We used a broadloom rug as area rugs but with a more formal look and as you mentioned we were able to get just the right size this way. We had two different but complimentary broadloom rugs made into area rugs for our adjoining living room and dining room. Since we had refinished the hardwood floors we didn't want to cover them up again and at the time couldn't afford Orientals.

Our decorator helped us with the project. The living room rug is a solid slate blue and we added a subtle floral border with the same blue background. The dining room is the same blue but with an all over tiny floral design and has the same floral border as the living room. We also installed a stair runner in the same shades. We've had lots of compliments and after 25 years they still look great. We did buy a very good quality wool.

We had an area rug made for our bedroom. I wanted a neutral rug, but not wall to wall. We had this bound on all four sides and love it. We have had it for 5 years and still looks like the day we got it.

Good idea. Lots of rug/carpet stores have remnants that they will bind for you at a fraction of the cost. Ask about that; they may have your perfect size!

Not sure if I posted before, but this is an example of a broadloom that looks like sisal.

Here is a link that might be useful: wool blend sisal look

We did this in my sons room and it worked really well - we ended up with a remnant that happened to work great color wise- even with the binding it was less than $100 and has worn like iron. I think a wool sisal blend would be terrific - I think you will have a lot of choices with broadloom.

Did that years ago for our older son's room, and it was a great solution. Not sure about the wear factor, as we were only there about 2 years before we moved, but it was a good solution both for the price and the benefit of essentially having carpeting in the majority of the room without being stuck with installed wall-to-wall.