Rugs for nurseries and children's rooms
Children spend a lot of time on the floor, so a rug in a nursery or playroom needs to be soft, safe and easy to clean.
What matters most
- Grip: a non-slip underlay on hard floors, every time. Toddlers and running children are the most likely to slip.
- Easy cleaning: spills, crayons and nappy accidents happen. A washable rug or a low-pile polypropylene rug is the practical choice.
- Low to medium pile: soft enough to play on, flat enough for toys and building bricks. Deep shaggy piles hide small parts and are harder to clean.
- Certified materials: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification means the textile has been tested for harmful substances. See OEKO-TEX certified rugs.
Size and placement
| Room | Suggested size |
|---|---|
| Small nursery | 120 x 170 cm in the play or feeding area |
| Child's bedroom with single bed | 120 x 170 cm under the lower two-thirds of the bed, or 80 x 150 cm beside it |
| Playroom | 160 x 230 cm or larger to define the whole play zone |
Style that grows with them
A soft neutral, a calm sage green or a gentle geometric outlasts a character design and suits the room as your child grows. Brighter multicoloured rugs and pink rugs add fun without being babyish.
New rugs and fresh air
Unroll a new rug and air the room for a day or two before a baby uses it, and vacuum it a few times to lift any loose fibres from manufacture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rug for a nursery?
A low or medium pile, washable or easy-clean rug, ideally OEKO-TEX certified, on a non-slip underlay.
Are wool rugs good for nurseries?
Wool is soft and naturally flame-resistant, but it sheds when new and is harder to clean after accidents than washable synthetics.
Are shaggy rugs safe for babies?
Deep shaggy piles shed more and trap small items, so a lower pile is a better choice for babies.
What size rug for a child's bedroom?
120 x 170 cm suits most single-bed rooms; 80 x 150 cm works beside the bed.
Shop the guide
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Amelie Lana Rug in Rust With Faded Blue Hues
from £29.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Green
from £69.98 -
Izaline Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98
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Glendy Rug in Teal & Beige
from £69.98 -
Makayla Rug in Moss
from £69.98 -
Maylene Rug in Teal
from £69.98 -
Maylene Rug in Charcoal
from £69.98
Shop all oeko-tex certified rugs
Related guides
- Washable rugs: how to choose and wash them
- Bedroom rug guide: size and placement
- How to stop a rug slipping
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.