I Tested 36 Rugs from Top Retailers, and This West Elm One Is the Best for Every Home
Of all the furniture and decor categories I look at for AT’s Personal Shopper series, rugs are one of my favorite. Even when displayed in a showroom, it’s cool to imagine how much one specific pattern or colorway can alter the mood of an entire living room setup.
Even though I’ve looked at close to 40 rugs at some of the most popular home retailers (namely West Elm and Pottery Barn), it’s not easy to find one single rug that’s perfect in terms of all of the important factors: style, durability, softness, and maintenance. But I do have one in mind that comes close: West Elm’s Lumini Easy Care rug. It’s the most versatile rug I’ve tested, and even though I first saw it months ago, its simple but stylish design is still fresh in my mind. And at $400 for the 5×8-foot size, it’s definitely more affordable than other options on the market. Now that I think about it, there’s not much to not love about this rug.
Lumini Easy Care Rug
West Elm
$399
Buy Now
What Is the Lumini Easy Care Rug?
Nowadays, most budget-friendly rugs are made from synthetic fibers, but considering that the Lumini is one of West Elm’s most affordable options, it’s kind of shocking that it’s mostly made from wool. Specifically, this pick is 65% wool, 20% polyester, and 15% nylon, which is why it’s simultaneously luxurious and easy to care for. In my Personal Shopper review, I highlighted that the Lumini was located in a pretty high-traffic area of West Elm’s Chelsea store in Manhattan. Considering its placement and the fact that it had been there for a while, the rug was in pretty good condition and still relatively fluffy, leading me to conclude that it would make a great addition to a busy home.
Also of note is the Lumini’s range of available colors and sizes. It comes in 10 sizes and two shapes, so you can also buy it in runner form in addition to the typical rectangular shape. The available colors are all neutral but definitely not boring; you can pick it up in a beautiful burnt umber or a creamy ivory. I viewed the rug in the alabaster shade, which is cool-toned and, despite being pretty light, good at concealing stains. The rug is handwoven and medium pile, so you might find that it sheds at first. But the shedding will diminish over time with regular vacuuming.
Why We Love the Lumini Easy Care Rug
I’ll admit, the Lumini rug isn’t as soft as it looks. But I attribute its somewhat rough feel to its durable weave. The important thing is that it’s a 10 out of 10 in every other category. For one, it looks great and, dare I say, is even better in person than it is in pictures. I love the rug’s ribbed texture, which adds the perfect amount of volume so that it’s not completely flat. You’ll find that this design element adds a cozy factor that’ll make your bedroom or living space look warmer. Additionally, the back of the rug is made from recycled cotton and stays flush against the ground, meaning you don’t necessarily need to invest in a separate rug pad for this piece; its corners were not curling up when I viewed it in-store, either. Unlike some of West Elm’s drapey, mat-like rugs that are better for layering, the Lumini is weighty, substantial, and enough on its own. And because its design isn’t too out-there, you’ll be able to pair it with any assortment of furniture and decor, and it’ll always look elegant.
Of course, I can’t skip over the fact the Lumini is part of West Elm’s Easy Care rug collection. As a result, you’ll find it to be stain-resistant and easy to clean. Still, West Elm recommends vacuuming the rug in different directions without a beater brush regularly so that debris doesn’t settle into it. As my initial review states, this piece isn’t so much a statement-maker as it is a dependable home staple for virtually any lifestyle. “If you prefer bold colors and patterns, you’ll want to opt for another rug on this list, but the Lumini is for those after an easy, reliable solution for rooms that could use a little extra something,” the Personal Shopper post reads. “No matter how many times you move or redecorate, this pick is going to remain a staple in your decor rotation.”
If you opt to try this rug, I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as I did. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself going back to West Elm for another one; it works wonderfully in every room! The only difficulty is choosing among the beautiful colors. But ultimately, there’s no wrong decision.
Buy: Lumini Easy Care Rug, 5’ x 8’, $399
