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industry22

Looking for the perfect, semi-manly rug!

12 years ago
I need your help finding a rug for my living room! I have spent the last year trying to get kind of a contemporary/modern look for the living area (honestly I don’t even know what to call it), and I have ended up incorporating lots of wood and greys/blacks. My only problem is I would like to get a rug to kind of stick with this theme, without keeping it too simple (like a solid colored rug). I have tried shag rugs and even bright colored rugs, but I’m really starting to think the only thing that would look good in this area is something with dark grey or maybe even some brown. I don’t mind keeping in the same color family of grays/blacks, as I think I can accent the room with some bright pillows so the room doesn’t end up too dull. I’m also not looking for anything too flowery or girly… ☺

The only problem is if I go too brown it will clash with the wood flooring and if I go too light of a grey it completely clashes with the sectional. I have searched many stores including West Elm and Ikea and Crate and Barrel, and even on rugs.com and overstock.com but nothing has caught my eye! Unfortunately since I am a student my budget is $500-600 max!

Any advice on online stores (preferably with a return policy, just in case) or stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area would be lots of help! I have family coming in about two weeks and would like to have it in by then!

First time poster! Thank you in advance!

Comments (80)

  • 12 years ago
    HI -- Love what you are doing in your space -great style ! I think because of your style and your location a rug that is made of one foot squares of cowhide would be perfect . Very Ralph Lauren ! It would have the interest and the texture your looking for and not be so plain and just a flat color and it will go with your furniture . Maybe check the carpet stores or the trendy shops in Fort Worth , I'm sure you will find it.
    industry22 thanked lefty47
  • 12 years ago
    no offense taken mousemaker;) I love it when people speak about design likes and dislikes. I was just poking you back, trying to be funny too LOL darn internet just doesn't emit emotion ;)
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    HI -- Here are some sites you can look at - for patchwork cowhide rugs. Naturemadehides.com- modern line --# cu 502 -501-497 -496. Sunlandhomedecor.com/patchwork ---- cowhiderugscanada.com -- just to look under custom patchwork -- big square one at the bottom of first page is example of what I think would look good . PS: please note -- I made some corrections.
    industry22 thanked lefty47
  • 12 years ago
    Hi- cool room. It's already manly. In less you're the prez of "hair club for men"...put some nice, thick, thick pile wool rug down. No fringe...no freak tassels. No shag...too "beetles" for the room! whoops if I hurt Goldie or shag lovers. opulence is what your room is dying for pure opulence. in all wool...no skins please... color is simple...cambry leather soft tan edge it with a whip stitch/ open diagonal stitch using a crochet hook and a hole punch...hahah...no seriously have it done by the carpet company,,they know whip stitching....real men do!
    this is making me laugh.
    good luck hombre....it will be real handsome...maybe,sorta, whatta ya think gals?
    industry22 thanked Makeup Mirror
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    How about these from Dash & Albert?
    industry22 thanked Lydia (Kazza Design)
  • 12 years ago
    So many great choices...
    What are your thoughts so far industry22?
  • 12 years ago
    I love the room. I would call it palm springs rustic modern. If you want more color, I'd suggest watery blues, off-white and greens - colors found in nature.

    You have lots of solids in this room. I would layer in some texture and graphic appeal before color. What about a Beni Ourain or morrocan type rug? west elm has a few. If you want to go full on manly, a cowhide rug layered over a sisal but be sure to select a hide that has a nice bigh graphic impact. The bonus of the cowhide and sisal is that you could do the purchases in two steps instead of all at once and the stacked rugs give you more texture.

    For pillows, kilms, a cable knit, and furry. West Elm has a mogolian fur pillow in several sizes. I like the 24" on a sectional. They are super loungy. I love mine. Pottery barn also has some furry pillows and some kilm- go into the story and play around with them

    After that, just bring in a few plants. It looks like you have a bank of full glass french doors and side lights. If it were me, I'd bring a nice structural tree like a fiddleleaf fig.
    industry22 thanked Gwyn Carnegie
  • 12 years ago
    2 words: cowskin rug.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    There is nothing like a cowskin rug to make your space more masculine. Restoration has a great one in black that would work. It's a bit pricey though, maybe you can find something similar browsing the web.
    industry22 thanked Unravel Design
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    See picture
  • 12 years ago
    the OP has not been back..hmmm maybe he is out shopping ? :)
  • 12 years ago
    Indeed I have!

    First off, to say that I’m amazed by the response from the Houzz community here is an understatement! I was at best expecting 3 or 4 responses. I have read and looked through all of your posts, and have been trying to pick which option would go best with the room.

    Yesterday, I purchased an 8’ x 10’ “Jute Chenille Herringbone” rug from West Elm for $399. I was excited about the rug because it looked like the natural look and colors would match the rest of the room well, but upon bringing it home I had noticed I forgot to realize how uncomfortable the “rope” texture would be to the feet! I really think a rug that is always going to be uncomfortable to walk over in my only living area isn’t the best idea, and therefore this choice isn’t my favorite, but I wanted to show y’all first and see what you think!

    From everyone’s comments and my own research, I have also compiled a list of styles I really like that I think might be a good fit to the room, which I am including in my next post.
  • 12 years ago
    So I have thought long and hard about what would go best, and I am starting to really think I need something with at least some sort of pattern to it. What I mean is because I am using so many solids throughout the space, I think if I added another solid rug (shag included…) there won’t really be anything to catch the eye.

    Some ideas I really like are:

    A dark colored cowskin rug. Love that! If you all know where I can find an affordable one, ($650 and under…) please let me know!

    I also have fallen in love with antique rugs that have been re-dyed. Etsy has some cool options, and I think it would go great with the “rustic” feel of the room already.
    http://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?q=gray%20overdyed%20rug&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&includes[0]=tags

    What about this? Has greys/blues/crèmes.
    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Preston-Blue-Gabbeh-Rug-710-x-910/5902723/product.html

    There is also Persian "Gabbeh" rugs, which are beautiful but a little more on the expensive side. I saw one in a store (the blue rug with the red symbols).

    Or maybe something like this, but without the price tag!
    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/casablanca-moroccan-rug/?cm_src=AutoCSLPIP

    The last image is a "knitted" rug. I like this, but maybe in a darker gray.

    What do y’all think?!
  • 12 years ago
    Love your room love the planks on the wall. I believe you are on the right track with your rug choices. Trust yourself - you haven't gone wrong yet. Be sure to post your final choices.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    @hurst and @mousemaker - do you realise that every (immature) English person on this site is probably giggling about your 'shag' exchange?

    @industry22 I think the rug you've picked looks great; I like the pattern, colour and size, however you are right, if you don't like how it feels under your feet, you will regret the purchase. If you're not mad keen for it, take it back and try something else.

    http://www.carpetvista.com/carpets/Kilim/carpet_97389-Kilim_Fars.html

    Although this company is based in Europe, they deliver to the US by FedEx. They have a great selection of more unusual carpets (if you get it from West Elm, your neighbour might have the same carpet). Also, the handmade look would sit well with your wooden finishes. I thought this one looked quite manly for a patterned carpet, but they have plain ones too...
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I have a few rugs that I brought back from Afghanistan in my house, and they are one of the first things people say they like about my place. A good rug really draws a room together.
  • 12 years ago
    I do like the rug you've bought, it looks great, but yep... comfort is an important factor. Love the overdyed rug options you chose.

    @ gingerclaire, add immature Dutch person to the giggling group ;-) Glad I'm not the only one.
  • 12 years ago
    industry22, the West Elm rug looks fabulous, but you're right about it not being easy on the feet.

    Ikea has natural cowhides in brown and black for $199: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40222933/

    But the overdyed rugs from etsy look like a great bet. Oh look, here's one now:
  • 12 years ago
    What about a FLOR carpet tile area rug? This is cozy. Or this.
  • 12 years ago
    Have u considered a colorful rug with co-ord pillows as seen in this pic
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  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    FLOR also have options that look like the overdyed. As does the home decorators site. Much less expensive. :)
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Some warmth - I agree the woven jute is hard on your feet. Just sayin' - if this were my space, I'd love a look like this...
  • 12 years ago
    Ikea has cow hide in black and white. $199. Great size for your room. If not that a 5 x7 zebra also black n white. Both would be perfect .
  • 12 years ago
    By the way. Love your room. Great job. You can also go bare that looks good too.
  • 12 years ago
    okay.... now I'm giggling again.... :-)
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Wow, your plans are gorgeous! Very creative!

    I think you're right, a little bit more pattern would fit your place. Have you thought about going ethnic? You can find some beautiful patterns in kilims (Persian, Turkish, that region). This one is from Morocco. Not sure how much color you're looking for, but you can use a little impact.

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/97856968/antique-moroccan-area-rug-carpet-kilim?ref=shop_home_active
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Please don't go with the cowhide rug.....it's so typical....lol! I LOVE overdyed rugs so that would definitely be my choice out of the ones you posted.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Your space looks great and I have read through the posts. I feel that if you go with one of the discount or budget friendly places you are going to ruin your room. In order to continue the unique room that you have created I would suggest an oriental rug. It will ground your room and make it look like you spent thousands on everything in the space. A Turkoman Bokara or Belouche will give you pattern in the muted colors like browns and dark blues etc. The patterns are usually very somber and masculin geometrics. When your tastes change the rug will keep its value and can be used in other rooms. I feel that the over dyed rug is a poor trend that I hope will not last too long but this is my opinion only. Since budget is an issue you might want to start a fund for just the right rug. Wait till you get the right thing. When your family comes to visit have a jar labeled rug fund, put a 20 in there and see what happens. Someone might actually happen to have the right one rolled up in an attic. The Paul Mitchell store in Canton( about an hour from you) does carry some nice orientals at a reasonable price. Good luck! Would love to see what you end up picking out.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Also I do agree that the Gabbeh rug style will also work if in the right colors.
  • 12 years ago
    I think the rug in the bottom left photo that groveraxle posted would look lovely (or something similar). Your space is wonderful and I love the planks on the wall!
  • 12 years ago
    I vote for the Preston Blue. You have great taste!
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    What a fantastic room. You have created a wonderful, welcoming ambience. I would keep the slightly austere, masculine look by staying with a cream shag, a very dark grey, or a black rug. Black cowhides would be my second choice. My first reaction was to recommend a red oriental rug but, upon reflection, I really like the calm mood you have created. If you want color, use a few accent pieces. "Black" is your current default accent color (pillows, artwork, and stereo). I would be very drawn to a very dark charcoal grey rug of some type.
  • 12 years ago
    I like this new Stockholm rug from Ikea. It looks almost black in the picture but description says brown. It's a little smaller than what you were looking for though.
  • 12 years ago
    Love the inspiration photos you posted, to my eye they are spot on. A warm mid-tone blue/grey rug (on darker end of overdyed rug) would pull together the pale grey on the walls with the browns of floor, wood planks & sectional. Like the suggestions given for textured and furry pillows or throws
  • 12 years ago
    Looking at the 8 x 10 in your room, I would suggest you could go a bit smaller. The following rugs are all within your budget:
    http://plushrugs.com/kaleen/casual/zekova/charcoal/

    http://plushrugs.com/momeni/delhi/dl-33/silver/

    http://plushrugs.com/nuloom/textures-leather/silas-leather-shag/black/
  • 12 years ago
    sure, GingerClaire. nudge nudge wink wink :)
  • 12 years ago
    Ooo... the kaleen casual zekova that grover just posted, top left. Nice one!
  • 12 years ago
    Beautiful room. Needs bright colors and patterns - try a kilim.
  • 12 years ago
    A lighter leather shag:
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Definitely, a kilim! Both of these from PB.

    Also, lots to chose from on overstock, within your budget and returnable.
    http://www.overstock.com/search?keywords=kilim+rug+&SearchType=Header
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    @gingerclaire - just now got that. Good one..
  • 12 years ago
    Home Goods , Pier 1 and World Market are great places I have had luck finding beautiful fabrications and patterns of rugs that you can take home and try it or return . Plus the prices are fabulous! Good luck!
  • 12 years ago
    Crate and Barrel IVAN rug would look great in your space.
  • 12 years ago
    so, ah, industry22..where are your books? :)
  • 12 years ago
    I would try looking for a "Greek key" patterned rug. Either an all-over pattern or just around the edges. Very classic and masculine looking. Also try IKEA Jerved or Stockholm patterned rugs. They are also in Dallas and worth a visit. Good luck
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  • 11 years ago

    Hey man, I live in Canada and think your set up is killer. If you see this would you mind telling me how you got the wood planks (size?, reclaimed wood?), did you stain them? and how did you mount them? ..Also how is that Ikea couch holding up?

    Much appreciated, my email is sbhumgara4@gmail.com

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Love your place!!

    Nothing's manlier (?) than a cowhide rug!

    We sell custom patchwork cowhide rugs, but for your size, I'd definitely go for a full hide. There are some special hides, very unique, that would work for you.

    Or maybe something in beige tones.

    I won't try to sell you one, I'll just recommend that you search on ebay, some are really good and the prices are pretty tempting.

    Good luck!

    Marie :)

  • 10 years ago

    I think a cowhide would really add some fun to your already fabulous place; however, you will probably struggle with finding something large enough to cover the space --- and it will likely cost you your first born.

    I think you should try a lightly colored rug so that it can stand out against the beautiful dark floors. Try something that is lighter in color than your couch. Maybe the cream shag?


  • 10 years ago
    I have no suggestions, I just wanted to say I really like your living room!