Arguably one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of planning for a new arrival is setting up the nursery. From smaller details like mobiles and humidifiers to anchor furniture pieces like the crib and dresser, it’s a seemingly endless parade of decisions. One less obvious piece that can make a huge aesthetic impact? The nursery rug.
Do you need a rug for the nursery?
Whether you’ve got bare or carpeted floors, rugs offer a cozy way to ground a space or help define one area from another. From the earliest days, they’re a place to bond and play but if chosen well can last well through babyhood and into the big kid phase. (And given the investment, it’s a good idea to spend the money on something that will last.)
What do we mean by “chosen well?” Well, beyond looking for something that thinks outside the typical juvenile patterns, it also comes down to fabric and construction.
“Washable rugs are everything right now. We are huge fans of area rugs that are washing machine washable. Besides being easy to clean and get clean there are many styles with soft smooth surfaces that don’t shed. They’re also perfect for nurseries with littles ones rolling and crawling around but also great for families with sensitivities or allergies because they don’t shed,,” says Lisa Janvrin, founder and CEO of YouthfulNest, a virtual interior design experience that helps parents design stylish kid-focused spaces.
That said, poly blends and wool fabrics aren’t out of the question. They can be easy to spot clean and patterns are forgiving.
What’s the best rug size for a nursery?
Obviously that’s going to depend on the room size, but in our opinion bigger is better. A larger rug that covers the majority of the floor creates a more cohesive look as opposed to chopping the room up.
And while there are millions to choose from, we’re here to make life a little easier with our current top-picks. From gender-neutral nurseries to minimalist Montessori nursery spaces, these are the nursery rugs we love right now.
Check out the best nursery rugs below!
Nestig
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$399
Make the nursery the cheeriest room in the house with the Sunbeam rug from the nursery design experts at Nestig. Made from 100% organic cotton that’s machine washable, it’s whimsical without being too juvenile and the oval shape works great whether you’ve got hardwood or carpeted floors.
Rifle Paper Co.
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$90
There are florals and then there’s Rifle Paper Co. florals. I’m not sure what it is about Anna Bond’s hand painted illustrations that lend such a distinct and captivating look, but I’m here for it in all forms. Notebooks, calendars, iPhone cases, you name it. So it’s no surprise the recent launch into rugs has me totally smitten. Many styles have already sold out, but hopefully restocks are on the way. In the meantime, this beauty is still available in all sizes and can easily anchor a garden theme nursery.
Ruggable
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$129
Not that you need any excuse to lay face down in a nursery carpet (we see you, mama!) but if ever there was one that asked for it…Seriously, the shag rugs from Ruggable are the fastest way to cozy up your little one’s space. They’re fluffy and inviting, but what’s even more appealing is the fact that they’re also water-resistant, stain-resistant, and completely machine-washable. And while it’s not a total must, if you’ve got wood floors, I highly recommend their cushioned rug pad which makes it extra comfy for those impromptu floor naps and doesn’t move an inch.
Lorena Canals
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$339
Forget polka dots. Mosaic-inspired terrazo is the pattern we’re crushing on these days. This cozy (and machine washable!) design from washable rug pioneers Lorena Canals will easily hold its on in the nursery and seamlessly transfer to big kid room when the time arrives. (😭)
Ruggable
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$89
Yes, we know what we said about juvenile prints—but! You can never go wrong with a jungle theme. Especially when it’s this sweet. The watercolor hues and cheery animals roaming among the plants and flowers will delight them while Ruggable’s stain and water-resistant, machine washable design will delight you. (Do your worst, snack smashing kiddos!)
Prices start at $89.
Novogratz
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$86.99
A twist on the classic ABC rug, this playful but utilitarian design incorporates Morse code and the military alphabet to teach them more than just the basics. The pile is on the low side, but it can easily be made cushier with a rug pad underneath.
nuLOOM
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$114
Spend five seconds scrolling home decor hashtags and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter this piece with the first flick of your thumb. Dubbed the “New Amazon Coat” by the New York Times , this uber-popular Berber knock off has become the unofficial rug of design mavens on a budget. It’s durable and forgiving of the punishment that comes from kids tromping over it and has earned the rave reviews of tens of thousands. In fact, according to one enthusiastic owner, “If I could marry a rug, it would be this one.”
Ruggish
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$119
Style meets function in a big way here with a reversible play mat that looks like a rug but feels like a safe place for baby. The “rug” pattern on one side will have you doing a double-take, while the flipside offers an interactive map that is sure to provide hours of playtime fun. (Or yoga for mama, if you can find the time!)
Prices start at $119
Novogratz
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$93.99
With a mid-century aesthetic and a bold color palette that can complement a variety of paints, this thick wool rug will brighten any stylish nursery. (And if you’ve really got some budget, now might be the time to rationalize an Eames lounge and ottoman for those marathon nursing sessions. *swoon* ) The vivid colors and hand-tufted craftsmanship contribute to an overall expensive feel at a reasonable price.
Mack & Milo
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$185
Rocking a rainbow-themed nursery? This colorful but muted rug from Mack & Milo gets rave reviews for softness and overall quality. It’s also just the right amount of plush for cozying up with some toys and books!
George Oliver Magallanes
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$93.99
With a muted color palette and synthetic construction, this design from George Oliver is a winning combo of style, durability and affordability. The resilient fibers easily hold up to spills and messes with a simple spot clean and given its versatility, it’s likely to last well past the baby years.
Prices start at $93.99
Crate and Barrel
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$149
White rugs are far less nerve-wracking when you can toss them in the washing machine! Made from 100% cotton that can be machine washed, we’re loving this brand new gender-neutral style from Crate & Kids. Its minimalist look and unfussy tassels add just the right amount of charm to an otherwise sophisticated pattern that works for babies and grown ups alike.
Prices start at $149
Pottery Barn Kids
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$169
This dreamy accent makes the perfect addition to a little one’s space. Not only is it super soft underfoot (or belly!) it’s also durable enough to stand up to the occasional spit-up or spill incident. When things get messy, just toss it in the wash!
Hauteloom
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$48
A bold pop of color can make all the difference. This 100% wool style features an all-over origami boat pattern that makes a fun contribution to a nautical-themed nursery. It comes in four sizes and color ways to work with a variety of spaces. Prices start at $48.
Ruggable
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$109
70’s disco, but make it nursery-friendly. It’s hard to pick a favorite from the Jonathan Adler Collection from Ruggable, but if we had to, this would be it. Iconic and modern, the layered rows of cool blue and green tones make a bold statement but also offer a calm and grounded feel within the space. Like the rest of the line, it’s water-resistant, stain-resistant and completely machine washable. Prices start $109
Kroma
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$68
According to Janvrin, Kroma Carpet is popular favorite among her clients who are looking for “more decorative and playful pieces.” The faux-sheepskin accent rugs come in a variety of shapes and colors and are more than just a cozy spot to snuggle. They’re made to withstand spills, dirt, dust and pet (or let’s face it—kid) accidents and can also be used as a throw on your rocker to add a bit of warmth and texture.
