, 37% viscose, 11% nylon
- Additional Details: Handcrafted
Pros:
- Handcrafted
- Viscose is soft and shiny
Cons:
- Sheds easily
- Threadbare areas are rough underfoot
Overall Impression: If you want that worn vintage look in your room without rummaging through flea markets, then this is the rug for you. It’s intentionally crafted to have a threadbare look, which is even more enhanced by the viscose threads in gold. The gold gives it a sheen that is really shiny, which draws attention to the rug.
I’m not a big fan of this because I don’t like the threadbare look. Plus, I’m pretty sure my dog would very quickly add to how threadbare it already is!
Echo Print
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Materials: 87% viscose, 13% wool
- Additional Details: Handloomed.
Pros:
- Matching curtains available
- Very soft
- The medium pile is easy to vacuum
Cons:
- Only 1 color option
Overall Impression: This is a really cool print that brings together white, grey, and varying shades of teal. I like how there’s a naturally worn look built into it, and then it reveals hints of a really intricate Egyptian pattern. The rug was surprisingly soft and cushiony, and with a medium pile would be easy to vacuum.
I think this is a really durable rug, with great, symmetric coloring that would work in any room of your home!
Flame
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Thickness: 0.5”
- Materials: 55% viscose, 45% wool
- Additional Details: Handtufted
Pros:
- Thick, tight pile
- Vibrant coloring
- Soft underfoot
Cons:
- Only one color option
Overall Impression: This rug is truly like a piece of art! The viscose makes it super soft underfoot, and cushiony to walk on. I also like that it’s really thick and because it’s tightly woven together I can vacuum it really easily.
The coloring reminds me of the southwest and would work well in a room with a lot of warm neutrals. The only thing I don’t like is that there is only one version of this rug, and I don’t have a room that this would go in! But really, this rug is so beautiful that you could redecorate your hole room around it!
Kasbah
Details:
- Available Sizes: 3’x5’, 2.5’x7’, 2.5’x12’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 7
- Materials: 50% wool, 50% cotton
- Additional Details: Made to order. Handcrafted by artisans. Fair Trade certified.
Pros:
- Most color options are made to order
- Handcrafted
- Shag wool
Cons:
- Difficult to keep clean
- Not recommended if you have dogs
Overall Impression: This is a gorgeously handcrafted design! I really like the Moroccan pattern that’s woven in expertly with the fluffy wool. And I also think it’s essential to point out that it’s created in a Fair Trade Facility.
However, in my home, this wouldn’t work. My dog would either try to eat or dig into the shag and would result in ruining it. But if you wouldn’t have that problem, it’s a superb choice.
I think it would look good in a variety of rooms, but especially in a bedroom or living room. It would really give a luxurious and cozy vibe to a room.
Souk Wool
Details:
- Available Sizes: 3’x5’, 2.5’x7’, 2.5’x12’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’ round, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’, 10’x14’
- Color Options: 7
- Materials: 100% high-pile wool
- Additional Details: Made to order. Handwoven with hand-braided tassels. Fair Trade certified.
Pros:
- Most color options are made to order
- Handcrafted at Fair Trade facilities.
- 100% wool
Cons:
- High-pile shag is difficult to keep clean
- Probably not good with animals
Overall Impression: This is the best selling rug from west elm, and for a good reason – it’s gorgeous! I really love how soft this rug is! And because it’s a high shag rug, it actually hides dirt really well even though it’s ivory.
The only problem I have is my pup’s fur would just become part of the rug, and we’d never be able to get it out. Vacuuming a shag carpet is a tough job, and I think the nature of this wool shag with my pup’s fur would be just a housekeeping nightmare. However, if you have an animal-less home (or room), this is a fantastic rug!
I think it’d work great in a bedroom, den, or living room really well! It’s cozy and gives a kind of luxurious feel to a room because it’s so plush!
Bello
Details:
- Available Sizes: 5’x8’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 1
- Materials: 100% wool with cotton backing
- Additional Details: Handwoven with felted yarns and wools.
Pros:
- Softer than it looks
- 100% wool and handwoven
Cons:
- High-pile shag is challenging to keep clean with pet hair
- Only 1 color option
Overall Impression: This company really likes their light-colored rugs in ivory, white, and cream! Here’s another high-pile wool option for you. I do like that this one has a fascinating texture going on.
The wool pieces are of different thicknesses, and some are felted while others aren’t. Together they create a really plush feeling underfoot, and it looks really cool! Even though I can see this as being just as difficult to keep clean as the others, it seems cleaner because of how it’s woven.
Because the wool yarns felted or spun, it doesn’t have that fluffy look that the other wool options have. And I feel like I’d be able to deal with the pet hair and fur better on this rug than the other high-pile options I’ve seen.
Vines
Details:
- Available Sizes: 2.5’x7’, 6’ round, 5’x8’, 6’x9’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’
- Color Options: 2
- Materials: 100% wool pile
- Additional Details: Handtufted. Fair Trade certified.
Pros:
- Thick and durable
- Handcrafted
- Slight color variation highlights pattern
Cons:
- Limited color options
Overall Impression: I really like this rug a lot, it’s really thick and durable. For a hand-tufted rug, it’s also much softer than I expected. But my favorite part of this rug is the pattern.
The tufting’s slight color variations highlight the patterns of vines up and down the rug. It’s exciting and is a nice texture to bring into a room to balance out some of the smoother elements. The tufting is really tight, too, making it easier to keep clean and vacuum up dog hair!
west elm Rug Round-Up Winner
Picking a winner is going to be tough. I really liked a lot of these rugs, and it was actually harder to think about the cons for some of them. Any rug you choose from west elm is going to be a good choice.
They’re all really well made, many from Fair Trade facilities and using natural materials. But at the end of the day, we need to pick a rug that will work with our lifestyle – comfortable underfoot, easy to clean, and durable. While there were a few that checked those boxes, the pattern we really fell in love with was the Echo Print.
We really liked that it brought together grey, white, and teal because our room is mostly composed of cool neutrals like grey and white. Adding the pop of teal allows us to decorate with other pops of color around the room to really create a comfortable, chill space for us to relax. Which rug is your favorite?
