A nursery rug creates a comfortable and soothing space for your baby to play or practice tummy time. We've gathered a few simple tips to help you choose the best rug for your nursery, including guidelines on picking the correct size and material.

1. Find the Right Size & Shape

(Shop this image: pink Oriental-inspired rugs, white nursery rugs, white cribs, gray nursery rockers, and kids chairs.)

The first step is to choose a rug size and shape that fits your nursery space. Here are some key considerations for selecting the perfect size and shape rug for your nursery.

Size

Size is a key consideration when choosing a nursery area rug. The rug should be large enough to cover a majority of the open floor space. This will help cushion the sound of footsteps while the baby is sleeping, warm up the floor, and provide a comfortable place for the baby to play.

• If you have wood floors, we recommend going for a larger size that covers a lot of floor space. The bit of overlap ensures that there is plenty of softness underfoot and that the legs of the furniture feel anchored.
• If your floors are carpeted, use the area rug to create a focal point that leaves a few inches of space between the edge of the rug and the furniture.
• If you love a rug that isn't large enough for the room, try layering the smaller rug on top of a large area rug. Opt for a spacious area rug in a neutral color or with a simple pattern to really let the smaller rug shine.

Shape

Though most nursery rugs are rectangular or round, there are a variety of other shapes from which to choose. Novelty-shaped rugs like clouds or animals add fun and personality to nurseries while also creating a cushioned space for play.

2. Choose the Best Material

(Shop this image: thick nursery rugs, beige wingback chairs, white cribs, toddler table & chair sets, and white nursery dressers.)

Once you've decided on the best size and shape options, it's time to consider the best material. Considerations like the maintenance, durability, and comfort can help you decide which material is best suited for your nursery. We've outlined three of the most popular materials for nursery rugs to help you find one that works best for your needs.

Cotton: Cotton is a popular choice for nursery rugs because of its soft texture and natural fibers. This rug material offers a comfortable, irritation-free surface for your baby to play. Overall, cotton nursery rugs are versatile (meaning they come in a range of patterns, textures, and pile-heights), easy to clean, and affordable, making them an excellent choice for a nursery.

Wool: Though wool isn't as soft as cotton, wool rugs are incredibly durable and easy to clean. These rugs are naturally stain- and water-resistant, and the antimicrobial properties make wool ideal for those who have dust allergies or asthma.

Synthetic: Rugs made of synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are soft, affordable, and durable. These high-performance rugs are designed to withstand plenty of wear and require little to no maintenance – some are even machine-washable (more on this in the next step), which makes them ideal for nurseries where accidents and spills are frequent.

Tip!

Want more information on rug materials? Check out our guide How to Choose the Best Rug Material for an in-depth guide that looks at each type.

3. Consider Helpful Features

(Shop this image: transportation-themed nursery rugs, front-loading washing machines, and faux palm trees.)

It's also important that the rug you choose for your baby's nursery is forgiving when it comes to spills and stains. Here are some features to be on the lookout for to make your life easier.

Machine-Washable: Messes are no match for machine-washable rugs. These rugs can be tossed into the washing machine to clean any spots or spills.

Reversible: Reversible rugs are a great way to get the most out of one rug. The rug can be flipped over to reveal a different design for a fresh look. This is especially important for nursery rugs, because you can simply flip the rug over if there's an unruly stain. Plus, this reversing helps evenly distribute wear and lengthens the longevity of the rug.

Stain-Resistant: These easy-to-clean rugs don't absorb spills, so you can quickly wipe up any messes before a stain can set in.

Non-Slip Backing: This feature prevents the rug from sliding around and moving, which is important for safety, especially once your little one starts exploring on two feet.

4. Pick the Perfect Style

(Shop this image: white cribs, rocking chairs, white nursery dressers, blue ottomans, pink area rug, and lantern chandeliers.)

Nursery room rugs are an excellent way to introduce whimsical style and tie the space together. There are so many themes, patterns, and colors to choose from, so it's easy to find a nursery area rug idea that matches your aesthetic.

• Not only do patterned rugs add a bit of personality to the space, they can also conceal spills and messes.

• Add an area rug in a bold hue to brighten up a neutral space, or opt for a rug with a subtle design to pair with patterned wallpaper.

• Themed nursery rugs add personality and create a cohesive design. Look for rugs with fun animal designs for a serene nature-themed room.

• It's even possible to find nursery rugs with educational content on them to help provide your little one with fundamentals like the alphabet and numbers as they play on the floor.

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If you have a little one on the way, read our Nursery Essentials Checklist and 8 Simple Nursery Organization Ideas to ensure you have everything for your little one's arrival.