Natural Rug Style Question

15 years ago

How much is too much of a good thing, presuming you like the look?

I bought a sisal rug for my DR awhile ago, and like it a lot. First try using a sisal/natural rug so I went to IKEA and didn't spend much in case it didn't work out. It did, so recently I got another one from O-stock for my LR. It isn't a matchy-match in terms of shape (one rectangle, one round) or binding colors but of course they both are sisal. And again, not a heavy investment.

So...I'm thinking about putting another one in my foyer which adjoins the LR and also laying down a hallway runner. These also wouldn't be chosen to try to match what I have. Might not even be sisal but will be natural-sisal/wool, seagrass, jute or something of that ilk.

Any thoughts about this? Too much in one house? The flooring is all oak so it is coherent and as I mentioned I love the look of natural rugs on top of the wood. I have also been pleasantly surprised that the rugs don't show a lot of dirt, aren't uncomfortable underfoot and although my cats love to scratch at them oddly enough they show no damage, unlike my one wool area rug which now has a zillion pills in it from the cats' claws. Prices are low, too so what's not to love?! However I do not want to end up with the house looking like a natural rug display home :).

Opinions welcome.

Ann

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Comments (7)

sabigabatini
15 years ago
I think it's fine to use them throughout, as long as you have the oak still visible, which of course you do :)

Personally, with sisal-type rugs, I think I'd err on the side of the same color/style, at least in adjoining rooms.

I've been eyeing a really nice one at PB, the Flat Braided Jute Rug. It has a really interesting weave/subtle design.

Here is a link that might be useful: PB Flat Braided Jute Rug
sherwhy
15 years ago
I have also been eyeing this type of rug for our new home. Do you find that pet hair is a problem with the sisel rugs? Can you really vacuum them like other rugs?
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sis3
15 years ago
I have natural rugs in the family Room, a guest room, the office, the library and our master bedroom. In fact I have two of the PB Flat Braided rugs duchamp linked, side by side in the family room to make one rug 12 x 18. This style of rug works great in this house in our hot, humid climate and goes well with our updated coastal British Colonial style IMO.

It would be 6 natural rugs too many for some people but I would cheerfully add more because I love the textures and the feel of them under my bare feet.
amysrq
15 years ago
I think it is particularly appropriate because you live in FL. Might look silly here in New England. You'll know when you've reached a critical mass.
runninginplace
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone. I asked my best taste arbiter-my 18 YO daughter-and she was enthusiastic too. Amy, as you mention the rugs are a natural fit (pun intended :) for life here in subtropical South Florida. I"m going for a vibe that matches a phrase I once saw in Burdines' furniture dept: tropical traditional. The rugs definitely go with that.

And sherwhy, yes indeed they are vacuum-able. My daughter does them every week, and everything comes right up. Haven't noticed any pet hair or furballs as a problem. And I really am happily puzzled that although the cats LOVE to scratch them, the sisal rugs just don't seem to show any damage! I keep expecting to see fibers pulling out, holes, etc and so far nothing at all.

I"ll post some pictures when I get the new rugs in.

Ann
willowdecor
15 years ago
I think it is fine to do them through out the house. I have soft seagrass which really is very soft. I got it from Blackstone Carpets (easy to find on google) I layered a cowhide rug over the living room rug for variety. Just a thought. Here is the link to my Living room - it has mostly curtain photos, but you can see the rugs. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Soft Seagrass in Living Room
grlwprls
15 years ago
Am I the only one who has had two seagrass rugs destroyed by my dogs in less than a month? I thought they were supposed to be better for pets than sisal (due to some natural waterproofing) but without being graphic...ummm, no. And yuck. I'm about to go "rug free" until I'm "pet free" I'm afraid.

But I love, love, love the look, the smell, and the feel of seagrass under foot! What's a girl to do?