I feel like our living room is in desperate need of a rug.
I think it needs a pretty big one, though, like 8×10, and inexpensive rugs just aren’t easy to come by at that size. Also, I haven’t really bought very many rugs in my lifetime and I’m not really sure what to look for or what I like. I’m afraid I’ll make a really expensive mistake.
I researched rag rugs and started to crochet an oval rug with fabric scraps, but I’m not really loving the look so far. And I think I’ve mentioned before how poorly I do with projects that can’t be completed in one sitting.
So back to the drawing board. The only thing I feel confident about is the size: it should be between 8×10 and 9×12. I also feel like it should maybe be neutral? I’m thinking gray or taupe, but I think I could handle a pattern with blues, greens, pinks, purples, or yellows. I’ve heard that patterns hide stains better than solids, and that jute or sisal are too scratchy for babies (which we plan to have someday), but also that putting down a blanket can solve that problem. Scratchy knees aside, budget is the biggest issue. I’ve been crying myself to sleep at night wondering whether I’m going to have to forego the thrift store for two months just to save up for this rug! I’d really like to spend under $200 if possible. It’ll be like the third most expensive thing in the room.
So, I guess the takeaway here is that if I’m serious about getting a rug, I need to do some more research. Step one: look at tons of pictures to figure out what I like and what I don’t. Here’s a quick roundup:
Stacey Costello Design
Umm, love. I actually have one of those green damask-y pillows (from Pier 1). But should I actually do an animal print rug? I love the look but worry it may be too trendy for a big-ticket item.
Jacobs Design, Inc.
You can’t see much of the rug here, but I like the muted tone and simple, nature-inspired pattern.
Kristin Petro Interiors, Inc.
This rug looks so soft!
Blue Sky Building Company
Again, I’m digging the nature-inspired look
The Painted Home
This rug would be the perfect no-nonsense foil to all the saturated painted furniture in our living room.
Kelly Lautenbach
There’s not even a rug here. I’m just in love.
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I know someone who makes braided rugs out of old pairs of blue jeans. She cuts them into strips. Sews the strips end to end. Makes the braid. Then whips the braid together in an oval or circle with nylon thread. The denim is pretty hefty so they work up pretty quickly I think. They look great and are cheap and environmentally friendly. Good luck on your search for the perfect rug.
Try overstock.com, that’s where I found our jute rug (and we have a baby!). I bet you’ll find something you like I’m your budget. Also, I bought a similar sisal rug at Pottery Barn for double the price at overstock, put it in the livingroom for a few days to make sure I loved it then returned it and ordered the less expensive one from overstock.
Hi Charlotte,
I know indoor/outdoor rugs at big box stores like Home Depot are less expensive. I’ve seen some fairly inexpensive. Another cheap trick is to use a painter’s canvas tarp. Yep….you can paint a design on the tarp and use it as a floor mural/rug. Look in the paint department at Home Depot. Kinda edgy choice, but perfect for your eclectic-hip style.
Can’t wait to read what you find…
Love you,
Aunt Julie
Thanks so much for all the suggestions!
Lisa–I originally was braiding the fabric scraps but crocheting worked up faster. I think I’ll try again with a smaller rug. I hadn’t thought of using denim!
Carol–I’m glad to hear the sisal isn’t too scratchy for your baby (who’s ADORABLE and looks just like you, by the way!). And what a great idea to test drive a PB rug first!
Aunt Julie–OMG! We have a painter’s dropcloth covering the sofa in our dining room and I LOVE everything about it! I never would have thought to use one as a rug. You’re so clever!
A friend of mine bought an old carpet from a movie or hotel lobby. I don’t remember which. Anyway she got this funky old carpet, cut it to size on a part that had no wear, had it cleaned and bound. It looked great and was less than half of the price of a rug.