Area Rug Shopping

Kathy is shopping for an area rug. She has a traditional home, with light neutral furniture. To help her get started, I wanted to show her some different styles, and see what she liked.

Printed Jute

Printed Jute rugs are not going to be soft to sit on, but they are a terrific look. The texture is unique, and the colors are subdued and easy to live with. A rug like this, in an 8 x 10 (doesn't come 9 x 13)- runs around $600.

Hand Tufted Cut Pile

This rug is hand tufted, (still nicer than most machine made rugs) It is less expensive than many hand tufted rugs- under $1000 for an 8 x 11. The rug will be less dense than a $2500 hand tufted piece of the same size. An excellent value for a great look. 100% Indian wool.

Rugs of this style come in many different patterns. If you like this, do you prefer the size of pattern like the one above, or a more detailed pattern, like this one below (about $1500 for a larger 9'6" x 13'6"

The more detailed pieces generally come off more formal than the larger patterns. For Kathy's furniture, she could really go either way- a personal preference.

Wool Loop Tufted

For a more informal feel, a tufted wool loop is a different look. These traditionally are more "country"- but really very transitional, and are a common look in you typical "Pottery Barn" magazine- about $800 for an 8 x 11.

Tone on Tone

Perhaps the rugs all seem too busy or colorful for you. There are also some great looks in tone on tone patterns, like the one below, which is a silk and wool loop pile.

Two Tone

There are also some great looks in a two- tone, bringing in a couple of colors, like the one below in red and gold. ( about $1200 for a 7'9" x 9'9")

Chenille Rug

For a less expensive option, consider a yarn other than wool. (not polyester please-- ). The rug below is a cotton chenille. Is it as durable? No- but it is a fantastic look for a low $599 price for a 9 x 13. I really like the cherry blossom print. Geometric

The rug below is a Two tone Moorish Tile look, very causal and sophisticated at the same time. hand tufted wool, 9 x 12 for $799.

After you narrow down the basic style, then you can look at different rugs from there.

Rug Sources: Classic Home, The Rug Market, Pottery Barn