Does scrolling through Pinterest for baby boy and girl nursery themes sound like music to your ears? You’re not alone. For decor-minded parents, putting together a new nursery for a new baby is pure joy. Along with a crib and bookshelves, nursery rugs are key to making this special space as cozy and safe as possible. Read on for the best nursery rugs we’ve come across lately. Bonus: they won’t break the bank!
Round and Round
The colourful tufted polka dots on this super-soft cotton rug encourage sensory play and colour identification. Plus, its non-slip protection on the back makes it safe for new walkers.
Cotton Rug With Tufted Dots, H&M, $104.
Gorgeous Geometrics
With its fun colours and high/low textures, this easy-to-care-for synthetic rug is a great choice for a new nursery. Spills are easy to clean and the pretty pattern is easy on the eyes.
Higginson Tribal Shag Performance Ivory Rug, Wayfair, from $72.
Rules of the Road
When shopping for nursery rugs, be mindful of all the different ways one will be used — for playtime, for spontaneous naps and for inevitable spit ups. This low-pile map rug is washable and chemical free (OEKO-TEX® certified), making it super versatile.
White Washable Charlie Town Map Area Rug, Rugs USA, from $104.
Font Forward
Not many nursery rugs are as fun to clean as this one — simply take it outside and hose it down! Yep, you clean this bold, polypropylene rug with a garden hose and then hang to dry.
Mod-Tod Beta Kids Alphabet Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, Bed Bath & Beyond, from $168.
Bear Hug
The thick, cushiony pile of this sweet, sleepy polar-bear rug provides a soft spot for tiny toes. Bonus: it’s stain-resistant, so only needs the occasional spot cleaning.
Mack & Milo Aldora Cream Kids Animal Area Rug, Wayfair, from $190.
Going Dotty
Durable and hardwearing, this polka-dot nursery rug’s thick pile and rubber backing help to dampen noise and stop slips. Plus, the neutral colours will complement a variety of different decor schemes.
Grey Dotted Len Rug, IKEA, $50.
Mature Mats
Not all nursery rugs need to be cute — this is a very grown-up rug for a growing person. Featuring soft neutrals and a vintage Persian-inspired pattern, this washable nursery rug is a decorator’s dream.
Ellington Washable Rug, Pottery Barn Kids, $194.
Llama Rama Rug
But if you did want to go for cute, cue the fuzzy llama face and textured hearts! Soft, shaggy tufts are woven into a flat, durable weave for a fun, neutral floor covering.
Playful Llama Rug, Simons, from $128.
Multi Faceted
Thanks to its plethora of multicoloured polka dots, this versatile nursery rug will match up with multiple colour palettes. Pull out the pink, the blue or match it up with a neutral cream; whichever way you go, it’s a decor win.
Non-Slip Rug With Coloured Polka Dots, Zara, from $159.
X Marks the Spot
A simple, graphic design can pack a powerful decorating punch. The contrasting black-and-white pattern on this playful, cotton nursery rug is a stylish standout.
Mini Maison X-Print Play Rug, Chapters Indigo, $70.
Above the Clouds
While the soft, natural fibres and sweet sky design will keep the kids happy, the machine washability of Lorena Canals’ Washable Clouds rugs will send parents to cloud nine.
Lorena Canals Washable Clouds Rug, Maude Kids Decor, from $175.
Soft Play
While not technically a “rug”, Little Bot’s single-foam Ofie play mats offer beautiful design and high functionality, making them a neat alternative. These large, squishy mats are non-toxic, reversible and durable. (And they’re Canadian!)
Baby Ofie Plants + Eze Mat, Little Bot, $189.
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