When many teachers first enter their classrooms, they find cinder-block walls, inherited furniture, and fluorescent lighting. So how can you add some personalization and fun? Classroom rugs to the rescue! Rugs can take a room from drab to fab with bold patterns, bright colors, and cool, cozy vibes. Plus, many classroom rugs do double duty by helping with assigned seating. Classroom rugs can even teach lessons on space, geography, or even handwriting!
We rounded up this selection of teacher-tested classroom rugs … all available on Amazon, because free shipping for the win.
If you need a classroom rug for assigned seating …
1. Seating circles rug
This seating circles rug is a favorite in many classrooms. Danielle Gray in our We Are Teachers Deals Facebook Group says, “I’m obsessed with my rug! It’s HUGE and is ideal for maintaining personal space.” It comes in 5’10” x 8’4″, 7’6″ x 12′, and 10’6″ x 13’2″ options.
Teacher review: “I was interested in buying a classroom carpet that has lots of color with a black background, and this rug is perfect!”
Buy it: Circles Rug
2. Glorious gray rug
If you’re into neutrals, this classroom rug seats 24 students and is calling your name. (If you want to try out a color option, the brick option is pretty too!)
Teacher review: “I am going for a cool color theme to create a calm learning environment and this is a great addition for that goal.”
Buy it: Gray Circles Rug
3. Positive message seating
This rug is visually stimulating while also providing seating for 24 students. Have kids sit in a different spot every day since they may fight over specific seats.
Buy it: ABC Area Rug
4. Fruit rug
This rug is so unique and so fun. Have kids identify the type of fruit before they pull up a slice!
Teacher review: “It is generously sized for a large group of children, and the theme and vibrant colors are things kids are drawn to.”
Buy it: Fruit Classroom Rug
5. Circles shag rug
This shag rug with organic circles is so colorful and cozy. It got rave reviews on Amazon too!
Teacher review: “This carpet has been a major hit in my classroom. I have teachers from other parts of the building coming to my room just to see it and they all love it. It’s all I can do to keep the kids at their desks rather than on the carpet. Love, love, love it!!”
Buy it: Circles Shag Rug
6. Alphabet and numbers rug
This rug is the fifth-most wished-for classroom rug on Amazon, with over 100 5-star reviews to back it up.
Review: “I love the rug. I bought it so that I can teach my 2 yr old grandson the letters, numbers, and shapes.”
7. Tree stump seating
We love classroom rugs that have a theme. This one brings the outside indoors. Add a play space nearby with a tent and a pretend fire!
Teacher review: “Vibrant colors, no wrinkles or folds, and looks so nice in a classroom.”
Buy it: Stump Classroom Rug
8. An apple a day
Nothing says school more than an apple, so why not get this cute rug for your classroom? You can get one or two if you have a bigger class like the teacher in the review below!
Teacher review: “I put two of these together! They look great!”
Buy it: Apple Sit Spot Carpet
Classroom rugs if you love all things bright and colorful …
9. Handprint rug
Reviews on this rug brag about its durability and bold colors. The handprints bring great energy to the classroom.
Teacher review: “I bought this rug for my art room because I needed something that students could sit on during class before they work on art. The carpet itself is eye-catching—multiple teachers and students point out how cool the rug looks—especially for an art room.”
Buy it: Handprint Rug
10. Boho gray vibes
This shag rug is a teacher favorite on Instagram. We’ve spied it in so many adorable classrooms. The subtle rainbow dots add just the right touch!
Teacher review: “This rug is soft and very durable for a classroom reading area. My students love to lay on it and read.”
Buy it: Trellis Shag Rug
11. Colors and tassels
Sure the bright colors and shapes are fabulous, but the tassels on each end are what win us over with this rug.
Review: “The colors match the seller’s depiction. Good quality for the price. Arrived very quickly. No odor. I would buy again.”
12. Rainbow stripes rug
Rows on rows on rows of bright rainbow stripes. The staggered edges make this rug a statement in any classroom.
Review: “Very nice design and great quality.”
Buy it: Hand-Tufted Pantone Rug
13. A ray of sunshine
It doesn’t get any cheerier than this bright sun rug!
Review: “So bright and fun, so soft, washes SO WELL, which is good because it’s impossible to vacuum because it’s lightweight. This brand of rug is very, very good, holding up in a high traffic area and does not slip.”
Buy it: Sun Print Rug
14. A colorful message
We love the idea of this message being reinforced into kids’ minds day after day since it is so important for them to remember. Its unique shape would look cute in a reading nook or play area.
Teacher review: “This is a great addition to our calm-down corner. It is bigger than I thought. Helps a child find their bubble to calm down.”
Buy it: Rainbow Round Rug
15. Rainbow checkerboard
This rug will add some cheer to any classroom. It can be used for seating spots, counting, and color recognition.
Teacher review: “I have the large version and the mini version of this rug. I LOVE THEM BOTH. I have them in my classroom. They are easy to clean because of their short fibers and anything spilled on them comes up easy.”
Buy it: Modern Squares Rug
16. Rainbow swirl
This rug is just so pretty, we couldn’t leave it off our list. We think your students will love it too!
Review: “Bright colors just like the picture. Good quality too.”
Classroom rugs if you prefer a neutral palette …
17. Dark distressed rug
Get cool boho patterns with this dark and neutral (read: stain-friendly) color scheme.
Review: “Rich colour, great texture, good quality! This is definitely worth the price and can probably compare to similar, more expensive ones. Definitely purchase if you are thinking about it!”
Buy it: Black/Silver Rug
18. Jute rug
Since jute rugs are woven from natural fibers, they’re sustainable and environmentally friendly. These rugs are sturdy and can take a beating, which is a real perk for classrooms.
Review: “Fits flawlessly in my space and really makes it feel more homey! I would 1000% recommend buying this rug.”
Buy it: Jute Hand-Woven Area Rug
19. Black-and-white stripes
There’s something simple and lovely about an understated black-and-white striped rug.
Teacher review: “We thought this was a great rug for the money. It looks great in my daughter’s classroom.”
Buy it: Black-and-Ivory Striped Rug
20. A neutral planets rug
This is the perfect classroom rug if you want something child-friendly but still neutral. We know it is a quality rug, too, since it has nearly 200 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Teacher review: “I was awarded a grant for a classroom library, and this stunning carpet is the centerpiece.”
Buy it: Outer Space Rug
If you’re a clean freak …
21. Vinyl floor mat
We are so here for the emerging vinyl floor mat trend. No, it’s not technically a “classroom rug,” however, it serves the same general purpose. And bonus: Since it’s not a woven fabric, messes wipe up easily.
Review: “They lay flat almost immediately and stay put without having to use a pad or adhesive. And they clean up so easily!”
22. Wipeable mats
Not exactly a rug, but still a great option for a classroom floor. These mats can be used during story or nap time. You can even put them under a slide or other piece of play equipment for safety. They are Greenguard Gold certified so your little ones won’t be exposed to harmful chemicals.
Review: “Compact and good quality.”
Buy it: Folding Rest Mat
23. Splat mat
This is the perfect mat to put under an arts-and-crafts area in your classroom. Kids can spill and you can clean it up like it was nothing! Plus, we love the cute underwater theme.
Teacher review: “I was looking for something heavier than plastic to put under my easel and this works great. I use it under the sensory bin too.”
Buy it: Splat Mat
If you’re into classroom rugs that inspire learning …
24. Alphabet American Sign Language rug
Reinforce American Sign Language hand signs for the alphabet and useful words with this bright and colorful rug.
Teacher review: “This carpet is in my k4 classroom and the little ones are already learning from it. Great colors and is a high-quality rug. I love this for circle time.”
Buy it: Alphabet ASL Rug
25. Solar system rug
The seating options on this rug are out of this world. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Grab it in 5’x7′ or 8’x11′ options.
Teacher review: “I bought this and put it in my classroom because it matched our science curriculum. It is beautiful and colorful. Good price for what you’re getting! Love!”
Buy it: Solar System Rug
26. U.S. map rug
This illustrated map rug is glowing with reviews on Amazon. One teacher said, “I teach 4th grade and it is perfect for the reading corner in my classroom! Many other teachers have complimented it, too!”
Teacher review: “The rug is beautiful and large enough to seat 22 first graders. Kids, parents, and teachers alike have commented on the vibrant, beautiful colors and illustrations!”
Buy it: United States Map Rug
27. Handwriting rug
They say cursive is a lost art, but this rug can help bring it back!
Teacher review: “It is a perfect addition to my classroom and is large enough to seat all 24 of my students.”
28. Continents rug
This world map rug would make a nice complement to the rug that shows a map of the United States. We especially love that it is reversible!
Teacher review: “This rug looks great in my classroom library. I don’t know how well it will hold up in the long run but it seems to be pretty durable.”
If you want your rug to inspire playtime …
29. Hopscotch rug
Hopscotch is such a classic childhood game and this rug makes it possible to play even when it’s raining outside! We love the muted colors and pretty rainbow at the end.
Review: “So soft and great quality. Love this! Worth every penny.”
Buy it: Hopscotch Rainbow Rug
30. City play mat
If you have a bunch of toy trucks or matchbox cars in your classroom, this is the rug for you. Kids will have a blast using it during indoor recess.
Review: “Such great value and it’s so cute. Definitely a great buy!”
Buy it: Educational Road Traffic Car Rug
31. Dinosaur number trail rug
Use this rug as a larger-than-life board game since it features a winding path. Kids will also enjoy walking the path while reinforcing their numbers and learning some dinosaur names along the way.
Review: “This is fantastic for any child that loves dinosaurs. The vibrant colors and detailed dinosaur illustrations make for an engaging and visually appealing play surface.”
Buy it: Dinosaur Playmat
32. Playhouse rug
No kid can resist a dollhouse so why not give them one in rug form? Kids will have a ball playing with dolls during break time.
Review: “My daughter was smiling from ear to ear when she saw it and she is only 19 months, so I’m sure any older girls would be absolutely elated! I would recommend this product to anyone!”
Buy it: Pink Playhouse Rug
33. Soccer field rug
All the little ballers in your classroom will undoubtedly delight in this fun soccer field rug. Give them some dolls and a small ball and watch as they role-play a soccer game!
Review: “Same as in picture; kids love it.”
Buy it: Soccer Field Rug
34. Simple roadways
This rug is a great option for a busy play space in a classroom since it is machine washable. It’s also not as busy-looking as other play mats. Provide kids with some matchbox cars or other vehicles and then watch the fun!
Review: “Very soft and easy to clean! Any spills just wipe right off. Super happy with this purchase!”
Buy it: Playroom Road Rug