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An Area Rug Alternative (That’s Affordable!)

Our funny little nook off of the living room has been in constant transition since the day we chose a paint color. Every now and then, we’d swap in a different chair, stack (and re-stack) the books, fuss with plants on the window sill and, as it would seem, rotate rugs in and out that we were never fully happy with – until now! Hooray!

carpet-rug-01

The room is an odd size with nooks within the nook, and our whole goal has always been to make this space feel like a mini escape from the rest of the home. It has so many names – the music room, the sun room, the reading room, and of course, The Nook. The hope was to keep it slightly masculine – with its matte black Vittsjo, and why yes, we did repaint it a darker color! – but with softness underfoot and a cozy chair to curl up in.

With the chair finally checked off, we’d been struggling with a rug that would fit the room’s odd shape. A 4×6 was too small; a 5×8 was too large. Square shaped rugs in 6×6 would have been fine, albeit a bit undersized, but stepping up to a 7×7 would have been oversized. We considered these FLOR tiles for the freedom they give in shape, but I was determined to find something extra, extra soft. We’ve learned from experience that inexpensive shags aren’t exactly pet friendly, but more money doesn’t necessarily mean less shedding, either. I mean, I’m driving myself crazy with how ridiculous this must read, am I right? (Ha!)

But as you know, there’s a happy ending! For years, we’d been driving past an old warehouse with a crumbling sign that read: Olympia Carpets. The warehouse has since been torn down, but a quick Google search showed multiple locations not too far away, and Yelp reviews boasted their ability to turn carpet remnants into perfectly sized area rugs. We actually popped in much earlier this year, but we only recently went back in to make a decision, finally landing on a super thick, super plush soft gray remnant for $100! Note to Chicago locals: The Pulaski location is closed, so go to Diversey. It. Is. Massive!

carpet-rug-olympia

While we always knew this could be an option, I suppose we always had this thought that carpet remnants would look like that – a carpet remnant. What we really received, however, was a ridiculously durable 6′ x 7.5′ rug that fits the nook perfectly! With binding and tax, we were out the door for $160. Additionally, we layered the rug with this carpet pad, giving it a ridiculous amount of softness that is so good.

carpet-rug-03carpet-rug-02carpet-rug-05

We couldn’t be happier with this simple (affordable!) solution. We’ve had it in our home for a couple of weeks, and it hasn’t shed at all – which makes sense, considering you wouldn’t want your carpet to shed all over, you know? Because it’s original intent is for carpeting your home, it’s also stain resistant (time will tell!) and easy to vacuum and maintain. More importantly, the pets love it, as they’ve shown by never, ever leaving the room.

There are a couple of things to add before we can call the nook done, but this time, (I think) we really mean it.

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  • Sarah @ onesuchlife10.14.15 - 10:49 AM

    What an interesting and affordable solution! Most of our house is hardwood and area rugs can be such a headache to shop for sometimes.ReplyCancel

    • Kim10.14.15 - 12:27 PM

      Especially larger ones or odd sizes! I feel like this would be great for really large cozy rugs under a bed.ReplyCancel

  • Anni10.14.15 - 10:57 AM

    I so have to remember this as an affordable alternative when my kids are a little bit older. Right now, with three young ones, we are ALL about the Flor tiles. I love that they let me be a patient and compassionate mom whenever there is an accident rather than totally freaking out over an expensive rug being ruined. :)ReplyCancel

    • Kim10.14.15 - 1:34 PM

      We love FLOR too, absolutely, but most carpets have a stain repellent built in, as they’re meant to stand up to wear and tear! Something to think about. ;)ReplyCancel

  • Josh | The Kentucky Gent10.14.15 - 12:35 PM

    There’s an old carpet warehouse in my hometown, and I never thought about doing this! I definitely have some spaces on our main floor that could use some love with area rugs.

    Josh | The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.comReplyCancel

    • Kim10.14.15 - 1:35 PM

      And so, so affordable! The old warehouses are the best. It’s like thrifting – but for new carpets. Ha!ReplyCancel

  • Julia@Cukoo4Design10.14.15 - 4:12 PM

    I did the same thing already and we had the rug for many many years.ReplyCancel

  • Ellen from Ask Away10.15.15 - 6:59 AM

    Great idea !!! we actually were going to do this for a basement once its finished eventually!
    XO Ellen from Ask Away
    http://www.askawayblog.comReplyCancel

  • rachael10.15.15 - 8:08 AM

    We have pretty much the same rug in our living room. Went to a flooring store and looked at their carpet remnants, and got it binded and sized, and it was $87. It’s a 7×8. I love knowing when it gets gross I can rent a carpet cleaner to freshen it up.ReplyCancel

  • […] An Area Rug Alternative (That's Affordable!) | Yellow Brick Home […]ReplyCancel

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