New Living Room Rug!
I’m eager to dive into some holiday-themed posts, but wanted to squeeze this one in before I do. Guys! I got a new living room rug! Really, it’s a new OLD living room rug, and I’m so into it. I bought our previous black and white one right around the time we moved in five years ago. While it wasn’t a purchase made out of love, it filled a need and was affordable so I made it work. But I’ve had my (side) eye out hoping for something better for awhile.
Finding a replacement had previously been low on the list, but promptly moved its way up as Beatrix became more mobile. It was easy to camouflage in photos, but that black and white rug was basically a sticky trap for every speck of dirt, debris, and whatever worse we tracked in. No amount of vacuuming was enough. The thought of her nuzzling her sweet cheeks into that course and scratchy abyss was a true motivator.
I’d also been hoping for something less high-contrast. I still love color and drama, but the bold gallery wall seemed to call for a quieter stage from which to star.
My wishlist for the ideal rug was neutral, 6x9, and vintage. But on our as-close-to-zero-dollars-as-possible budget finding an authentic vintage in that size was a tall order. So I was also checking affordable sites like Rugs USA for something I could make work. After months (years?) searching I just couldn’t find anything I loved and couldn’t bring myself to swap one unloved rug for another. But on a fortuitous pop into a local consignment shop I spotted this one. It was neutral, 6x9, and vintage. And I got it for a song. Yessssss!
Admittedly, 6x9 is a little small for the overall size of this room, but the angled wall (where a fireplace used to be) cuts into the floorspace, necessitating a smaller rug. So the fact that I was able to find one in those exact measurements that fit all my other criteria was a huge win.
And here’s how that side of the room’s been looking. Pack n Play gets pride of place because this is my life now.
We’ve been living with it for the past month and I’m happy to say it is exactly what I was hoping for. It’s not so precious that we feel like we can’t live as we usually do with spills and shoes on in the house. Even though it’s not necessarily plush it is still tons softer underfoot than our previous. And I know every rug collects (and honestly hides) dirt, but I can at least see the vacuum doing its job instead of maddeningly leaving behind visible debris after multiple passes!
Bonus, it even compelled me to cozy up the sofa with a velvet lumbar pillow I made from some fabric I’d been hoarding without purpose for years. And I snagged that Opalhouse throw for cheap during a sale this past weekend. (tip: buy it online and deliver to store, it’s less expensive that way.) Loving the living room updates just in time to settle in and never leave this winter.
