You know the feeling. You walk into a high-end furniture gallery, see a plush, Moroccan-style shag rug, and then you see the price tag. $800? No thanks. Honestly, it’s enough to make you want to live with bare floors forever. But then there’s the Ross "treasure hunt." If you’ve ever spent forty-five minutes digging through a rack of haphazardly hung textiles, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Finding area rugs at Ross Dress for Less isn't just about shopping; it's basically a competitive sport where the prize is a 5x7 rug that looks like it cost a month's rent but actually cost fifty bucks.
It’s weirdly satisfying.
Ross is what the retail industry calls an "off-price" department store. This basically means they buy up excess inventory from big-name brands and designers—think Safavieh, Nourison, or even Magnolia Home—and sell it for 20% to 60% less than department store prices. Because their inventory isn't consistent, you never quite know if you're going to find a sleek jute runner for your hallway or a massive, velvet-textured centerpiece for the dining room. It’s chaotic. It’s messy. But for anyone trying to style a home without taking out a second mortgage, it is the absolute gold standard for floor coverings.
The hidden logic of the Ross rug aisle
Most people walk into the back of the store, see the giant rolling metal racks of rugs, and feel an immediate sense of dread. It’s understandable. The rugs are heavy, they're often tucked behind one another, and the labels are sometimes missing. But there is a method to the madness. Ross typically stocks a variety of sizes, ranging from 2x3 accent mats to full-size 8x10 area rugs.
The 5x7 is the "sweet spot" at Ross. You will almost always find the largest selection in this size. Why? Because it’s the most versatile size for apartments and standard-sized living rooms. Prices for these usually hover between $39.99 and $69.99. If you were to buy the exact same polyester-blend rug at a big-box retailer like Target or West Elm, you’d easily be looking at $150 minimum.
Quality varies wildly. You’ve got to be a bit of a detective. Some rugs are thin, "printed" designs on a flat weave that might feel a bit scratchy underfoot. Others are genuine high-pile tufted rugs with cotton backings. I’ve personally found 100% wool rugs at Ross tucked behind cheap synthetic ones. It’s all about the touch test. If the backing feels like stiff plastic, it’s probably a lower-end synthetic. If it has a flexible, woven underside, you’ve likely found a higher-end piece that accidentally ended up in the discount bin.
Understanding the brand turnover
Ever wonder where these rugs actually come from? It’s not "Ross brand" stuff. Ross doesn't really manufacture their own rugs in the traditional sense. Instead, they leverage relationships with major manufacturers.
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- Overstock: A major retailer ordered 5,000 blue distressed rugs but only sold 3,000. Ross buys the remaining 2,000 at a fraction of the cost.
- Minor Imperfections: Sometimes, a rug has a tiny "missed" stitch on the edge or a slight color variation that doesn't meet a luxury brand's strict QC. These often end up at Ross labeled as "irregulars," though you usually can't even see the flaw.
- Past Season Styles: Home decor trends move fast. Last year’s "it" geometric pattern is this year’s Ross clearance item.
If you see a brand like Safavieh or Loloi on the tag, grab it. These are heavy hitters in the rug world. Safavieh, for instance, is known for their dense pile and durability. Finding one of their rugs at Ross is like finding a designer handbag at a thrift store—it’s a massive win for your home's longevity.
Why area rugs at Ross Dress for Less are a different beast than HomeGoods
A lot of people lump Ross and HomeGoods together. They shouldn't. HomeGoods is curated. It’s pretty. It’s organized by color. Ross is... well, Ross is a warehouse. But because Ross doesn't spend as much on "vibes" and interior design displays, their margins are often even lower. You can frequently find the exact same rug at Ross for $10 to $20 less than you’d pay at HomeGoods.
The downside? You have to do the heavy lifting. Literally.
You’ll see rugs rolled up in bins or draped over metal arms. Don't be afraid to unroll a corner. Check the "hand" of the fabric. Is it soft? Does it shed when you rub it? Most importantly, check the corners. Cheap rugs have a tendency to curl at the edges, which is a tripping hazard and just looks tacky. Look for rugs with a "surged" edge—that’s the thick, tightly wrapped thread around the border. It prevents fraying and helps the rug lay flat.
Maintenance and the "Ross smell"
Let’s be real for a second. Sometimes items in discount stores have a specific scent. It’s usually just the off-gassing of the synthetic materials like polypropylene or the fact that they’ve been sitting in a warehouse. This isn't a dealbreaker.
If you bring home a rug that smells a bit "new-carpet-y," just give it 24 hours in a well-ventilated room. Better yet, sprinkle some baking soda on it, let it sit for an hour, and vacuum it up. It’ll be fine.
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One thing people get wrong is thinking these rugs aren't durable because they're cheap. Actually, most Ross rugs are made of synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. These materials are incredibly stain-resistant. If you have kids or a dog that thinks the living room is a racetrack, a $50 Ross rug is actually a better investment than a $1,200 silk rug. You won't have a heart attack when someone spills grape juice. You just blot it up and move on with your life.
Navigating the sizes and the "hidden" inventory
Don't just look at the rug rack. Ross is notorious for stashing larger rugs (the 8x10s and 9x12s) in the very back, often leaning against the wall or standing upright in tall cardboard boxes. These larger sizes are the rarest finds. If you see an 8x10 for under $150, and you like the pattern, buy it. Seriously. Large area rugs are the most expensive part of a room makeover, and Ross is one of the few places where you can get one for the price of a nice dinner out.
Also, check the bath section. Sometimes "accent rugs" or large bath mats are indistinguishable from small area rugs. I’ve seen 2x3 cotton woven rugs in the bath aisle that would look incredible in a kitchen or a small entryway, and they’re often priced at just $12.99.
Actionable tips for your next rug hunt
Going to Ross without a plan is how you end up with a neon-purple shag rug you regret three days later.
First, measure your space before you leave the house. Write it down on a piece of paper or in your phone notes. Don't eyeball it. A rug that’s too small makes a room look tiny and disjointed. You want a rug that is large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on.
Second, check the "New Arrivals" days. Most Ross stores get shipments several times a week, but Tuesday through Thursday are usually the best days for fresh home decor stock. Avoid Saturdays if you can; the stores are usually picked over and the rug aisle looks like a tornado hit it.
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Third, look at the material composition on the back of the tag.
- Polypropylene/Olefin: Great for high traffic, very stain resistant, slightly shiny.
- Polyester: Softest feel, good color clarity, but can flatten over time in high-traffic spots.
- Cotton: Usually flat-weave, breathable, often machine washable (if small), but can slide around without a pad.
- Jute/Sisal: Natural, very durable, but can be scratchy and hard to clean if wet.
Finally, always buy a rug pad. Even the most expensive rug from Ross will look cheap if it's sliding all over your hardwood floors or bunching up under the coffee table. A simple $15 felt or rubber pad adds cushion, prevents slipping, and actually makes the rug last longer by protecting the fibers from being crushed against the hard floor.
When you find that perfect rug, inspect it one last time for any major snags or stains. If you find a small defect that you can live with—like a loose thread on the underside—you can sometimes ask a manager for an additional discount. It doesn't always work, but at Ross, it never hurts to ask.
Putting it all together
The reality of home design in 2026 is that things are expensive. We're all looking for those small wins that make a space feel like "ours" without draining the savings account. An area rug is the foundation of a room. It anchors the furniture and adds warmth. By skipping the boutique prices and putting in a little "sweat equity" at the local Ross, you're not just saving money—you're getting a high-end look for a fraction of the retail cost.
Grab your measuring tape, go on a Tuesday morning, and be prepared to dig. The perfect rug is probably buried under three others, just waiting for you to find it.
Next Steps for Your Home:
- Measure your living area and subtract 12-18 inches from the walls to find your ideal rug size.
- Check your local Ross store mid-week during morning hours for the best selection of unpicked inventory.
- Invest in a quality rug pad regardless of the rug's price to ensure it stays in place and feels more substantial underfoot.