Many buildings in New York City, both rentals and cooperatives, require residents to cover 80% of all exposed floors with rugs or carpeting. The goal is to dampen the noise that may disturb your neighbors.
What the rule doesn’t mention is that rugs can completely transform a room, changing the feeling of space from plain to breathtaking. If you’ve recently moved into a new apartment or are looking to give your space a refresh, there are plenty of stores across New York City, many of them in Manhattan. Here are a few spots to stock up on rugs.
Bloomingdale's
You might be surprised to learn that the flagship of this department store, which occupies a whole city block between Lexington Avenue, Third Avenue, East 59th Street, and East 60th Street, has a fabulous selection of rugs.
Bloomingdale’s rugs run the gamut of Persian & Oriental to Southwestern, to Geometric, many of them handmade. Prices can rise into the stratosphere, but the chain is also known for its deep discounts when inventory has to go.
Ruggable
Ruggable makes a variety of washable rugs, perfect for those with pets, children, or high-traffic homes. They offer every size imaginable and in a variety of thicknesses, making it easy to select the perfect one for your needs. Their collections range from collaborations with eclectic designers like Justina Blakeney and Iris Apfel to ones inspired by cultural hits like Bridgerton and Star Wars. Shop by size, color, room, and even texture on their website.
Duro Carpet
Duro Carpet is the go-to local store in the East Village for high-quality carpeting, rugs, and carpet cleaning. Located at 341 First Ave. at 20th Street, Duro Carpet makes it easy to shop local. Whether you need a new carpet or an old one cleaned and refreshed, they have you covered. Contact them at 212.475.8789.
IKEA
IKEA, whose NYC outpost is in Brooklyn, is a great source of affordable floor coverings. The Swedish design firm’s offerings range from large rugs to runners and doormats, round rugs, sheepskins, cowhides, and rugs with modern, geometric prints.
Target
Like IKEA, Target’s rug and carpet offerings are on the budget-friendly side. Categories include “vintage-look,” “geometric,” “carpet tiles” and simply, “area rugs.”
Urban Outfitters
If you’re looking for something stylish and cheap, the Urban Outfitters chain will likely have something for you. They specialize in printed, traditional-style rugs, elegantly simple monochrome rugs, geometric patterns, with lots of shag options. Much of their inventory is online only.
West Elm
Of the interior décor chain brand’s, West Elm’s rug and carpet offerings are known for limited-runs, collaborations with designers, and cutting-edge style. Their selection includes the requisite Persian and Moroccan style rugs, geometric patterns, as well as those that look more like paintings you’d see at the Museum of Modern Art.
ABC Carpet & Home
Although floor coverings are this store’s bread and butter, ABC Carpet & Home also stocks a carefully curated and constantly changing selection of other home design items and artisan-made pieces. It’s a great place for interior design inspiration. You can peruse their full-priced inventory at their flagship store at 888 Broadway, or head to the store’s sister location across the street at 881 Broadway for the discounted stuff, including remnants.
Nazmiyal Collection
If you are looking for an heirloom rug, Nazmiyal is for you. These self-described rug dealers have been in business since 1980. They boast the most extensive collection of antique and vintage rugs, from Persian to Scandinavian, representing every size and era. People also go to their showroom to sell their rugs, making this a bit of a marketplace. The on-site rug experts can advise you about rug cleaning and restoration.
If you don’t need to see and touch your rug purchases, Amazon, Overstock, and Wayfair are excellent options, regarding the selection, price, and the convenience of home delivery. It’s also worth noting that if you fall in love with the look of a rug but find that it’s not plush enough (or noise dampening enough, you can add padding underneath. Most carpet stores carry such padding, and Home Depot is a good source of brands like TrafficMaster.