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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Looking for that Perfect Rug - A Struggle

Chair I plan to use in my new basement (unless it sells and/or doesn't work with final rug selection)
We are getting close to finishing our basement renovation and I will unveil the end results soon.  Like any project, both the timeline and price-point have been challenging.
Love Seat I plan to use in basement - matches color of the walls

I am currently looking for a rug for the "media area" of the basement.  I need at least an 8 X 10 size - perhaps a little bigger.  It goes without saying that I want a great deal!

 It's been quite a while since I've shopped for rugs so this is almost a new experience for me.  The colors I am looking to put together are a pale gold taupe  (color of wall and loveseat I plan to use - see photo), a lighter cream pair of chairs and a seafoam blue (one of my own Wydeven Designs chairs unless it sells before I have a chance to move it it) - see photo above of this beauty!  I would really like to bring this color into my new space and this chair would work well!

My biggest frustration is the availability of very few in-store options for rugs compared to the vast array available through websites like Overstock.com LinkRugs DirectRug Exchange and others.
The on-line prices look good and there are LOTS of choices in all colors and sizes.  Some sites such as Overstock.com offer really low shipping ($2.95) and do allow you to return the rug if it doesn't work - of course, not for $2.95.  Overstock also provides customer comments which, when present, are very helpful.

My problem is the issue of color. The wall color is set because we were matching with other spaces already redone.  One of the customer comments made by many on-line buyers addresses the accuracy of the colors seen on their screen and the actual rug once they receive it.  Quite a few say that the colors are quite off.  This would not be a huge problem if you like what you get and it doesn't clash with other color requirements.  But this is what worries me!  I am afraid to buy an on-line rug I fall in love with only to find it just doesn't match well enough with my colors.  Even if it can be returned, it will be expensive and a hassle!

So, I am dragging my husband to the various stores in the area to look at "store-in person" options.  You would think that in a metropolitan area such as Atlanta, there would be a lot of options but you would be wrong.  Here is where I've been:

Pottery Barn Outlet (Dawsonville, GA) 
Ballards Back Room (Roswell, GA)
HomeGoods (Norcross, Dunwoody and Alpharetta)
West Elm (Atlantic Station)
Restoration Hardware (Dawsonville, GA)

I have found the best prices at HomeGoods and even recognize some of the patterns from my internet search - e.g. $199-299 for 8X10 wool rugs!   The selection, however, is very limited.  Pottery Barn had a few possibilities but would not allow returns.  I am still looking!

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on this one, I would love to hear it!  I would also love to hear of experiences with on-line rug purchases!


3 comments:

  1. To bad your not close to New Jersey. We have so many rug places. They are on almost every block. lol

    Dee

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  2. I was successsful in ordering an online rug because I first ordered it in the samllest size it came in which was doormat size. It allowed me to see the colors, texture,quality and I knew it wouldn't be expensive to return the small size. I kept the mat size and then bought the larger 5 X 8. You might also request a sample if possible.

    Good luck.

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    Replies
    1. Connie, that is a great idea - I may use it. Thank you!

      Gerrie

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