Who says non-toxic rugs can’t also be beautiful and cozy? Whether you’re a design lover who wants to be more eco-friendly or a sustainability-minded person who doesn’t want to sacrifice good design, these natural, artisanal rug brands check all the boxes.
And purchasing eco-friendly, non-toxic rugs for your living space isn’t just a luxury, either– it’s an impactful step to healthier in-home living when you consider that microscopic rug fibers and off-gassing from synthetic decor can circulate throughout a home (and by extension, get into your bloodstream) for years.
To avoid any unnecessary exposure– and to make a better choice for the environment!– look for rug brands that work with renewable natural materials like wool, cotton, and bamboo.
Avoid synthetic materials like polypropylene, nylon, and polyester. Each of these materials requires a heavy load of chemicals to produce and sustain product integrity, so they are best to avoid.
^ Fortunately, however, none of the non-toxic rug collections below have that problem! Each of them is pioneering a future in which we don’t have to sacrifice beautiful design for sustainability. When it comes to shopping for non-toxic rugs, however, you just have to know where to look.
Scroll our guide to the best eco-friendly, non-toxic rugs on the market, below.
These brands really approach the concept of interior design with serenity and finesse. The cozy environments that these products encourage, moreover, are as good for your health as they are for your mind. Happy nesting!
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Benisouk (Handcrafted Moroccan Wool Rugs)
Benisouk is a unique purveyor of high-end Moroccan rugs that are as singular as they are gorgeous. Most rugs in this shop are completely one-of-a-kind, handcrafted from 100% Moroccan wool by artisans whose work the sale of these rugs helps to honor and preserve.
The Azizal rugs, for example, are made by an artist craftswoman of the Azilal tribe using vegetable dye and 100% premium raw wool from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Incorporating indigenous Berber symbols into these colorful hues, the design reflects the history and nomadic culture of its creator. As such, this collection offers some of the most sought-after rugs in Morocco, as they are becoming increasingly hard to find.
(The villages of the remote, rocky Azilal region are a testament to this time-honored craftsmanship. The rugmaking craft is a tradition passed on from mother to daughter, and rugs like these take months or even years to complete. Supposedly, the bright colors and abstract motifs bring good fortune, strength, wisdom, and peace to any household one of the rugs sits in.)
The brand also sells unique monochrome Beni Ouarain rugs, which offer more geometric, contemporary patterns. Everything is so authentic that in addition to searching by color, size, and style, you can also search designs according to tribe. Very cool!
You can even watch videos on the brand’s website that highlight how the rugs are made.
Best of all, if you do decide to purchase a rug, it will arrive in 1-4 days. The era of waiting months for an authentic Morrocan rug to ship is an experience of the past. With Benisouk, you can have your non-toxic artisan rug and enjoy it immediately, too.
The Citizenry (High Impact, Low Pile Rugs)
The Citizenry is known for their high-impact, low-pile rugs that are distantly inspired by the patterns and esoteric shapes of the American SouthWest. Whether you’re looking for geometric patterns or something more abstract, these eco-friendly rugs appeal to design lovers of all persuasions.
We love the desert tones and handwoven finesse of the accent rugs in this collection, as The Citizenry is a great place to shop for statement rugs in neutral and bold, brilliant color schemes, alike. Each rug is uniquely artistic and designed with aesthetics in mind.
They also sell eco-friendly rug pads and have a beautiful showroom in Soho, NYC. (Again– if the location is any indication– the brand certainly knows its audience.)
For those aiming to be extra eco-friendly in their decor purchases, The Citizenry also offers a line of recycled and plant-based rugs, composed of sustainable materials like recycled plastic and organic jute. (<— These necessarily come in more muted colors, but the texture and weave are just as beautiful as even the boldest rugs in the line.)
Lorena Canals (Whimsical + Washable)
Lorena Canals makes whimsical, kid-focused, and machine-washable rugs, which are produced with non-toxic dyes so parents can rest easy. The rotating and seasonal collection of non-toxic rugs also make great statement pieces for those with funkier styles (see the botanical rug, above).
Expect to see lots of rainbow tones and bright colors throughout the collection, as well as twee patterns and plush finishes.
Because many of the area rugs by Lorena Canals are focused on children’s spaces, it’s possible to secure a deal (i.e. pay almost half the price) of some of the non-toxic “adult” rug counterparts sold by other brands on the market. (E.g. ~$600 for a large area rug as opposed to ~$1200. Do with that what you will. But if you’re shopping for statement rugs on a budget, this brand offers a clever place to start.)
LC’s washable cotton rugs, moreover, are handmade from lightweight cotton and non-toxic dyes, so they are easy and safe to move around. (And you can get them in the washing machine with ease– a boon for those with children!)
The brand has also started offering a line of upcycled rugs made from undyed cotton and a base canvas made from other shredded, spun, and recycled cotton rug scraps– textile waste in which these rugs help breathe new life. Shop the “RugCycled” collection here.
Nordic Knots (Minimalist Scandinavian Design)
Nordic Knots is known for elegant, timeless, Scandinavian-minimalist designs– and their iconic checkered rugs.
Those looking to add an artistic dash of hygge to their space will enjoy their selection of flatweave and hand-knotted wool rugs, which are inspired by Nordic light, colors, and landscape.
With their tasteful abstraction and often simple textures and colors, Nordic Knots is also a great brand for people who want understated, contemporary rugs that are also natural in composition. Even the flashier designs can pull together a room without trying too hard.
And of course, all rugs are eco-friendly and non-toxic, handmade by GoodWeave-certified weavers in Bhadohi, India. (GoodWeave is an organization that ensures these eco-friendly rugs are made by adult artisans, not children.)
Ultimately, the non-toxic materials and stylish designs have garnered attention from Vogue, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, as well as other interior design authorities.
When you have an enthusiastic co-sign from pre-eminent names in the realm of style, the fact that the product is better for the environment is just a bonus. They also offer free shipping in the US.
Nodi Rugs (Non-Toxic Rugs Made From NZ Wool)
Nodi Rugs makes New Zealand’s finest natural, handmade rugs, with elegant, understated styles made from classic New Zealand wool. (A natural product the country is known for.)
With their beautiful, understated aesthetic, Nodi captures the essence of comfort at home. Their designs encourage ease of living and a graceful synergy with nature. (One look at their website and you’ll understand what I mean.) We love them!
Above all, the brand is known for its braided, hand-knotted, basket weave, and looped jute rugs. These, IMHO, are some of the best in the industry. They come in a more neutral palette of colors– woody tones and natural tans, charcoals and greys, etc.
The boutique brand also offers luxurious bamboo silk rugs (above shown), a rare find. These have a softer surface feel and a higher pile height. You can also order them in brighter colors, like burnt orange, purple-mauve, and forest green. Patterns and weave styles are typically refined and understated, as well.
Ultimately, the yarn for each style of rug they offer is renewable and sustainably harvested. So, no need to worry about whether your design preferences come with an environmental trade-off. With Nodi, everything is beautifully made and environmentally sound.
All Nodi rugs are handmade in India and are GoodWeave certified, as well.
Burrow (Limited, Modern Collection)
Burrow is a nice, fast go-to for low-maintenance non-toxic rugs– but the collection is small, and not everything in it is made from natural materials. Be sure to pay attention to which rugs have the “Natural Materials” label. (In this case, it means wool and viscose composition.)
The brand’s cushy, reversible rug pads are made from recycled fiber and latex rubber, as well. (You don’t want to waste time lining a non-toxic rug with a PVC and phthalate-filled rug pad, after all. As a result, Burrow rug pads are a great option to pair with a non-toxic area rug. (Even if you don’t buy that rug from them.)
Design-wise, Burrow’s limited selection is generally very modern, safe, and timeless. Think: empire lines, houndstooth patterns, and the like.
Ultimately, the price here is also very competitive for eco-friendly rugs. (Approximately ~$395 for a 5′ by 8′ Burrow rug versus twice that price at several competitors in the natural rug space.)
^ This, of course, makes Burrow’s limited color options more appealing– not that the lovely cream and ocean blue textures aren’t attractive in their own right.
Burrow was a furniture company first, however, so eco-friendly rugs are only one part of their ever-diversifying vertical. (But still, if you want to shop from a wide variety of designs, consider perusing some of the other brands on this list.)
Honorable Mention: Non-Toxic Rug Pads
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Nature’s Grip Rug Pads from Rugpad USA
Rugpad USA’s Nature Grip Rug Pads are an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic PVC rug pads. Made from hand-woven organic jute fibers and natural rubber to maximize grip, these non-toxic rug pads offer superior flooring protection without harsh chemicals. Plus, they’re 100% made in the USA!
Using a rug pad helps extend your rug’s life and prevents it from skidding or (quite literally) tripping you up. These eco-friendly rug pads are also adhesive-free, so they won’t ruin or stick to floors.
Customize the size of your rug pad before ordering to fit the exact dimensions of your rug, runner, or round. The liner will arrive folded or rolled and you can customize the size of any order so that it comes pre-measured and cut to fit under your rug perfectly.
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Related: The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Down Alternative Comforters on the market today.
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