Hi, everyone! I’m still amazed (and THRILLED!) that so many of you have discovered this corner of mine. Since my last post on June 14th, over 100 have joined us.
With that, thank you so much for being here. While writing and grammar aren’t my forte (no, AI does not write these posts) I am loving this platform and am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.
In my last post, I dropped a major bomb and told you the hard truth: your area rug is almost certainly too small. Most living rooms need an 9’ x 12’ rug, not the 8’ x 10’ everyone defaults to. And judging by the views that post received, I either deeply offended you all or inspired you to pull out your tape measurer and get to work.
But when it comes to interior design and decorating, identifying the problem is only half my job. The other half? Sourcing the actual rug.
It depends (I despise saying this, I truly do, but it’s the truth).
If you were to ask the inter-webs, several designers will say to “invest” in a hand knotted or vintage area rug for a plethora of reasons.
However, my finance brains defaults to spending more (not splurging, just spending more of your budget) on a rug for your living room but saving when it comes to a dining room rug or entryway rug.
If you’ve ever experienced sticker shock while rug shopping, you’re not alone. So, here’s what drives those high price tags:
Material — Natural fibers like wool and cotton cost more, but they tend to wear better and last longer. That’s durability you’re buying, not just softness.
Construction — Hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs take real skill and time. And that craftsmanship is baked into the price.
Detail — The more intricate the pattern, the more hours it takes to make, which bumps up the price.
Rarity — One-of-a-kind and vintage pieces ride supply and demand, which is why they can get b-a-n-a-n-a-s expensive.
If you’re an OG subscriber, you know that I’m a bit of a fan-girl when it comes to Loloi Rugs. They’re my go-to brand because they consistently deliver on style, quality, and price. There’s a little something for everyone — truly!
However, one important piece of information: some Loloi rugs are machine made or machine woven, meaning they aren’t necessarily plush. In that case, it’s important to purchase a quality rug pad and the Mohawk Home Dual Surface option is the one I usually recommend (and so does Wirecutter, so you know it’s good).
Edge Jute/Leather Handwoven Area Rug — As seen in our previous home, in brown. This makes for a great entryway rug and currently we have it in our three season porch. The leather woven in with the jute is what sold me on this baby.
Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Rug in Merlot — As seen in the entry of our current home. Because it’s machine made, it’s super easy to keep clean and quite durable. I chose to pair with a blue velvet bench, but you could also pair with olive or sage greens, charcoals, or creams!
Angela Rose x Loloi Aubrey — This rug is also machine made so having a plush pad underneath is key. I like how this print hides all.the.things, including the occasional spilled rosé.
Amber Lewis x Loloi Georgie Teal / Antique — Amber Lewis is incredibly talented so you can’t go wrong with this beaut. The motifs of this rug are slightly worn for an authentic vintage rug look. A great option if you’re looking for something that leans traditional.
Layla Printed Olive/Charcoal Area Rug — The influencer community loves this rug and honestly, I get why. I adore the subtle pops of pink and olive. I’ve used in a client’s dining room and we paired with a black wood table.
Amber Lewis x Loloi Zuma Blue Ivory Rug — One of the more expensive area rugs that Loloi sells but every time I see it, I fall in love all over again. It could easily pass for a $10k+ area rug. And yes, it’s soft!
Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Oriental Natural — This is probably the first Loloi rug I ever specified for a client! No joke. I would put it in the neutral category as it goes with almost anything.
Amber Lewis x Loloi Molly Ocean / Sunset — This rug is consistently backordered for good reason. It truly looks like a sunset with stunning teal/blue colors balancing out the warm hues. I recently used in a client’s living room.
Last but not least, if you run across a Loloi Rug with the CloudPile construction, that essentially means it’s extra soft yet still durable for high-traffic areas.
This is the part I enjoy the most. Head to the comments, share the rug options you’re contemplating, and I’ll do my best to recommend the one you should choose. No spiraling, no 200 tabs. I'll just make the call for you!
As always, thank you for being here. Truly, thank you. It means more than you know.
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In the meantime, choose kindness, say “hi” to strangers, be goofy, and hug your loved ones, because life is precious.
Cheers! — Alyssa
Any product mentioned and linked was chosen independently.
If you purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you, so thank you!
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