A rag rug is a versatile flooring idea that suits both modern and traditional interiors. Bright, textured and brimming with charm, rag rugs are enjoying a well-deserved revival. Whether you’re drawn to its handcrafted appeal or its eco-friendly credentials, this type of woven floor covering adds warmth and character without overwhelming a space.
In this article, we explore why rag rugs UK homeowners are falling back in love with this age-old craft — from styling ideas to practical uses — and how you can introduce one into your own home with confidence.
What is a Rag Rug?
A rag rug, sometimes referred to as a recycled rug, or a braided textile rug, is made by repurposing old fabrics — think cotton shirts, bed sheets or sari scraps — into a woven or braided floor covering. The result is a colourful patchwork effect that’s unique to every piece.
These rugs are deeply rooted in domestic history, traditionally crafted in rural homes using whatever textiles were available. Today, they’re appreciated not only for their rustic beauty but also for their low-waste, upcycled nature — a stylish antidote to mass-produced homewares. Today, a rag rug is valued not only for its rustic beauty but also as a practical, low-impact flooring idea for modern homes.
👉 Explore more in our Artisan Crafts section
What Are Rag Rugs Used For?
Rag rugs are versatile flooring ideas that work beautifully across the home. They can:
- Brighten up hallways and kitchens
- Soften the edges of a bedroom or sitting room
- Add a pop of colour beneath a coffee table
- Be layered over sisal or jute for a relaxed, bohemian look
Braided styles have a lovely, homespun feel, but they can still look surprisingly refined — especially in round shapes, which soften the straight lines of a sofa or built-in bench. Thanks to their often lightweight nature, a rag rug is also ideal for renters or anyone who likes to switch up their home décor with the seasons. In traditional and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, braided rugs add colour and comfort without overwhelming the room.
Rag Rug Styling Ideas
Anchor the room with a tan leather sofa, then add black accents and layered texture to make a colourful rag rug feel polished.
Shop the Look: A Rag Rug, Styled Like a Designer
Warm leather, inky accents and tactile layers — a simple mix that makes a colourful rag rug feel polished.
Shop the supporting pieces
- Tan leather sofa: Holloways of Ludlow — Normann Copenhagen Soft 3+ Seater Sofa (Ultra Leather Cognac)
- Black coffee table: 4Living — Nordic Oak Coffee Table (Black)
- Black sheepskin layer: 4Living — Native Natural Sheepskin Rug (Black) 60×240cm
- Accent chair: 4Living — Gallery Direct Nagoya Cream Fabric Armchair
- Textured pendant shade: Collectiviste on Etsy — Truffle Rattan Light Shade
Styling tip: Repeat black in two or three places (table, pendant, sheepskin) so the rug feels intentional rather than busy.
This soft striped rag rug works beautifully in a child’s space — explore more girls’ bedroom ideas for colour, storage and styling.
Create the Look: A Pastel Rag Rug in a Child’s Room
Soft, sugary pastels and cosy texture make this scheme feel calm and storybook-sweet — the kind of room that invites floor play, quiet reading, and slow mornings. The rag rug is the hero: it warms up the floor, adds gentle colour, and brings that relaxed, lived-in charm we love in family spaces. See more girls’ bedroom ideas and browse our flooring ideas hub.
Hero Piece: Soft Pastel Rag Rug
1) Strong Wooden Bunk Bed
Seller: BespokeBedsGB (Etsy). A sturdy, space-smart base that keeps the room feeling open.
View the bunk bed2) Ocean Blue Storage Cabinet
Brand/Retailer: Mustard Made “The Standard Locker – Ocean” (Holloways of Ludlow). That hit of blue makes the pastels feel fresher and more modern.
Shop the blue cabinet3) Personalised Pink Stripe Bean Chair
Seller: LimeTreeLondon (Etsy). A cosy reading spot that echoes the rug’s soft stripes.
View the bean chair4) Colourful Flower Print Wall Art
Seller: KateFoxDesign (Etsy). Brings playful colour up onto the walls so the room feels layered, not just “cute”.
Shop the wall art5) Pink Portable Lamp
Brand/Retailer: &Tradition VP9 Flowerpot Portable Lamp – Tangy Pink (Holloways of Ludlow). A fun pop for bedside glow or a shelf nook.
Shop the pink lamp
Tip: if you’re worried about specific product links going out of stock, keep the hero rug link, then direct readers to your rag rug gallery for the most up-to-date picks.
Can You Make a Rag Rug Yourself?
You certainly can — and it’s easier than you might expect. Making your own rag rug is not only a satisfying craft but also a brilliant way to reuse old fabric while creating something both beautiful and practical for your home.
One of the best ways to get started is with a rag rug kit, like this highly rated Rag Rug Beginner Kit by Ragged Life on Etsy. Designed in the UK, it includes all the essential tools: a latch hook, hessian, gauge, and instructions — all beautifully packaged and perfect for beginners. You just need to supply your own fabric, which makes it an excellent way to upcycle old clothing or sheets.
🛠️ Below is a step-by-step Ragged Life video tutorial to guide you through your first rug — perfect if you’re a visual learner or completely new to the craft.
If you’re interested in traditional crafts with a modern twist, Ragged Life is worth a look. Based in the UK, they specialise in rag rug making supplies, books, tools, and workshops. Their attention to detail and beginner-friendly approach has earned them a loyal following and glowing reviews from fellow makers.
Whether you’re picking up a new hobby or making a meaningful gift, this is a small business that makes it easy to go handmade.
👉 Browse more ideas in our Upcycled Projects section
Rag Rugs for Sale: Our Top Picks
1. Handmade Round Rag Rug in Recycled Denim & Sari
Handmade from recycled denim and sari fabric, this round rag rug features softly braided stripes in varied, muted tones. The circular shape makes it ideal for smaller spaces — working beautifully beneath a reading chair, under a compact table, or as a gentle, tactile layer in a child’s bedroom.
Product details:
- Handmade round rag rug using recycled denim and sari fabric
- Braided multicolour design with natural variation
- Ethically made and sold by WhiteCottageStores on Etsy
👉 View this recycled denim & sari rag rug on Etsy
2. Geometric Blue Rag Rug (Designer-Style Patchwork)
Price line – £120
More gallery-piece than country craft, this geometric rag rug mixes deep navy, teal and powder blue blocks for a bold, modern look. The patchwork layout feels wonderfully “designed”, making it ideal for a sleek home office, contemporary hallway, or anywhere you want colour and texture without visual clutter.
Product details
- Graphic geometric patchwork in layered blue tones
- Textural, hand-crafted finish with fringe edge
- Made by JennyHawkesCrafts on Etsy
👉 View this geometric blue rag rug on Etsy
3. Vintage Swedish Handwoven Rag Rug (Red & Blue Check)
Woven with a charming check pattern in red, blue and charcoal, this vintage Swedish rag rug brings instant warmth to a room. The slightly rustic texture softens wooden floors beautifully — especially in front of a fireplace — while the muted palette keeps it feeling timeless rather than shouty.
Product details
- Vintage Swedish handwoven rag rug
- Checked pattern in red, blue, charcoal and cream
- Ideal for hearths, hallways and cosy seating areas
- Seller: SwedishLinenCupboard (Etsy)
👉 View this vintage Swedish rag rug on Etsy
4. 🌈 Sarva Multi Chindi Rag Rug and Matching Cushion Cover
Price: £12.99+
Design: A vibrant, multicoloured triangle pattern on a cream base, featuring tones of red, green, pink, orange, navy, and purple.
Material: Handmade Chindi (recycled fabric), giving it a tactile, eco-friendly charm.
Best For: Bohemian, eclectic, or colourful interiors looking for a sustainable statement piece.
- Bright and joyful colour palette
- Affordable price
- Handwoven, recycled material
Etsy Shop Rating: ⭐ 4.6 (134 reviews)
🛒 Ideal for adding personality to a bedroom corner or layered over neutral flooring in a creative space.
5. ⚫⚪ Sudh Black-White Chindi Rag Rug and Matching Cushion Cover
Price: £16.99+
Design: A striking monochrome triangle pattern for a clean, graphic look.
Material: Same eco-conscious handmade Chindi construction.
Best For: Minimalist, Scandinavian, or modern interiors with a black-and-white theme.
- Timeless palette that suits most décor styles
- Handmade from recycled materials
- Versatile and bold
Etsy Shop Rating: ⭐ 4.6 (134 reviews)
🛒 Perfect for monochrome schemes or modern bedrooms seeking subtle texture without colour.
6. 🌿 Grey Chindi Rag Rug – Recycled Cotton (MyFamilyHouse on Etsy)
Price: £17.95
Design: A soft neutral palette with pastel hints woven through grey tones, this rag rug brings gentle texture to any space. Finished with fringed edges, it’s ideal for calm, understated interiors.
Material: Made from recycled cotton using traditional Indian weaving techniques.
Best For: Rustic, bohemian, or minimalist homes seeking a subtle, sustainable piece for the hallway, bedroom, or beside the bed.
Pros:
- Soft colour palette that suits a wide range of décor styles
- Excellent Etsy reviews: ⭐ 4.9 (10,222+ ratings)
- Fairtrade and handmade from recycled textiles
- Affordable and durable for everyday use
Want more options?
🧺 See our full selection of favourite rag rug finds on Etsy — colourful, upcycled and perfect for every room.
👉 See more in our Flooring Ideas
Recommended reading
More ideas to style your home with texture, craft and character.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to make or buy a rag rug?
It can be cheaper to make a rag rug if you already have fabric such as old clothes, sheets or towels. However, once you factor in the time involved and the cost of tools or backing materials, buying a ready-made rag rug is often just as affordable — especially smaller chindi-style rugs. Many people choose to make a rag rug for the enjoyment of crafting rather than purely to save money.
How do you make old-fashioned rag rugs for beginners?
Old-fashioned rag rugs are traditionally made by cutting fabric into strips and weaving, braiding or hooking them onto a base. For beginners, the easiest methods are:
- Using a rag rug kit with a pre-marked backing
- Braiding fabric strips and sewing them into a rug
- Hooking strips through hessian or rug canvas
Starting with a small project and sturdy cotton fabrics makes the process much more manageable.
What does a rag rug mean?
A rag rug is a rug traditionally made from scraps of fabric, often recycled clothing or household textiles. Historically, rag rugs were a practical way to reuse materials, but today they’re valued for their handmade character, texture and relaxed charm. In modern interiors, a rag rug often represents warmth, sustainability and a more informal, lived-in style.
How do you make a rag rug from old towels?
Old towels work particularly well for rag rugs because they’re thick, durable and soft underfoot. To make one, cut clean towels into long strips and either:
- Braid the strips and coil them into a circular rug, or
- Weave or hook them through a backing fabric
Towel rag rugs are especially practical for bathrooms, utility rooms and children’s spaces where comfort and absorbency are useful.
What is a rag rug called?
Depending on the technique, it might also be called a braided rug, a hook rug, or a shaggy mat. All refer to rugs made from scrap fabric.
What is a rag rug used for?
Rag rugs can be used throughout the home — from warming up tiled floors to defining living areas. Their durability and visual appeal make them both functional and decorative.
How many sheets does it take to make a rag rug?
On average, around 3–5 old double sheets are enough to make a small to medium-sized rug, depending on the pattern and density.
What is the difference between a rug and a rag?
A “rag” refers to the fabric scraps used in the making. A “rug” is the finished product. So a rag rug is simply a rug made from rags — clever, isn’t it?
Why Choose a Rag Rug?
If you’re after:
- A sustainable alternative to synthetic mats
- A budget-friendly flooring solution
- A splash of colour and handmade character
- A craft project that’s easy and rewarding
Then a rag rug — whether bought or made — ticks every box.
💚 Want to try one yourself? Look for a rag rug kit or browse our favourite recycled rugs above.