When decorating a room, I really struggle with area rugs. I’m sure that was evident in my family room…
Yeah, I know. I still love those rugs, but they just weren’t working.
That’s why I have a tendency to buy, sell and swap rugs pretty regularly. I struggle with finding the perfect pattern that fits my style, colors that work with the fabrics I already have going on and finding a size that fills the room properly.
Take the master bedroom… an 8×10 rug just floats at the end of the bed, looking a little odd that it’s not under the bed. It’s like I need a 10×15 rug or something, which I have not come across.
So, I’ve decided in recent months to just go neutral with the rugs. I have a few different types of natural rugs and I’m learning which ones I really like. I love the flat, braided weave with softer fibers like cotton or chenille mixed in.
I like the quiet and versatility of the neutral rugs.
As I’m reworking the living room, I realized that the rug I’ve had in there was too small. A 5×7 worked with the furniture arrangement, but it looked dinky when seen in the entire room. When I rearranged the furniture, I removed the rug and opened the arrangement a bit and the room looks so much larger and can now accommodate a bigger rug.
I had a decent amount of Joss & Main credits accrued, so I browsed their sales regularly, hoping to find something that was neutral, made of natural fibers and would be practical as well. (I’ve had my share of totally impractical rugs.) And I think I found a winner pressed the purchase button a few days ago. We’ll see how it looks.
I think it’s hard to mess up with a rug as neutral as the one I bought, but rugs are my nemesis…
49 Responses
I can totally relate to what you are saying. I currently have 3 nice rugs rolled up and in storage because I no longer like them in my space! lol I agree with you, neutral is the way to go for me as I love to change things up so often. I am currently looking for a nice neutral 10×12 rug for my living room and hope I find one soon.
I am obsessed about rugs myself. I have been sticking to the indoor/outdoor rugs. They can literally be hosed off and if you don’t need plush rug you can find them in a lot of beautiful colors and patterns and sizes. They have really solved a problem for me. I have one in my entry room which is a very high traffic area and I don’t have to worry about carpet cleaning and they vacuum like a dream. The indoor/outdoor rug really solved an issue for me.
Rugs and curtains… Those are hard. I like seagrass rugs for their neutral look and cowhide and deer hide are nice to layer with…
I understand the rug thing although I have been pleased with layering smaller rugs on an angle over large neutral rugs.
hi Marian, like your curtains..perhaps you don’t need so many rugs? Your house is looking gorgeous as always!
cheers Fiona
While I like the look if the sisal type rugs, they literally make me itch! I have allergies and those natural fibers stir things up. Wondering if some types are more allergy friendly? This is fun watching what you are to, Marian!
Rugs are like window treatments …both are hard for me to find just the right one. I tend to do the same thing =)
I love natural fiber rugs like the ones you have selected, but my cats destroy them… ugh! I have to stick to indoor-outdoor replicas, which are okay in some instances but just not the real thing. I really like synthetic wool replica rugs, which miraculously my cats avoid and sometimes have a nice faded/shabby look. I agree though, rugs are hard and expensive to boot!
I agree. I have to be very careful with rugs or the cat destroy’s them.
Can’t wait to see your new rug!!!
I’m not sure if you can do it in your area, however you can go to the carpet store and have them cut a piece of carpet to the size you want and have the edges bound. This way you would get exactly the size and color that you want. :0) Enjoy your day.
Hi, there! So funny how we see things about ourselves like weaknesses when others see them as strengths 🙂 When I first stumbled onto your site, it was the patterns in your rooms that drew me in! I think you have a great way of combining different patterns and levels of blue — it’s warm and interesting and kind of fearless. Of course, I love the neutral rugs and drapes, as well — it’s what I have in my home and there is a “quiet” about them. Either way, your home and photos always look awesome so just ENJOY!!
Rugs, like the dreaded window treatments tend to soften rooms a tad. Areas rugs help with the loud accoustic and tone done pitter patter ..WHen my son was in high school, his band would practice in my living and adjoining dining room…they would roll up the rugs, they liked the empty hollow sound better..ha..Twenty years ago when I had little ones under feet, laying and playing on the rugs I was interested in comfort for the little knees and elbows..Now with grandchild under feet I am still interested in comfort of a nice wool rug so they are comfortable crawling and wrestling..the more things have changed the more they have stayed the same..
I was actually a little relieved when I read this because I thought I was the only one. I have a large Aubusson rug with shabby colors that I just rolled up and put in my basement because I struggle with the look that I am going for. I’m a cross between shabby chic and farmhouse chic and I have been thinking of purchasing natural rugs. I have tried a few smaller ones but they shed like cats! Do you have any recommendations for non-shedding rugs?
BTW I’m still in love with your table that I bought at Lucketts a few months back!!!
I feel your pain Marian. Rug shopping is almost as bad for me as shopping for a new bathing suit! I am loving your natural weave rugs as they just make all your furnishings “pop” compared to the blue and white rug which was beautiful but just blended in too much with your décor.
I finally found a beautiful herringbone pattern sisal type rug that was smooth to the feet for our family room. It just makes the room look so much bigger and airy.
Your things are beautiful and look beautiful together but I wonder if all the patterns and “things” every where was distracting potential buyers? I like the changes you have been making. You have a very customized look; you home is branded but not everyone appreciates your brand. Love the natural rugs and the curtainless windows. I think getting rid of the piano and painted double bed will allow people to imagine themselves living in their new home rather than Miss Mustard Seed’s home. Before everyone jumps on me, this is not intended to be negative, just sharing that I personally feel more relaxed in your home with the changes. Your style in beautiful and you inspire me but sometimes things just get a little too cluttered.
Yes, but I think Marian said they did not have even one showing! So no one was distracted . . . although I do agree with your overall point. Neutral is better when selling.
Katie, people can see pictures online.
Have you ever put the rug in your master bedroom in the living room? I love that rug!
We have collected a lot of persian rugs in our travels, and IMO, in the world of persian rugs, the lovely one in your bedroom is neutral. I imagine at some point in your design evolution, you will find the right place for it, probably in a room where it provides most of the pattern. I believe you said it is an old one and an heirloom, and if it were mine, I would hang onto it, for it is hard to find neutral persians. That said, I really like the bare and neutral look in your living room here for now. When you have so many textures going on, sometimes less color allows the eyes to relax. These photos are very quiet and calming.
I did exactly what Peggy R above suggested – I needed two odd size rugs for my master bedroom. I went to a carpet store, picked out a nice neutral, flat weave rug and had them made. They are wool and have lasted for YEARS. I have not tired of them because they are neutral in color. Some of the best money I have ever spent.
I used to have lots of blue like you,but now all I have is neutral whites,creams and tans. With the wood floors in is beautiful.i only have one rug,that is an 8×10 under the family room sofa and coffee table. It looks so nice. I have a large poster bed and wood in the master bedroom and no rugs. I just love that look,and no rugs to trip over.
Where are you finding these soft sisal rugs you mentioned? Love them.
I have the same exact blue/white rug you have in the first pic. I too, looooove it and thought it wasn’t working in my living room, but now I love it!
Room is coming along, little by little. Wish I could upload a pic!!
You can never go wrong with neutral. I also wouldn’t be afraid to place them on an angle for interest. Your place is looking very inviting! Well done!
Hi! I think we all struggle with rugs and windows. In any case, since we have some really odd room sizes, I have had some broadloom carpet cut and bound. You might find a neutral carpet that you like that way. We went with some kid friendly, stain resistant choices and for now they are working. When the kids are older, we can always switch out. I must say that it is GREAT to have area rugs in EXACTLY the sizes you want.
Try to be patient!
I have a different approach. I painted a large canvas floor cloth in black and white squares.
It has a black border with a red half inch stripe on the inside of the black to frame the whole thing. Originally I had it inside the back door but when I redid it I put it in the livingroom and there
it has stayed. Yes it could be a wee bit bigger but it is fine and I can live with it.
Did you know that you can go to your floor covering store and get a vinyl floor remnent and use the back side as a base for a floor cloth. I got one with a square print so it was a no-brainer to cut out
because of the squares. I had two of them running along my counter in my kitchen for quite a while. Actually I think they gave it to me because it was a useless size for them to repurpose.
I have the same problem with rugs. I therefore end up going without them altogether.
One more thing. THANK YOU for changing the code back to numbers instad of those
crazy letters that I could not “read” or translate. Mary
You might try putting your bedroom run under the bed about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way under the bed of even just the back legs on the rug. I’ve done this and it seems to anchor the rug and bed together. Not sure if that makes sense but it’s worked for me before.
Hi there
I just wanted to say that I LOVE your style however you decorate a room. The top picture with the blue rugs is really appealing to me personally, but equally I love the plain neutrals, and would KILL for that beautiful rug in your bedroom. If only I lived near you we could swap and play every time we got bored, lol.
Hugs from Judi in the UK
I wasn’t able to read through all the comments, so forgive me if this has already been suggested. I have ordered sea grass rugs in various sizes, including 11 x 15 for my living room. I have them bound with a binding that is about the same color as the sea grass. They are very cost effective, especially for a custom rug. I think I paid about $600 for the large living room rug. Then I layer a beautiful traditional flat-weave rug with fringe, such as a Sumak on a slight diagonal. In my case, the top rug is 9 x 12 over the larger sea grass rug.
Hi Marian, Your natural fiber rugs look lovely with with all of your great furniture pieces! Your color scheme works so well and you seem bring new things in with ease. Everything in your home looks so put together. I can always recognize your home when it pops up on one of the pinterest boards I follow. I love your style and how it’s so unique to you. Your home is always beautiful!
Sally @cottagefix
I got a “natural fiber” rug. It’s nice and flat, except at one corner, which we trip over daily. Finally taped it down with duct tape until i can get some binding to do the whole rug…by hand, no doubt.
It taught me one thing for sure, I don’t care for brown underfoot. No brown. Anywhere. Ever. As a matter of fact.
If I had Marian’s bedroom rug, I’d look for another to go with it. Oriental/Persian/etc go together and i they are similar in thickness, they are better/best. Might even look for more than one more……just layer them on……. but no brown, please.
Hi Marian,
I disagree with you on this point. The rug in your bedroom may be smallish, but it is perfect and really ‘finishes’ the room and makes it most interesting. You used to have a painted canvas rug under a dining room table…which was stunning and really ‘made the room’. Now, that has gone too…..sadly in my view. I think your rooms are beginning to lose some of their personality and becoming more predictable. You have an incredible eye and great style….don’t sacrifice that for what appears of late to be ‘safe’ choices. Altho having said that I do think that the removal of the piano from the living room and replacing it with the hutch was a masterstroke. And yes, the two blue and white rugs that were in the family room were too busy I thought….but bring back some oriental rugs instead of the tried and true Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware beige.sisal/ rugs….you can do it!
I wonder if you have considered turning your bedroom rug sideways, and placing it under the foot of your bed, so that it doesn’t go under the nightstands, but still provides a soft landing spot for your feet in the morning? That is a classic look, but I can’t tell if the rug is large enough to do that. It would need to protrude on either side just 2-3 feet. I believe it would/might be far enough from the wall’s fabric not to clash with its pattern. This might also help to anchor the bed, and provide a nice soft spot at the foot as well.
Sorry, Judy in the UK, but I’ve got dibs on the bedroom rug (in my dreams, that is…!)
Marian, do you think of your rugs as seasonal accessories? A lot of Persian rug collectors move them around, layer them, or store them under the bed seasonally. Your current look is light and airy, which fits the season, but as much as you enjoy redecorating, I wonder if you might enjoy something else at Christmas.
Dogs are my nemesis, they like to ruin your antique rugs in a host of ways. I hold on to the carcasses hoping to one day be able to justify the expense of repair. My pile is growing.
But, you just can’t have a good room without a rug, or without a dog.
UGH! I definitely understand what you mean about choosing rugs that fit the space – rearranging makes the room look completely different and then you have to choose a different rug. ARGH! I’m having the same difficulty as you with choosing a rug for my bedroom – of course, my problem is that the rug is the main source of color for the area beyond the bed. I can’t paint the walls and I’m stuck with the tile floors. 😛
I have the same trouble. I’m currently using a clearance Target flat weave as a placeholder until I fall in love with something.
Marion, I love the neutral rugs in the photos above-what are they? I love the look of seagrass rugs in the magazines and I’ve been reading all kinds of different information-some say seagress rugs smell, others say Pottery Barn rugs come unraveled, etc…what rugs do you like best? I am looking for a neutral rug that is soft under my feet, that holds up well and looks pretty. I want it all, lol.
I also like the MBR rug…agree with a previous poster about trying it in your living room. I like al of your rugs, lol, so maybe I am not much help. Your style is unique and lovely.
Hi Marian, Since I am influenced by the ocean I love natural rugs in neutral shades on the oak hardwood floors in my home. A year ago I found a treasure in Home Goods at only $40. On the way to the register several times I was stopped by fellow shoppers asking where I’d found the rug and sadly I had to tell them it was the only rug of it’s kind and size (4′ x 6′ perfect for my bedroom turned office). It covers the area where I have my PC set up beautifully and still leaves enough of the original oak hardwood floors revealed for contrast. I’m thinking of painting those floors with whitewash but then the house is sold (until I find my replacement home) and don’t know if the prospective buyer would appreciate my decor.
Think of your nemesis this way: Your nemesis may be someone elses blessing if you decide to sell them! And you’ve been able to “try them out” meanwhile so that’s the best of two worlds. Yes?
Look forward to seeing your new rugs. Please be sure to “invite” me over to see them.
Neutral rugs are safe and do help to create more of a sense of space. I love sisal with cotton bound edges around 2″ wide. Like you rugs to fit are always hard to get. My odd shaped office has a beautiful rug that really isn’t shown to its best advantage as I have had to push it back to the wall and beneath my desk and a bookshelf. I am thinking about moving it into my bedroom or living room.
Lee
Love all the pictures, but the top is my favorite..it is just so perfect! And that’s odd because I am not a blue gal but its just perfect! Love the curtain pattern and rugs. But we change…
I love neutral rugs as well…. sort of like a blank canvas. I’ve started going to a local carpet retailer and buying remnants. They come in all sizes and I can usually get an over sized rug for less than $100. I then use my hot glue gun to “bind” the edges by turning about an inch of the carpet under and gluing. I also purchase a medium grade rug pad from them and lay it underneath. It’s nice and cushy!
Can you give me information on the cream rug under your little white table. I am looking for something just like that. Beautfiul. Thank you.
I’ve been switching all my rugs to indoor/outdoor rugs. They are a lot softer than most people realize and after a fruit punch juicebox mishap, I am so glad I did.
Nemesis…yes. Rugs, curtains, lampshades, and pillows are mine. I can pull together furniture easily enough, but I am so afraid of commitment for those four things. I’m getting better with pillows, since I just buy the $7 Ikea feather inserts and sew a cover, but the rest terrify me. I just bought a rug, and although I love it, I’m still not sure it was the right decision. I’m getting used to it though. The rug even makes me like our masculine sofas a little better.
Have you ever thought about antique rag rugs? The kind that often were made in long rectangular strips and then sewn together? I have often thought that particularly the muted colored ones would look great with your style. I attached some links to pictures in case you aren’t sure what I’m talking about.
http://www.alpinemeadowsguild.org/images/antique_rag_rug.jpg
https://www.etsy.com/listing/201708130/antique-old-handmade-rag-rug-farmhouse?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=antique+rag+rug&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
http://www.remodelista.com/posts/5-favorites-the-return-of-the-rag-rug