How to choose a kids' rug
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a kids' rug:
Size: It's important to select the right size to neatly fit in a bedroom or playroom, so be sure to measure up. If it's too small for the space it may feel underwhelming and if it's too big, it can overshadow a room’s features. This handy sizing guide offers some helpful tips
Material: If you're dressing a nursery, plush, soft, natural materials like cotton will work best. If you’re looking for something hardwearing for the playroom, jute, wool and polyester are reliable choices. You may also want something with a non-slip backing for little ones finding their footing
Style: As we all know, kids have strong opinions on everything and an older child will want to be involved in any room furnishing decisions. Choosing a style that will grow with them is a great way to get the most out of your choice, although for young children, rugs that have a play element are going to win hands down every time
Durability: A rug in a kids' room is likely to be subjected to more than your average spills and stains. And, when this happens, you want something you're going to be able to clean quickly. You'll also want a rug that's able to cope well in a busy environment without looking tired so choosing a hardwearing but gentle rug is a must
Are rugs safe for babies?
When choosing a rug for a nursery, you'll want to pick a high-quality, non-toxic piece. Nylon rugs are very baby-friendly, easy to maintain, soft and comfortable. Wool rugs are also a great choice for crawling babies. And, sheepskin will provide a super soft and safe crawling environment. Synthetic fibres such as polypropylene can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air and should be avoided. It's also important to avoid any rugs that may contain a toxic dye as this can potentially cause allergic and respiratory reactions. Think natural, natural, natural.
Are rugs washable?
Being able to wash a kids' rug is a big bonus for many parents. As a general rule of thumb, rugs made from cotton are safe for machine use. Rugs made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester can also wash up well. When washing a rug, always put it in the drum on its own on a gentle, 30 C cycle before air-drying. Remember to check manufacturers guidelines on this. Molly Maid has some top tips on maintaining floor standards with the kids around.
What's the best kids' rug to buy?
The Space Explorer Rug from Great Little Trading Co is our star buy. It's practical and generously sized. It's made from 100% wool so is gentle on skin. Its dark colours will tastefully disguise spillages and everyday wear and tear. It's super-comfy and is space-themed. What child (or adult) isn't completely fascinated by all things astronomical and we're certain this one will provide hours of joy.
How we chose our recommendations
We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for recommendations from our users on kids' rugs they rated most highly. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.
We also consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and made sure we included brands that regularly appeared in top 10 lists.
We then looked at reviews for each of our longlisted kids' rugs to check that previous customers were satisfied with their purchases. By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a top list that we think offers something for everybody.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.