The Best Eco-friendly Area Rugs on a Budget

Eco-friendly Area Rugs

Area rugs are a perfect way to pull a room together or define an area in an open concept home. They also create warmth and sound dampening when used on hardwood or tile floors.

Of the tens of thousands of area rugs out there, in prices that range from super cheap (under $100) to super duper spendy (over $20,000), there are a variety of factors that will affect cost, performance, and aesthetics.

Why it Matters

On the cheap end, area rugs, and wall to wall carpet too, for that matter, are typically made of nylon or polypropylene. Both are petroleum products that are not good for the planet or for your indoor air quality.

That “new carpet” smell? That’s the odor of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off gassing in your space. The odor could linger for weeks or months and it is bad news for the chemically sensitive and small children. None of those make this list.

A better choice are natural or animal fiber rugs. A few examples are jute, seagrass, sisal, hemp, organic wool, organic cotton, and bamboo.

What to Look for and What You Get

Wool:

• Often comes from India so importing requires the use of fossil fuels. Bummer.
• But the material itself is a rapidly renewable resource. Yay!
• If you like wool, be aware that while it is naturally antimicrobial and stain resistant, it sheds a lot so you’ll have to vacuum frequently.

Jute and Sisal:

• Fabulously eco-friendly!
• But often looks best (and feels better barefoot) when combined with wool.

And don’t forget… Bamboo, recycled materials and cork.

Without further ado, here are some eco-friendly area rugs perfect for those on a budget:

Birch Lane, 7’6” x 9’6”, $338