We all know that a rug can make or break a room, so naturally when I start to imagine a space, it starts with the rug. The hunt for the perfect floor covering is one that takes hours to nail down. Strategically and stealthily scouring the internet, digging DEEP for a rug that speaks to you on a subliminally psychologic and emotional level, that fits perfectly within all the projects design perimeters and budget, that works with your overall vision of the space as well as the clients hopes and dreams…..that is no small feat. There are soo many options out there, but only a few worth the hunt. But I tell ya, when you lay eyes on the one, the perfect woven masterpiece, it makes all those red, dry, blurry eyed, internet surfing nights worth while. Then you’re just left to hope your client feels the same way.
In my years of rug hunting I have narrowed down a list of my all time favorite sources for uniquely beautiful, vintage and wanna- be- look- like- vintage- for- the- right- price, modern bohemian rugs. A few things to take into consideration before setting out on your laborious search:
1.) How bright and bold or light and subtle are we trying to go? In other words, what’s the vibe you want to give off in the space and therefore what style of rug are you after? Morrocan Benis are light and neutral but with a bit of shag so great for the minimalist who craves good texture. Vintage Turkish Kilims can be both bright and bold or muted and minimal, but always with a great geometric pattern and or stripe. Faded Oushaks and Vintage Persians are a great twist on the more traditional rug covering in that vein. They are super durable and only get better with more wear and tear.
2.) Where is this rug going to live and who is beating on it the majority of the time? Basically, is it for a high or low traffic area of the home? Guest bedroom, formal living or dining room? You can go more precious, both in price and textile. Main entry, kitchen or kids bedrooms? It needs to be damn near bullet proof.
3.) What’s the ideal size for the space? Figure this out first! You don’t want to chase down and fall in love with a gorgeous rug if it will never fit in the space. There are ways to make it work but let’s try no to fit a square peg in a round hole. It’s like dating that really gorgeous guy from the gym who doesn’t have a job, know how to dress or have manners. The chase is a waste of your precious time when the fundamentals aren’t in place from the jump off.
OK, now that you know what your’e looking for, where can you find it. For quality, originality and budget friendly pieces I instantly head over to Etsy and Ebay . You’ll scroll through thousands but its worth the time you’ll spend on the hunt that you’ll save on the price.
If I want something really special and have a relatively healthy budget I’ll check out Chairish or One Kings Lane, aka 1st Dibs’ cheaper younger sisters. You’ll spend more but the vintage is pristine and backed by a larger company name and therefore will take returns and ensure its quality more so than some stranger slinging their Grandma’s Persian on Ebay. Not like there’s anything wrong with that, Grandmas have nice stuff!
For BEAUTIFul pieces, overwhelming inventory and great filters for easy sourcing, Kilim.com, Esale Rugs, Rugs Direct and Rug Vista are wonderful sites with great reliable customer service. Pricing is pretty competitive too.
For a more intimately curated shop experience I love to check in on Shop Henslin, Drift Home Collective, Kaya Kilims, Rug and Weave, and Loom and Kiln to see what they have in stock which usually blows my mind. These shops feel more personal because I follow them on Instagram and therefore we are friends in my head and I know when they get new shipments in and can DM for first dibs on rugs.
There you have it! Happy rug hunting and remember, stear clear of that hot, over grown man child at the gym, he’ll ruin your mojo. Eye on the prize!
ciao for now!
xx
K