Are you ready to create a cozy, safe, and stylish space with the best non-toxic, sustainable, and organic rugs? Look no further!
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about ethical rugs that enhance your home and protect your health.
My top organic rug picks…
- Best Area Rugs: The Citizenry
- Best Modern Woven Rugs: Parachute
- Best Fairtrade Rugs: Minna
- Best Runner Rugs: Kiliim
- Best Washable Rugs: Lorena Canals
Our homes should be sanctuaries—places where we relax, unwind, and feel safe.
But have you ever considered the potential toxins lurking in your living space?
From harsh chemicals in cleaning products to the off-gassing of furniture, it’s essential to create an environment that prioritizes health and well-being.
Many rugs, especially those made with synthetic materials, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances that compromise air quality and your health.
But don’t worry—there’s a fantastic solution: non-toxic, organic rugs that bring both beauty and safety to your home.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of non-toxic rugs—highlighting their benefits, the materials that make them safe, and how they can help transform your space into an organic haven.
Let’s clear something up right away: if mass-produced synthetic rugs are the junk food of the flooring world, organic rugs are the superfoods!
Made from natural materials like organic cotton, wool, and even fique fibers (yes, you read that correctly), these rugs are crafted without harmful pesticides or chemicals.
Many are also handcrafted using traditional weaving and looming techniques that have been passed down for generations.
But don’t let the craftsmanship fool you—organic rugs are far from delicate.
In fact, some of the best non-toxic rugs are machine-washable, making them practical and low-maintenance.
Plus, many organic wool rugs are fully biodegradable, which means they’re kind to the planet from start to finish. And if you have furry friends at home, don’t worry—we’ve got organic rugs that are perfect for paws, too!
In short, choosing GOTS-certified rugs is like giving your floors a healthy, eco-friendly hug. Your home will thank you with a fresh, toxin-free atmosphere!
What are organic rugs? Why are they important for a safe home?
Organic rugs are like superheroes in the world of home decor! They are made from all-natural materials, without any synthetic or harmful substances. In most cases, they are certified by a third-party agency like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX.
These non-toxic rugs are gentle on the planet, as they don’t contribute to landfills or pollute the environment.
Some of them are even fully biodegradable. Ultimately, organic modern rugs are not only kind to the Earth, but they also offer a cozy and stylish addition to any home.
Health Risks Of Synthetic Rugs
Most traditional rugs are made with a cocktail of chemicals that could make your head spin! Some common culprits include flame retardants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).
These nasty chemicals can off-gas for years, releasing harmful pollutants into the air you breathe at home. Yikes! At low levels, breathing in formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.
At higher levels, formaldehyde exposure can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, and more! Flame Retardants have been shown to cause neurological damage, hormone disruption, and cancer. You get the gist.
How can I ensure my rug is non-toxic and safe?
To ensure your rug is non-toxic, look for rugs that are made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or jute and are certified by reputable third-party organizations such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX.
Additionally, avoid rugs that have been treated with flame retardants, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. If you can’t find any of these indications, chances are that the rug is not as non-toxic as they claim – next!
What materials are the safest for indoor rugs?
Some of the safest materials for indoor rugs are wool, cotton, and jute. Organic wool rugs are known for their durability and softness, while cotton is often more affordable and easier to clean.
Organic cotton rugs are free from harmful chemicals and toxins that can be found in traditional rugs, making them safe for pets and children to play on. Jute is a natural fiber that provides a textured look and feel and is also eco-friendly.
Best Organic & Non-Toxic Rugs For A Healthy Home
1. The Citizenry
Best For: Area rugs, accent rugs & runner rugs
Sustainable home decor, ethical bedding, organic modern rugs – it’s safe to say that The Citizenry aims to outfit every part of our homes.
The brand has got you covered with its line of “no-nasties” rugs which are made with Oeko-Tex® certified material.
These timeless beauties come in vibrant, contemporary patterns that will make your home pop.
The real stars of the show, though, are the artists and designers who hand-weave each rug with love, care, and talent.
Price
From $149+
materials
100% New Zealand wool, natural jute fiber & cotton
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Our Favorites from The Citizenry:
2. Parachute
Best For: Modern woven rugs & round rugs
At Parachute, you can choose from round rugs, kilim rugs, chunky rugs, and statement rugs—all with that signature luxury touch of subtle neutrals and soft textures.
And no need to worry about toxic chemicals here! Featuring natural fibers like jute, wool (sourced from mulesing-free farms in New Zealand), and cotton, these organic rugs are stain-resistant and OEKO-TEX certified.
To complete your safe and stylish setup, don’t forget to add a non-toxic rug pad made of recycled materials and a natural latex backing.
Price
From $289+
MATERIALS
Jute, wool & organic cotton
location/shipping
United States
3. Minna
Best For: Fair trade rugs & area rugs
Ready to decorate your walls and floors with organic rugs? MINNA is a creative B Corp that’s changing the rug game.
Hailing from the funky town of Hudson, NY, they team up with talented artisans in Central and South America to produce fabulous home decor.
Their rugs are made using traditional methods, vintage and eco-friendly materials, and some seriously cool art.
Price
From $325+
MATERIALS
Palm, cotton, wool & recycled scrap material
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
4. Kiliim
Best For: Modern rugs & runner rugs
Kiliim is not only making stunning organic rugs but also helping revive a dying industry in the nearby town of Fowa, Cairo!
These unique organic cotton rugs blend art deco with pharaonic forms and are made with all-natural materials like fine wool, Egyptian cotton, and jute.
And the best part? They’re completely chemical-free!
Stylish, durable, display-worthy, and ethically made by local artisans who are paid fair wages.
Price
From $65+
MATERIALS
Wool, Egyptian cotton & jute
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
5. Cold Picnic
Best For: Modern rugs, wide area rugs & runner rugs
Looking for non-toxic rugs that are as bright and fun as a wildflower field? Look no further than Cold Picnic!
Their eco-friendly, organic modern rugs come in various photo-worthy designs that will make your home feel like a whimsical wonderland.
Plus, these OEKO-TEX organic rugs are made of either New Zealand wool, bamboo silk, or hemp, using 100% solar power.
From door mats to runner rugs to full-size area rugs, Cold Picnic has you (and your floors) covered.
Price
From $210+
MATERIALS
New Zealand wool, bamboo silk & hemp
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
6. Lorena Canals
Best For: Washable rugs, modern rugs & kids’ room rugs
Looking for a rug that’s not only modern and stylish but also safe for your little ones?
Lorena Canals’s assortment includes vibrant, organic rugs that double as non-toxic nursery rugs– perfect for adding a pop of color to any room, and they’re even machine-washable.
Handmade by talented artists in Northern India, these organic-shaped rugs are crafted from natural and recycled fibers.
The company even donates a portion of its proceeds to support education for children in need.
Price
From €225+
MATERIALS
Recycled fabric, cotton & wool
location/shipping
Spain, ships worldwide
7. Burrow
Best For: Modern rugs, pet-friendly rugs & runners
Our favorite non-toxic furniture shop has done it again!
If you want to snuggle up with a cozy, ethically-made rug that’ll complement your favorite furniture, Burrow’s line is for you.
Their recycled polyester rugs are so durable, that they are even pet-proof!
Best of all, Burrow works directly with weaving houses in India to ensure that all natural and recycled materials are ethically sourced and traditional techniques are used.
Price
From $199+
MATERIALS
100% recycled polyester
location/shipping
United States
8. Armadillo
Best For: Modern rugs & wide area weave rugs
Get ready to give your space a wild west vibe with Armadillo’s stunning handwoven rugs!
This American/Australian brand is all about slow and ethical production, working with artisans who are paid fairly to create beautiful and timeless pieces that will take your decor to the next level.
Inspired by the breathtaking desert landscapes, the Mojave collection features 100% jute rugs with a hand-knotted Tibetan weave and a handspun pile that gives each rug a one-of-a-kind look.
Price
From $150+
MATERIALS
Jute, wool, silk, cotton, linen & recycled felt
location/shipping
United States/Australia, ships worldwide
9. Ruggable
Best For: Pet-friendly rugs, washable rugs & area rugs
Do you have a furry friend who just can’t seem to keep their hair in check? Or maybe you’re just a little accident-prone (we’ve all been there).
Ruggable is the sustainable rug for you! These bad boys are designed to be thrown in the washing machine when the going gets tough, and they’re made with water-based dyes and no harsh chemicals, so even your pets can rest easy.
With tons of styles and sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bohemian or geometric rug for your space.
Price
From $169+
MATERIALS
Post-consumer recycled materials
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada
10. CICIL Home
Best For: Fully biodegradable rugs
Made by textile pros who understand the subtle art of rug-making better than anyone, these sustainable rugs are crafted with five magical principles: natural materials, minimal processing, local sourcing, a transparent supply chain, and long-lasting quality.
Plus, all the cotton rugs, jute rugs, and wool rugs are fully biodegradable.
And let’s not forget about their funky shapes that will add a touch of whimsy to any room! Bonus, they even have organic-shaped rugs.
Price
From $219+
MATERIALS
Wool, jute & cotton
location/shipping
United States
11. Leah Singh
Best For: Circle rugs & runner rugs
This amazing brand is all about bringing traditional Indian crafts into the modern era.
They work with fair trade artisans from six different regions of India to create beautiful organic wool rugs, jute rugs, mats, and other home decor. Plus, all of the bright colors are created with AZO-free dyes.
It’s all designed by Leah herself and her team in New Delhi, and they partner directly with village artisans across India to bring their designs to life.
Price
From $250+
MATERIALS
Wool & jute
location/shipping
United States
Spruce Up Your Space with Organic and Sustainable Rugs
Now that you know all about the benefits of sustainable and organic rugs, it’s time to refresh your space in a way that’s good for both you and the environment!
Whether you’re searching for a cozy shag rug to sink your toes into or a sleek, stylish flatweave to complement your décor, there’s an organic rug out there to match your needs and personal style.
By choosing an organic rug, you’re not only enhancing the look of your home but also supporting a healthier planet—free from harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, and non-renewable materials.
It’s a win-win! So, go ahead and treat your feet (and your conscience) to the best with an organic rug—your home and the planet will thank you for it! Happy rug shopping!
