Are Overstock Rugs Good? The Honest Truth Before You Buy
If you have spent any time browsing for affordable home decor online, you have likely landed on Overstock—now essentially Bed Bath & Beyond—wondering if the deals are too good to be true. You see a gorgeous 9×12 Persian-style rug for a fraction of the price of a boutique store, but the hesitation kicks in. Will it look like the picture? Will it smell like chemicals? Is it going to fall apart in six months?
The short answer is yes, Overstock rugs are generally good value for the money, provided you understand that you are largely buying “fast fashion” for your floor—great for high-traffic areas and budget makeovers, but rarely heirloom quality.
However, the difference between a “hidden gem” and a “regrettable purchase” often lies in knowing exactly what materials to look for and how to navigate their tricky return policy. Before you hit that checkout button, this guide will walk you through the reality of buying rugs from this massive online retailer, ensuring you get exactly what you expect.
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The “Overstock” Reality: Who Are You Actually Buying From?
First, it is critical to clear up a common confusion. When you shop for “Overstock rugs,” you are rarely buying a product manufactured by Overstock itself. Overstock (which recently acquired the intellectual property of Bed Bath & Beyond and rebranded) acts as a marketplace.
They host massive third-party brands like Safavieh, nuLOOM, Surya, and SAFAVIEH. These are the same brands you will find on Wayfair, Amazon, and even at Home Depot. The “goodness” of the rug depends entirely on the specific manufacturer and the material construction, not the website selling it.
The White-Label Secret
Here is a piece of industry insight few shoppers realize: many of these rugs are white-labeled. The exact same rug might be called the “Vintage Hamadan” on Overstock and the “Distressed Persian” on another site. This is actually an advantage for you. If you find a rug you love on Overstock, you can often use Google Lens or search the specific pattern to see if it is cheaper elsewhere. However, Overstock frequently wins on price due to their aggressive coupon strategy and “flash sales.”
Assessing Quality: The Material Breakdown
The single biggest factor in whether your Overstock rug is “good” is the material listed in the description. Ignoring this specification is the number one reason for negative reviews.
Polypropylene and Synthetics
The vast majority of affordable rugs on Overstock are made of polypropylene (also known as olefin).
The Good: These are stain-resistant, non-shedding, and incredibly durable. They are perfect for muddy entryways or dining rooms where spills happen.
The Bad: They can feel “plasticky” underfoot. They have a tendency to flatten quickly in high-traffic zones, and they can melt if exposed to high heat.
Wool and Natural Fibers
You will find wool rugs on Overstock, often from brands like Safavieh.
The Good: Wool is naturally resilient, fire-retardant, and feels luxurious. It recovers from furniture indentations better than synthetic fibers.
The Bad: In the budget category, these are often “hand-tufted” rather than “hand-knotted.” Hand-tufted rugs use a latex backing to hold the fibers in place, which can emit a burnt rubber smell (off-gassing) and shed significantly for the first few months.
The Common Pain Points (And How to Solve Them)
Scouring forums like Reddit and customer reviews reveals consistent patterns in user complaints. Being aware of these potential pitfalls allows you to mitigate them.
1. The “Chemical Smell”
Many users report a strong chemical odor upon unrolling their new rug. This is typically Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the synthetic fibers, dyes, or the latex glue used in backing.
Solution: Do not place the rug immediately in a bedroom or nursery. Unroll it in a garage or a well-ventilated room with windows open for 48 to 72 hours. The smell almost always dissipates.
2. The Shipping Creases
To save on shipping costs, rugs are often rolled tightly or even folded. This results in stubborn ripples that refuse to lay flat, creating a tripping hazard.
Solution: “Reverse roll” the rug immediately. Roll it tightly in the opposite direction of the curl and let it sit for a day. Heavy books on the corners help, but patience is key. In winter, the cold can make the backing stiff; warming it up with a hair dryer (on low heat) can help the fibers relax.
3. The Return Policy Trap
This is the most critical warning. While shipping to you is often free, shipping it back is usually not. Returning a 9×12 rug can cost upwards of $50 to $100 in shipping fees, which might be half the cost of the rug itself.
Pro Tip: Before committing to a large area rug, buy the smallest size available (usually a 2×3 or a runner) to test the color and texture in your space. If you hate it, returning a small mat is cheap and easy. If you love it, you can buy the large version with confidence and use the small one as a matching doormat or kitchen rug.
Strategic Shopping: When Overstock Wins
Despite the caveats, there are specific scenarios where Overstock rugs are arguably the best choice on the market.
Furnishing Rental Properties and ADUs
If you are setting up an Airbnb or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you need decor that looks expensive but is cheap to replace. Overstock rugs excel here. You can achieve a high-end aesthetic for under $200. If a guest spills red wine or tracks in mud, it is far less painful to replace a $150 polypropylene rug than a $1,500 wool heirloom.
Pet Owners and Parents
High-quality rugs and new puppies do not mix. Synthetic Overstock rugs are essentially hydrophobic—liquids sit on top rather than soaking in instantly. This makes cleaning up accidents significantly easier. Furthermore, the low price point allows you to treat these rugs as “semi-disposable” items that can be swapped out every few years as your family grows.
Seasonal Decor Changes
For homeowners who love to change their decor with the seasons, Overstock’s price point is ideal. You might want a jute rug for summer and a plush shag for winter. Just remember, if you are prepping for winter, you need to consider more than just the rug. Ensure your entryway is ready for snow and salt. If you have heavy machinery for winter maintenance, like a snow blower, ensure your garage or mudroom rug is durable enough to handle the traffic. (Speaking of winter tools, if your Snow Joe snow blower stopped working, check your maintenance routine before the first freeze—just like you would check your rug placement!)
Comparison: Overstock vs. The Competition
How does Overstock stack up against other major online rug retailers? The table below breaks down the key differences to help you decide where to buy.
| Feature | Overstock (Bed Bath & Beyond) | Wayfair | Rugs USA | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Consistency | High fluctuation (watch for coupons) | Stable, moderate prices | Frequent “70% off” sales | Variable, price changes daily |
| Return Policy | Strict, buyer pays return shipping | Buyer pays return shipping (unless defective) | Often has easier/cheaper return labels | Easiest (especially with Prime) |
| Selection | Massive, focuses on traditional/transitional | Massive, leans modern/trendy | Specialized, huge variety of weaves | Unlimited, but hard to filter quality |
| Brand Availability | Safavieh, nuLOOM, Porch & Den | Kelly Clarkson Home, Joss & Main | Proprietary brands + major names | Everything + unknown dropshippers |
Styling Your Space with Budget Rugs
Making an affordable rug look expensive is all about how you integrate it into the room. A common mistake is buying a rug that is too small, creating the “postage stamp” effect where the rug floats in the middle of the room touching no furniture.
The Importance of Rug Pads
Never skip the rug pad. An Overstock rug, particularly a thin synthetic one, will feel infinitely better with a thick felt rug pad underneath. It prevents slipping, adds cushion, and extends the life of the rug by preventing the fibers from being crushed against the hard floor. This is the secret to making a $100 rug feel like a $500 rug.
Renovation Timing
If you are in the middle of a room makeover, timing is everything. You should finish your major structural work before rolling out your new purchase. For example, if you are debating whether to paint walls before or after installing baseboards, the rug should be the absolute last item to enter the room. Dust from sanding baseboards or paint drips can ruin a rug instantly. Install your flooring, finish your trim, paint the walls, and then bring in the rug as the finishing touch.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
So, are Overstock rugs good? They are excellent for the pragmatic homeowner who values aesthetics and budget over heritage and longevity. They are not investment pieces, but they aren’t meant to be. They are stylish, functional, and accessible solutions for real life.
Buy from Overstock if:
• You need a rug for a high-traffic area (living room, hallway).
• You have pets or young children.
• You are on a tight budget but want a specific “look.”
• You are willing to buy a rug pad to improve the feel.
Look elsewhere if:
• You want a hand-knotted wool rug that will last 50 years.
• You are highly sensitive to chemical smells (or have a place to air it out).
• You are unsure of the color and might need to return it.
By managing your expectations and choosing the right materials, you can find a rug that transforms your space without draining your bank account.
