I’m trying to commit to a rug and it is really difficult. Rugs are hard. First, they are a huge investment. {The big ones cost as much as a sofa.} Second, they are heavy and big so even if the store has a good return policy–testing them out is a pain. Third, it seems they either shed too much, get dirty too easily, or aren’t soft enough {sisal I’m looking at you.} And the hardest thing for me is finding a rug that makes an impact but doesn’t take over the room. Does anyone out there have advice for choosing a rug?
Pottery Barn has some new ones I haven’t seen before, including this polka dot one. Not right for my apartment but I like it.
Patti
October 14, 2008
I bought a wool rug at Pottery Barn – the cheetah one. Not me at all. I’m also fond of sisal . . . I have to admit the wool rug is NICE on the feet. We like it.
I can’t offer advice. It was the biggest decision I had to make in the entire room.
Brooke Rane
October 14, 2008
ech, i’m in the same boat. trying to find a rug is incredibly difficult! we’ve gone thru so many and wasted so much money trying to find something that doesn’t date quickly. i’ve had my eye specifically on flor carpets, but they only get so cushy, y’know?! although i do know that pottery barn lets you try them out before you buy, which a friend did and loved.
Cindi T
October 14, 2008
I found a few rugs at Anthropologie and on SALE!!! I like their rugs because they are soft and pretty easy to clean. They also have fun designs.
Sara
October 14, 2008
When I bought my Pottery Barn rug, I tested it out for color, style, etc in my house by buying a smaller size first. When I knew I had a winner, I then returned it for the bigger size.
mary
October 14, 2008
Oh my. I really like this.
Of course, I desperately want the Madeline Weinrib zig zag rug, but that’s not in my budget. Anxiously awaiting the knockoffs…
liz stanley
October 14, 2008
i really like that rug. so cute
Elizabeth
October 14, 2008
Ah, I am having this same issue.
We have a rug from West Elm that sheds like a maniac. We had a dark brown rug from Target that showed every single light colored speck that got near it. And I ordered sample of the Flor tiles and hated them. I really like some of the Anthropologie rugs but know nothing of the quality. And Garnet Hill has some very nice rugs, but they are SO expensive, out of my price range.
I am leaning towards one of the light colored shag rugs from Pottery Barn, but it sheds it’s going back. And I am also intrigued by some of the louder rugs at CB2, but I might chicken out and just go with tan from PB. And I’ll be buying a carpet steamer at the same time.
I can’t wait to hear what you choose…
Lynna
October 14, 2008
Have you considered flor tiles?
http://www.flor.com/
They’re versatile, relatively easy to clean and totally adaptable.
I find daily inspiration in your blog, btw. Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts and ideas on beautiful things. I still love the cakestands I purchased from you a couple months ago. 🙂
Anonymous
October 14, 2008
Go vintage-antique Persian…you can’t go wrong. They mix w/ modern and traditional decor. They are made of wool…You can always sell it what you paid for it…they retain value…(my favorite is Heriz). search Persian on stylecourt’s blog…she has some very good posts about these time-honored classic pieces.
Sara
Nicole and Amanda
October 14, 2008
I really love these from Twinkle Living, strictly for aesthetic reasons… they are quite pricey!
Bluebird Shop
October 14, 2008
I think I read in one of your posts that you shop the Alameda. I do, too, and last time I was there, I fell in love with rugs from two vendors – one guy selling these wool rugs from Russia (floral beauties in very bright colors like orange and pink) and a sweet woman – always in the third row, selling asian rugs in colors I have never seen before (think 70s room with lots of ferns and macrame, white furniture and an asian purple and orange rug – very pretty). I’m not one for bold anything in my house, but the russian rug in bright pinks and browns works well. I also just bought a new flokati on Ebay for $175. People? Why wasn’t I told about the shedding??? So you can have my flokati, if you want it.
Lynne
October 14, 2008
I’m trying to decide as well. I’m getting dark glossy wooden floors. I like the Stepevi rugs, but I’m also considering a large sheepskin rug – as it would be SO cosy.
Almamater
October 14, 2008
New wool rugs will shed for up to a year, but then they generally stop. I was rather taken aback when my Pottery Barn rug did this, but when I bought a rug at Crate and Barrel {http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1267&f=6414 }, they warned me and I just knew to expect it. I bought my CB rug last spring and at first it shed so much I didn't think we were going to have any rug left, now the shedding is pretty nominal, though. Just plan to vacuum daily for awhile.
TRS
October 14, 2008
I may not be of much help since I know you have much more expensive tastes than I. (Well, to be honest our taste is comparable – but our budgets are not) But I’ve had great luck with the two rugs I’ve purchased.
I bought my first more than 7 years ago – a traditional style that I thought would carry over into any decor I might choose. (seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/singleclickchick2/601709928/in/set-72157602002992513/) 5×7 that I picked up for just under $200.
When it came time to replace that one, I decided on a white shag – found this 8×10 for $200 – in the clearance dept of a locally owned furniture store. http://www.flickr.com/photos/singleclickchick2/2311961453/
I love love love it.
My old rug then moved to the bedroom.
Ms. M
October 14, 2008
I was looking for something more subdued and ended up with the Level Rug from CB2 (http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=170&f=4467). I've gotten tons of compliments, it was reasonably affordable and it's nice and plush. It's been shedding a bit, but hopefully that will diminish with time.
Anonymous
October 14, 2008
I love this one from Crate and Barrel:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1263&f=29261
Its not too expensive. The colors aren't so bold that they overpower… yet there is enough variety that it would go with EVERYTHING. Even if you decided to move it to a new room!
Good luck!
sara
October 14, 2008
amen. i've been looking for a good rug for years now. i keep buying them, and then having massive buyer's remorse.
currently i'm eyeing this one: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=377971&cat=93
it looks great in real life. so pricey, though. let us know what you find…
carla
October 14, 2008
i am helping a friend redecorate on a budget, so stopped by posts plus to see what was on offer. they have a rug sale on, and the prices are great. i was very surprised by the number of good choices they have. i personally think a pattern on a rug can look dated very quickly, so i stick with solids. see what you think!
carla
October 14, 2008
uhmm….sorry, that’s suppose to read costs plus.
alex in wonderL.A.nd
October 15, 2008
I have to agree with anon that vintage Persian rugs are soft on barefeet and babies knees, do not shed and are as fabulous with an eames lounge and a saarinen tulip coffee table as with a vintage anthropologie-esque sofa and parsons table.
i have a mix of family rugs that have passed down and also have found some amazing rug dealers on ebay. the prices are remarkable, the quality fabulous, and they are pieces you can grow with.
feel free to email me @ alex (at) ashersearsphoto (dot) com, if you want info on what to look for in knot count, the names of some great eBay sellers (here in LA there are some fabulous stores but I can’t spend the cost of a car on a rug).
Anonymous
October 15, 2008
We bought a rug from Overstock.com. They have free returns, inexpensive shipping and if you can find something you like (we found one that we had seen on another site) the price is usually much better than elsewhere (we saved about 40% off the price on the other site).
Mary
October 15, 2008
No advice – it’s a really tough decision, but I liked looking through this gallery on Domino.
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/objects/winwallfloor/rugs/rugs
Audra
October 15, 2008
amen. i am looking for rugs too and it is hard.
Jane Flanagan
October 15, 2008
I think beds and rugs are the most difficult objects to settle upon, because their “footprint ” is so huge.
Are you still working with your designer? They might be able to bring over an assortment on spec so you get a better idea of the impact of different styles.
Gracie73
October 15, 2008
The textiles at Ikea are really interesting and very affordable. Best wishes in your search!!
chiggidy
October 16, 2008
glad someone put the 1-year shedding business on here.
i work for a place that sells rugs….ALL wool rugs will shed. it’s the nature of the rug and will stop piling after about 4-7 months – if you can endure it that long! vacuuming several times a week will help….
also, pottery barn has rug swatches (18″ x 18″) that you can buy for $25, throw down on your floor and see if you like it. you can return it for a refund within 30 days.
mary
October 22, 2008
Just a follow-up comment on this post…I ended up buying this dot rug from Pottery Barn and it was just delivered about 20 minutes ago.
I’m a little disappointed — I thought the background was off-white (per the photos on the site), but it’s actually a dark tan. The red dots are big and fabulous and a perfect deep red, and the rug itself is very cozy-feeling and has great texture. I’m just totally stunned about how much the background color varied from the photos on the site! I actually went back to the listing to make sure there weren’t two color choices and I had accidently chosen the one with the darker background.
I’ve always had decent luck with PB rugs, and I’ll probably end up keeping this one (it still does work in the room), but I felt compelled to leave this follow-up comment in case anyone else was considering this rug.
Anonymous
November 10, 2008
It’s all about The Rug Market. They have everything and some designs thay have are out of this world. I got tired of going to PB and IKEA because they sell crap. I ordered from them at a trade show tho. I don’t think they sell to the public, but here is the website, see what you can do http://www.therugmarket.com
Persian Rugs
April 12, 2010
Oh my. I really like this.
Of course, I desperately want the Madeline Weinrib zig zag rug, but that's not in my budget. Anxiously awaiting the knockoffs…