Review: West Elm’s Boho Washable Rug Looks High-End—But Is Totally Low-Maintenance

With prices ranging from $99 for a 3’x5’ to $299 for a 6’x9’, the cost is pretty comparable to Ruggable and Revival. But what immediately stood out to me was how soft this low-pile rug is underfoot. It’s made of 100 percent polyester, but it has a smooth, cotton-like feel; not the scratchy-yet-practical feel many washable rugs tend to have.

There’s also no rug pad. Some washable rugs are designed with a cover that you peel off and wash; with this West Elm style, you toss in the whole thing. Granted, for the 6’x9’, you need a full-size washing machine (ideally, something that can handle a king-size comforter, so a model with a capacity of around 5 cubic feet).

I also really loved the aesthetic. This didn’t look like a washable rug, and with its modern, boho design, it didn’t read kiddie either. It was designed with Pottery Barn Teen to grow with kids, transitioning from nursery to kids’ room and beyond, but I’ll be honest: I liked the blush tones and print so much that I moved it into my living room. It’s that versatile.

I used to buy cheaper washable rugs, but I’ve been burned. Many of the under-$75 styles felt and looked cheap, and within four months of high-traffic wear, their prints started wearing off. Six months in, I’m happy to report this pattern has stayed intact, but in an effort to thoroughly test the rug before recommending it, I decided to get a little unhinged and actively attempt to destroy the rug: Pouring juice all over it and letting it sit for 15 minutes, scribbling with (albeit washable) marker and scraping mud onto it. (Though honestly, that last part was quite unnecessary, because my kids track the stuff in and across its surface every other day.)

Into the washing machine it went, and after one cycle, all traces—juice scents included—were gone. Often, though, I don’t even have to go so far as washing the rug; simply spot-cleaning and vacuuming gets the job done.

After the first wash, I’ve noticed the occasional loose thread. West Elm is very clear in its care guidelines not to pull them; simply snip them with scissors. It’s only happened three or four times so far, and trimming the yarn is a quick fix, but still, it makes me wonder if it will start to look nubby or pilly a year or two from now. (The average rug lasts 5 to 15 years, according to Zerorez Carpet Cleaning, so I’m hoping to get at least 4.5 more out of it. So far, so good.)

“Oops” happens, especially in a household with two young kids, and I’m relieved to have a rug that looks and feels high-end but isn’t high-maintenance. Its ease of care lets me relax at home, rather than obsess over whether my kids have brought their snack into the living room or didn’t adequately wipe off their shoes before running over to hug me. Because when you choose your decor over your family, you’re kind of missing the point, right? 

Fast Facts

• How Do You Wash It? Machine wash with cold water on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry low.
• Sizes Available: 3’x5’, 5’x8’, 6’x9’