A good area rug can help make the space both inviting and safe. In this blog post, we’ll round up some of the best rugs for living rooms when you have babies or children.
We’ll look at some of the features to look for in these rugs, and provide you with some of our top picks. Keep reading to learn more about outfitting your living room or family room with the perfect rug for your babies and kids.
We have detailed our recommended rugs below, but for your reference, we have provided this table.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Living Room Rug Safe for Babies
When choosing an area rug for your living room, especially if you have a baby, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider.
Safety
Safety is a top priority when choosing a living room rug for babies, and you should always make sure that the rug is non-toxic and free of any hazardous materials. Make sure to double-check the material of the rug and look for any small pieces that could be a choking hazard.
For extra safety precautions, try opting for an area rug with non-slip backing to avoid any falls or slips. If the rug is too slippery, you can purchase a rug pad to provide more stability while playing.
Material
You want to choose a rug that is made from soft and comfortable materials that will feel nice against your baby’s skin. Also, you’ll want a material that can stand up to daily wear and tear and won’t stain easily.
Wool:
Wool is ultra soft, durable, and easy to clean, which is key when you’ve got a new baby crawling around. Plus, wool rugs tend to be more plush, which is great for little ones who want to lie down and rest.
One thing to keep in mind is that wool rugs are usually more expensive than rugs made from synthetic materials. So, if you’re looking for something that’s budget-friendly, a wool rug may not be the way to go.
Cotton:
Cotton is a great choice for a rug in a living room with a baby. It is soft, comfortable, and breathable, making it ideal for your baby to crawl and play around on.
It is also machine washable, so if there are any spills or messes, you can easily clean it with a machine wash.
Natural Fiber:
Natural fiber rugs are often made from materials such as jute, sisal, and wool, which are non-toxic and safe for babies.
They are also are known for their durability, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms.
Materials to Avoid:
- Synthetic Chemicals – Look for rugs made without harmful synthetic chemicals, such as formaldehyde or lead.
- Toxic Dyes – Some dyes used in rug manufacturing can be toxic, so it is important to choose a rug made with non-toxic dyes.
- Off-Gassing – Some synthetic materials can release harmful chemicals over time through a process called “off-gassing.” Avoid materials that may release toxic fumes.
- Synthetic Latex – Synthetic latex is often used in rug backing, but can release harmful chemicals. Choose rugs made with natural latex instead.
- Acrylic – Acrylic is a synthetic material that can cause respiratory irritation and trigger allergies. Choose natural fibers such as wool or cotton.
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Some rugs release harmful VOCs, so it is best to look for rugs with low or no VOC emissions.
It is important to consider these factors to ensure that the rug you choose is safe for your baby and the environment.
Size
You want to make sure that the rug you select is large enough to fit in the living room, but also has a small enough pile so that your little one can’t trip over it. If the rug is too big, it can take up too much space and make the room look cluttered. On the other hand, if the rug is too small, it won’t provide enough coverage and can be a hazard.
If your family has multiple children you may want to opt for a larger rug so that they can all easily fit on it to play.
Cleanliness
Babies are notoriously messy and are constantly putting things in their mouths, so choosing a rug that is easy to clean and maintain is essential.
Machine washable rugs are a great choice here!
Style
Of course, you want to pick a rug that matches your home decor. But you also don’t want something too wild or too loud that will distract your baby from playing. Consider colors and patterns that are calming and can provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for your little one.
Top 7 Best Living Room Rugs for Babies
A perfect blend of style and comfort for your home. Made from 80% wool and 20% cotton, this hand woven rug is incredibly soft and durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
The cream color and diamond pattern create a calming and balanced aesthetic that will complement any room's decor.
- Size Options: 2 (5' x 8', 7' 6" x 9' 6")
- Color Options: 7
- Made from 80% wool and 20% cotton, making it soft and durable
- Hand woven for a unique and high-quality finish
- Cream color and diamond pattern create a calming and balanced aesthetic
- Incredible texture underfoot with a thickness of 1/4 inch
- Handcrafted in India with care and expertise
- No backing. Recommended with use of a Rug Pad (sold separately)
This Safavieh shag rug is the perfect addition to any contemporary living room. Expertly machine-woven from durable polypropylene fibers, this rug features a plush 1.6-inch shag pile that is soft underfoot and virtually non-shedding for ultimate convenience.
This rug is also pet and kid-friendly and requires stress-free cleaning with regular vacuuming and gentle blotting of minor stains with a mild detergent.
{Note. This rug has a non slip backing, but the material it is made out of is not mentioned. To be sure it's safe enough for babies and children, it would be worth investigating the material makeup}
- Size Options: 28
- Color Options: 12
- Virtually non-shedding pile for convenience
- Beautifully enhances any room in the home
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Versatile shag design that works with any style of home decor
- Soft and plush pile for comfort underfoot
- Non-slip back material for added safety
- Kid and pet-friendly
- May contain temporary creases upon arrival
- Colors may fade over time with exposure to direct sunlight
- May be too plush for some tastes and uses
The Amara Wool rug from Sisal Rugs Direct is the perfect addition to your living space! This rug features a classic herringbone design with a modern twist, showcasing the oversized yarn that highlights the bold and simple hand-loomed construction.
The multiple colors of undyed yarn create a chunky herringbone weave and colorful accent stripes tie the design together.
Made from 100% premium wool, this rug is backed by cotton and a rug pad is recommended for added comfort and stability.
- Size Options: Custom sizing!
- Color Options: 6
- Custom sizing
- Classic herringbone design with a modern twist
- Oversized yarn highlights bold, simple hand-loomed construction
- Multiple colors of undyed yarn create a chunky herringbone weave
- Colorful accent stripes tie the design together
- Perfect for a living room
- Made from 100% premium wool
- Backed by cotton
- Expensive
- 3/8” pile height (borders add 1/8”) may not be suitable for all spaces
This area rug from Rugs USA is the perfect mix of comfort and visual interest, with its hearty texture and neutral color. The flatweave construction is thick and built to last, making it a favorite part of your home décor for years to come.
Ideal for casual, nautical, and farmhouse interiors, this rug is the perfect addition to any space in need of a cozy touch.
- Size Options: 2
- Color Options: 5
- Durable and thick construction, built to last
- Adds natural warmth and texture to your home
- Comfortable underfoot
- Perfect for casual, nautical, and farmhouse interiors
- Neutral color blends easily with your existing décor
- May not be suitable for very formal or contemporary interiors
Featuring a petite-geometric design, this woven wool area rug from Annie Selke perfect for any living room with little active ones.
The rug is tightly woven for durability and versatility. Artisans committed to fair labor practices crafted this rug with a blend of 75% wool, 20% cotton, and 5% polyester.
Custom sizing and color-matched serging is available.
- Size Options: 8 (plus custom sizing)
- Color Options: 3
- Tightly woven for added durability and versatility.
- Crafted by artisans committed to fair-labor practices.
- Available in custom sizing with color-matched serging on all four sides.
- Made with a blend of high-quality materials including wool, cotton, and polyester.
- On the expensive side.
- Variations in color and size may occur due to its handmade nature.
The Urvi Braided Jute Rug from The Citizenry is handcrafted in India using natural jute fiber. This rug offers a warm, organic look with its relaxed braid and is available in light blonde or dark auburn.
Perfect for layering or on its own, it measures 5'x8', 6'x9', or 8'x10' and has a 1/2'' thickness. Made in a fair trade workshop, this rug is both sustainable and durable, adding a touch of rustic charm to any room.
- Size Options: 4
- Color Options: 2
- Handcrafted: Expertly woven by hand for a unique, high-quality finish.
- Sustainable: Made using natural jute fiber for a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
- Versatile: Available in three different sizes and two color options, suitable for any room in your home.
- Rustic Charm: The relaxed braid and warm hues add a natural and rustic touch to your decor.
- Durable: Jute is a durable and long-lasting material, ensuring that your rug will last for years to come.
- Fair Trade: Made in a fair trade workshop, ensuring ethical and responsible practices in the production process.
- On the expensive side
The Brentwood Collection by Safavieh is a stunning line of heirloom-inspired traditional area rugs. Expertly crafted with stain-resistant, virtually non-shedding enhanced synthetic fibers, these rugs boast a beautiful distressed medallion design in a stunning color palette of blue, grey, and cream.
The power-loomed construction makes them easy to maintain and durable for long-lasting beauty.
- Size Options: 36
- Color Options: 3
- Stain-resistant and non-shedding: The rug is made of enhanced synthetic fibers that resist stains and have a 0.3-inch thick pile that does not shed.
- Trendy style: The distressed medallion design adds a stylish touch to any room in the home.
- Easy maintenance and durable: Regular vacuuming and blotting minor stains with a mild detergent is all it takes to keep the rug looking great.
- Trusted brand: Safavieh is a well-established brand with over 100 years of experience in crafting high-quality home furnishings and over 100,000 products.
- Temporary creases: The rug may have temporary creases when it arrives, and it may take time for them to settle.
- Fading from direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the colors in the rug to fade over time.
When choosing the best living room rug for babies, it is important to consider factors such as safety, material, size, cleanliness, and style.
Natural fibers such as wool and cotton are safe materials to choose, while synthetic materials like acrylic and synthetic latex should be avoided. The size of the rug should be appropriate for the room and be easy to clean. Additionally, it is important to consider the style and design of the rug to match the overall aesthetic of the living room.
Choosing the best rug for your living room is crucial for your babies safety, comfort, and well-being. Not only should the rug be free of harmful chemicals and materials, but it should also be easy to clean and maintain, while also adding to the overall aesthetic of the room.
By considering the factors discussed in this post, you can ensure that the rug you choose will provide a safe and comfortable space for your baby to grow and play.
