Why Classroom Rugs Improve Classroom Community, Student Focus, and Classroom Environment

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Popular topic this week over on my social media is classroom rugs.  After posting a quick video tour of my classroom in the US vs my classroom in Spain, one of the top questions I got was “where is your rug from??”

Before I dive into that answer, I just have to share why a good rug is one of the best things to have in your classroom. While they can be expensive, this is the TOP thing I would recommend investing in if you’re going to splurge on one item.  And BONUS: many of the rug suggestions I will share in this email are from Amazon (aka - you can add to your classroom wishlist and perhaps get it donated to your class!)

Why you’ll love having a classroom rug

The space it creates

One of the most common comments I receive whenever I share my classroom on social media is “wow your room is so big!” - while I am very grateful to have a larger than average classroom, I also have really set the space up to make it appear bigger and maximize the space. And other teacher’s rooms on my campus don’t feel as big because they haven’t utilized this one hack: use your classroom rug to open up an area of your room.  IF it’s possible, do this right where you walk in.  I think that’s what makes my room seem so big because you’re instantly greeted with an open area. I’ve also had classrooms though where logistically you couldn’t place a rug right when you walk in - and that’s okay if that’s the case for you.  Just having a carpet area will truly open up the room and make it feel bigger.

The home-y feeling it creates

Another reason I LOVE my classroom rug is because it makes the room feel less like an industrial, sterile classroom and more like a warm & welcoming home.  Which honestly it is our home away from home.

1 item - massive decor upgrade

While rugs can be a more expensive classroom investment, it’s also saving you a lot of time and energy.  If you want a beautifully decorated room, but don’t want to spend hours & hours decorating it - a rug is one item that instantly takes your room to the next level.  Especially if you choose a really pretty one :) 

Builds classroom community

A rug can be a gathering area and I love using mine for morning meetings.  We often sit (or stand) in a circle and I love that a large rug creates the opportunity for everyone to see everyone.

Improves student focus

This is an unpopular teaching strategy for upper elementary, but it is a hill I will die on.  My principal would ALWAYS compliment and talk about how impressed he was when he would see 30 sixth graders sitting on a carpet and learning math.  It is typically a primary grade strategy to teach instruction from the carpet; however, I have found that my 6th graders are more focused on the carpet than anywhere else.  You do have to teach and model high expectations from the beginning of the year; but it is absolutely possible to have strong instruction occur with upper elementary on a rug.  I also often call the class to the carpet for quick directions of what we need and are doing for independent work.  I love that I have their full attention and they’re not distracted by anything in their desks or around them.

Now let’s talk rug options for the 2025 classroom! 

Initially, I couldn’t find my exact rug that I had so many questions about, which is what led me to an Amazon search for solid alternatives.  But thanks to an amazing follower (who taught me about Google lens), we were able to find my exact rug.

Here’s the mentioned rug, you can find it on Amazon, Overstock, or Bed Bath & Beyond. (Note that Bed Bath & Beyond currently has it available in the largest size - if you want a classroom gathering space, I do recommend 9x12 or similar).

Other great rug options:

This one is my favorite rug that I found - I love that it is dark (so it won’t show as much as it gets dirty), but also has these gorgeous colors and flowers. You can grab this rug here.

If I wanted a rug that could match with just about any decor, I would go with a soft pink.  Here are two options (option 1 and option 2) that would be a great addition to any classroom.  This rug would pair with every single one of my classroom decor lines (Blush & Blues, Wild & Bright, Dreamy Neutral, or Eras Tour).

A really trendy rug would be this checkered one.  The checkered look is definitely what’s popular and trending right now, and if you teach upper elementary I can just picture your students saying “our classroom is so preppy and cool” with this rug!

For my plant loving teachers, I love the idea of this green rug.  I love seeing classrooms that have lots of plants and greenery (sadly I have a black thumb so that will never be me), but if naturals and neutrals are your thing, THIS is the rug for you.

One of the most popular style rugs I see in teacher’s classrooms is the bohemian theme rug.  I really love this style because it adds so much color, texture, and dimension to a classroom.  Your eyes are just drawn to the rug and it’s a beautiful design.  You can grab this one here.

Contrary, if you don’t want to have a similar look to all the other classrooms out there and you want to stand OUT, I found several options of rugs that are unique and different than anything I’ve seen, but also neutral enough that they can match with lots of different decor options.  You can grab this one pictured here.

You can also check out my Amazon storefront to see the other rugs I’ve listed as ideas as well.

Hope this gave you some ideas for your classroom for next year!

Xoxo,

Lauren