The main difference between washable rugs from Nuloom and Ruggable comes down to their construction, style, and price. Ruggable is known for its patented two-piece system - a machine-washable top layer that separates from a non-slip pad - making it incredibly easy to clean. Nuloom offers more traditional one-piece washable rugs that are extremely affordable and often feature trend-forward, bohemian patterns.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which washable rug is the right fit for your home.
Nuloom Washable Rugs
Nuloom is a popular rug brand focused on delivering stylish and accessible floor coverings for the modern home. Their washable collection is designed for practicality, combining trendy aesthetics with the convenience of an easy-to-clean, all-in-one rug. These rugs are ideal for shoppers who want a fashionable update without a significant financial commitment.
- What it is: One-piece, machine-washable rugs made from durable synthetic fibers.
- Key features: All-in-one construction, stain-resistant materials, lightweight design, and a wide variety of patterns suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Price: Generally $50 - $300, depending on size.
- Style: Leans toward modern, bohemian, and eclectic designs with bold colors and patterns.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily made from polypropylene and other synthetic fibers engineered for durability and stain resistance.
- Pros: Highly affordable, making them great for renters or temporary spaces. Widely available through retailers like Amazon and Wayfair. A massive selection of trendy, eye-catching styles. Easy to vacuum and spot clean.
- Cons: Larger sizes can be bulky and may not fit in standard home washing machines. The one-piece design lacks the non-slip security of a separate pad system. Can be thinner and less plush than more premium options.
Nuloom rugs are an excellent choice for budget-conscious decorators who prioritize stylish, low-maintenance rugs for casual living spaces, kids' rooms, or apartments.
Shop this brand: nuloom.com
Ruggable 2-Piece Washable Rug System
Ruggable pioneered the washable rug category with its innovative two-piece system. This design features a lightweight, decorative rug cover that can be removed and thrown into the wash, while a sturdy, non-slip rug pad remains on the floor. It's built for households where spills and messes are a regular occurrence, especially those with pets and children.
- What it is: A patented two-piece system with a removable, machine-washable rug cover and a separate non-slip rug pad.
- Key features: Separable layers for easy laundry, water-resistant pad construction, secure non-slip backing, a wide array of licensed collaborations and designer styles.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to over $400.
- Style: Contemporary and sophisticated, with everything from traditional motifs to clean geometric patterns and modern aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality, durable polyester rug covers with a premium, washable slip-resistant pad.
- Pros: Exceptionally easy to wash - just the thin cover goes in the machine. The non-slip pad provides excellent grip and security. High-quality construction holds up well to frequent washing. Interchangeable covers allow for easy style updates without buying a whole new system.
- Cons: A more significant upfront investment. The cover can sometimes shift or wrinkle slightly on the pad with heavy use. Primarily sold directly from their website, limiting shopping options.
Ruggable is perfect for homeowners with active families, pets, or anyone who wants a durable, completely hassle-free solution for keeping floors clean without sacrificing style.
Shop this brand: ruggable.com
Nuloom vs. Ruggable Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference lies in their construction. Nuloom rugs are one-piece and made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene, which are known for being stain-resistant and durable but are not always the plushest underfoot. They work much like a traditional area rug - just made with materials that can handle a washing machine.
Ruggable's two-piece system uses a thin but durable polyester cover and a separate, substantial rug pad. This dual-layer approach provides more cushion and a much stronger grip on the floor. While both brands are durable, Ruggable's construction is designed specifically for longevity through countless washes.
Style & Aesthetics
If your decor is bold and bohemian, a Nuloom rug will likely fit your style perfectly. Their collection is filled with trendy, colorful, and eclectic patterns well-suited for casual and vibrant interiors. They closely follow current design trends, making it easy to find of-the-moment styles.
Ruggable’s collection leans more towards versatile and contemporary aesthetics. You'll find a sophisticated mix of minimalist, transitional, and classic designs, including collaborations with designers and prominent brands like Disney and Star Wars. Their styling tends to be a bit more polished and is designed to complement a wider range of modern decor schemes.
Care & Cleaning
This is where Ruggable shines. Washing a Ruggable involves peeling off the lightweight top cover and tossing it in your washing machine - it's as simple as washing a blanket. An 8x10 cover easily fits in a standard washer.
Washing a Nuloom rug requires putting the entire one-piece rug into the machine. While this works fine for smaller sizes and runners, a large 8x10 one-piece rug can be too bulky for residential washing machines, potentially requiring a trip to a laundromat with industrial-sized units.
Price & Value
There's a clear winner on price: Nuloom. A standard Nuloom rug can cost half or even a third of the price of a comparable Ruggable system. This makes Nuloom an incredible option for anyone on a tight budget, decorating a temporary space, or who simply loves to switch out their decor frequently.
Ruggable is an investment in convenience and long-term performance. The higher price covers the innovative technology, more premium construction, and the extreme ease of care. For those in a "forever home" dealing with constant messes, the value comes from its problem-solving design and durability over time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer fantastic washable rug solutions, but your final choice will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
Choose a Nuloom washable rug if:
- You are decorating on a strict budget.
- You want a trendy or bohemian style rug right now.
- You need a rug for a lower-traffic area or a smaller room.
- You prefer a simple, all-in-one rug without needing to align two separate layers.
- You are okay with spot cleaning more often or using a laundromat for larger sizes.
Choose Ruggable if:
- You have pets, kids, or live in a home where spills are frequent.
- Maximum convenience is your top priority - you want washing to be effortless.
- You plan to keep the rug for many years and value long-term durability.
- You want the security of a truly non-slip rug pad.
- You like the idea of changing a room's look by just swapping out the rug cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Nuloom and Ruggable?
The biggest difference is construction. Nuloom makes highly affordable one-piece washable rugs. Ruggable makes a premium two-piece system with a machine-washable cover and a separate non-slip pad, a design which makes it much easier to wash larger rug sizes at home.
Are Nuloom rugs completely non-slip?
While Nuloom washable rugs often have some form of non-slip backing, they are not as slip-resistant as a dedicated rug pad. For high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets, adding a separate rug pad underneath your Nuloom is highly recommended for safety.
Can I wash a 9x12 Nuloom rug in a home washing machine?
It's unlikely. Most standard residential washing machines cannot handle the bulk and weight of a one-piece rug of that size. You would likely need to take it to a commercial laundromat with oversized machines.
Which brand is better for pets and kids?
Ruggable is generally considered the better choice for households with pets and kids due to its incredibly easy washing process and water-resistant pad that protects your floors from accidents. However, Nuloom's low price point and stain-resistant fibers make them a great low-risk option as well.
Do Ruggable rug covers stay in place on the pad?
For the most part, yes. Ruggable’s "ClingEffect™" technology keeps the cover very secure for everyday use. However, some users note that in very high-traffic areas, corners or edges can occasionally pop up or shift slightly, requiring a quick adjustment.
Are Nuloom rugs soft underfoot?
Nuloom rugs are typically low-pile and focus more on durability than plushness. They are comfortable enough for most living spaces but are not considered extra soft or thick. If you want more cushion, you can always add a separate rug pad.
Is the Ruggable Pad necessary?
Yes. The Ruggable rug cover is a very thin decorative layer and is not designed to be used on its own. It needs the matching pad to provide cushion, non-slip grip, and the proper foundation.
Which one is more durable long-term?
Ruggable’s two-piece system is typically more durable over many washes. Since you are only washing the thin top layer, there is less wear and tear on the overall product compared to repeatedly washing a thick, one-piece rug.
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