Indoor/ Outdoor Rugs

Hi Christine,

What's your take on an indoor/outdoor rug in the family room (under couch and coffee table.) Good rugs are so expensive, as a first time home owner I have other expenses to worry about. Would using something like this give a totally cheap feel to the room?

- Pam

Hi Pam,

I think the rug you selected was great.  The only time I am not a fan of outdoor rugs inside is when they are shiny looking.  The Ballad Designs rug you selected doesn't look shiny to me at all. 

What makes it an indoor - outdoor rug?  Most are made of polypropylene or polyester.  It is a solution dyed synthetic material that is known for good colorfastness.  Technology has really come a long way, and they are able to make it look more and more like wool.  Traditionally (even just 10 years ago) it was a shiny/ plastic looking fiber.  The rug you are looking at appears to be a more advanced generation fiber.  More inexpensive polyester rugs are still that shiny/ cheap look.

I really like Dash and Albert for inexpensive rugs too.  I feel like when you are going inexpensive, it is also a time to be more daring and colorful if your decor can lean that way.

Does anyone else out there have good sources for inexpensive rugs?