Reversible rugs are worth it if you like changing your look or want a second pattern to fall back on. Two designs in one rug means you can swap the style with the seasons, and a machine washable reversible rug is easy to keep clean. The trade-offs are that they usually have no rubber backing, so they need a rug pad, and they are heavier to wash.
What is a reversible rug?
A reversible rug, also called a double-sided rug, is made so that both faces are finished and decorative. Instead of a printed or tufted top bonded to a plain backing, each side shows a design. Sometimes the two sides are the same pattern in opposite colours, such as black on white and white on black. Sometimes they are two different patterns altogether.
The Arconiz reversible range is made from recycled materials, is machine washable, and is designed for homes with children and pets. You can see the current styles in our tribal and geometric rugs and the wider washable rugs collection.
Reversible vs standard washable rugs
| Feature | Reversible rug | Standard washable rug |
|---|---|---|
| Designs | Two, one on each face | One |
| Wear | Can be flipped to even it out | Rotate end to end only |
| Backing | Usually none; use a pad | Often a non-slip backing |
| Weight and feel | Flatter and often heavier | Varies by pile |
| Best for | Changing looks, busy homes | One fixed style, slick floors |
The real benefits
Two looks for one price
This is the main reason to buy. A rug that is bold and graphic on one side and calm on the other lets you change a room in thirty seconds. You can go for the busier side when you have plain furniture, and flip to the quiet side when you add patterned cushions or a new sofa.
A second chance after a stain
If one face picks up a mark that does not fully lift, the other face is still clean. That does not replace washing, but it buys time. Treat the stain, wash the rug, and carry on. For washing steps, see our guide on how often to wash a washable rug.
Even wear
Flipping the rug spreads wear across both faces instead of grinding one side down. In a hallway or in front of a sofa, that adds up over the years.
The honest drawbacks
No built-in grip. A rubber or silicone backing can only sit on one face, so a rug that shows a finished design on both sides typically does not have one. Check the product page, and put a rug pad underneath, especially on tile, vinyl or hardwood. Our guide on how to stop a rug from slipping covers the options.
Heavier to wash. A flat, dense, double-faced weave holds water. Before you buy a large size, check that it fits your machine, because a big rug in a small drum will not rinse properly. Our post on what size washer you need gives capacity guidance, and the care label on the product page is the final word.
The look can feel flatter. Reversible rugs are woven thin, so they have less cushion than a plush rug. They are a good fit for living rooms and dining areas, and less so for a spot where you want a deep, soft feel underfoot.
Who should buy a reversible rug?
- Renters and frequent redecorators who like to refresh a room without buying a new rug.
- Families with kids or pets who want a second face and an easy wash cycle. Browse the best washable rugs for pets too.
- Dining and living rooms where the rug sits flat under furniture.
It is probably not the right choice if you want plush, thick cushioning or a rug with its own grip on a slick floor. For those situations a standard low-pile washable rug with a non-slip backing is simpler.
Which size to choose
Our reversible rugs come in 3x5, 5x7 and 8x10. A 3x5 suits an entryway or a spot beside a bed from $69.99. Size up for a living room so the front legs of your sofa sit on the rug; our living room rug size guide and 8x10 washable rugs will help. If you are still deciding whether washable is right for you, read are machine washable rugs worth it.
Written by the Arconiz team. We work directly with Turkish manufacturers, with no middleman, and we wash-test the rugs we sell.
