11 On-Trend Checkered Rugs For Every Budget

In the last year, checkered rugs have exploded onto the home decor scene like few other items I’ve seen (except, maybe, the Instagram-favorite Anthropologie mirror). It almost seemed like, overnight, it became on of the biggest flooring trends around, and everyone had switched out their Beni Ourain-style rugs for checkered options, and every retailer had a checked rug of their own.

That’s good news if you love this trend like I do, because it means that there are lots of options to choose from, and at lots of different price points.

If you’re looking to jump in on the checkered rug trend, here are my favorite options in a range of price points, starting at just $96 for a 5’x8′ rug.

The best checkered rugs

If you’re looking for a quick scroll through of my top rug picks, I’ve made a widget below where you can easily see them all in one place.

But, if you want to find out more about each rug, keep reading for details. For consistency, the price I included next to each size is the price of an 8 x 10.

1. Rugs USA outdoor checkered area rug, $179

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly checkered rug, this is it. This Rugs USA option is the least-expensive checkered rug I’ve seen, coming in at $92 for a 5′ x 8′.

The rug is an ‘outdoor’ rug, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it inside, too. Outdoor rugs actually make a great choice for stain-prone areas like in an entryway or under a dining table, since they’re low-pile and tend to be made from stain-resistant and durable fibers.

At the same time, if you plan to use an outdoor rug indoors, you’ll want to consider getting a rug pad since outdoor rugs aren’t very luxurious feeling and don’t offer a ton of cushion underfoot.

2. Boutique Rugs checkered rug, $609

I love the natural color palette of this jute rug, and the smaller-scale pattern. This rug also comes in sizes up to 10′ x 14′, which is nice if you have a larger area to cover. (Boutique Rugs is also one of my new favorite places to shop for rugs online!)

3. Chris Loves Julia checkered rug, $400

This was the rug that started my personal love of checkered rugs. Chris Love Julia blogger Julia Marcum is one of the checkerboard trend’s biggest supporters, and her line of rugs with Loloi features two beautiful checked rugs.

The design is the same, but the rug is available in two colorways: the charcoal/ivory shown above, and a gray/pale green option. Depending on the size, the rug runs anywhere from $55 to $1,100, so it’s actually pretty affordable.

This rug has been backordered pretty much since it was first released, so if you love it, you’ll have to jump on the waitlist. Current wait times look to be about 10 weeks.

4. Urban Outfitters checkered rug, $379

For a rug that literally looks like a checkerboard, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than this one from Urban Outfitters. For a budget friendly-price point (it’s $49 – $399 depending on size), it’s even made from recycled cotton & polyester.

5. Rugs USA Natural Jute checked rug, $660

This natural jute rug is a more traditional checkered option, which is perfect for bringing this decor trend into more classic homes. This rug is a mid-range price point, with prices starting at $141 for a 3′ x 5′ and increasing from there.

7. Lulu & Georgia irregular checkerboard rug, $3,398

This designer rug is made from 90% Wool and 10% Cotton, and features a high-low pile construction that give it an irregular, abstract design. The added details and quality construction make this rug a beautiful statement piece, but it’s also the most expensive rug on this list, coming it at $1,300 and up, so you’ve really gotta be committed to the trend. It also comes in a more tonal nude-and-ivory color combo, too.

8. Target checkered accent rug, $30

I mean, you really can’t got wrong with this little checkerboard accent rug from Target. It only comes in a 4 x 6 size, but it’s a great option for a mudroom, entryway, large bathroom or walk-in closet.

9. Rugs USA Large-Scale checkered jute rug, $520

If you love the checkered look but worry it’ll be too busy with your room decor, this large-scale option is great. It’s made of jute and comes in seven different color ways.

10. Lulu & Georgia Shag Checked Rug, $1,440

I also love this Lulu & Georgia version e option because it offers a slightly different take on the checkerboard look, thanks to the pattern that’s more irregular. It’s also a cozy shag construction, so a nice option if you’re putting it in a living space or bedroom. I actually expected this to be more expensive given that it’s from Lulu & Georgia, but the price is under $1,500 for an 8 x 10.

11. Ruggable Washable Checkered Rug, $489

And finally, another washable option, this time in a softer neutral palette.

Why are checkerboard rugs so popular?

I have a twofold theory as to why checkerboard print in general is such a huge trend right now.

The first part of it is that checkerboard is an evolution of the buffalo plaid look that was so popular for the last 10 years. Buffalo plaid (or buffalo checks) were a big part of the farmhouse look, but since that’s begun to feel dated, checkerboard feels like a more modern alternative.

At the same time, in the fashion world, all things ’90s are back. And, if you lived through the ’90s like I did, you’ll remember that checkered Vans, and checkered backpacks, and checkered t-shirts were it.

So, checkerboard as a pattern trend in home decor makes perfect sense, because it’s taking a familiar trend and putting a hip new spin on it.

How to make a checkerboard rug?

OK. So if you’re wondering how to make a checkerboard rug, you’ve probably seen the TikTok videos of it being done. The idea is that you buy two inexpensive stock carpets, cut them into squares, lay them in a checkerboard pattern, and use duct tape to hold the whole thing together. Technically, this could work. But I doubt any rug held together with duct tape would last very long, especially in an area of your home that got any kind of foot traffic. Instead, I’d buy one of the less expensive checkerboard rug options (like the outdoor rug in spot #1) I’ve listed above!