Let me apologize for the delay in sharing these photos. Some of you have been asking about my new dining room rug. Well, it’s actually been here for a little while, and the verdict is in: the more I live with it, the more I like it. You can read more about my rug selection process (i.e., the method behind the madness) here.
I purchased the Handmade Eco Natural Fiber Chunky Loop Jute Rug (do not attempt to say this five times fast) from Overstock, and I’m really rather pleased about it all. It was quite inexpensive for an 8′ x 10′ rug (in linking it to this post, though, I see it’s come down in price yet another $20—don’t you hate when that happens?!). In addition, I was able to take advantage of a $1 dollar shipping promotional, which also made it easier on the budget.
The rug shipped really quickly, and after unwrapping it and inspecting it closely, I determined that the quality appeared to be really good—it’s definitely a substantial rug. I will say (and this is the only negative) that it was ever-so-slightly whiffy just after it first arrived—nothing offensive, it just smelled a bit like moist earth, as if someone had done some springtime digging in the garden and tracked a little (or a lot of) fresh soil into the dining room. But this completely dissipated after a few days, so it’s really a non-issue.
Here’s a shot taken from the entrance to the dining room from the foyer:
I think it looks pretty nice, no?
Initially, I had been considering persian-style rugs at a higher price point, but ultimately I thought the natural fiber rug would be not only a more budget-friendly option, but that it would also help bring a more modern, and more casual, vibe to the dining room. It’s also neutral (so I’m thinking I won’t tire of it as quickly as I might tire of a pattern) and hard-wearing (the dining room, because of its position between my kitchen and my office, is actually in quite a high-traffic area).
As you can see from the photos, the rug has a pretty thick pile, which I love. I did purchase the recommended $35 rug pad to go with it, and I do think it makes a bit of difference in giving the rug a more substantial look and feel—definitely worth the extra expenditure.
I also really love the texture and the fringe. Sadly, Archie loves the fringe too—he has developed a fascination with it and feels it’s his duty to attack the fringe at his every opportunity. I’m hoping the novelty will wear off soon. (Hope springs eternal I guess!)
One other perk worth mentioning: it’s actually pretty cushy to walk on and fairly soft for a natural fiber rug. I tried it out with bare feet.
So there you have it—one more small step toward dining room redesign completion!
I love the texture and color! I vote yes.
The rug has a rich informal variegated texture that will reduce the formality of the room and add contemporary sophistication. The room will be a quieter space with the soft tone on tone effect of the carpet, but yet there will be energy from the art work and the sculptural effect of the parsons chairs. A fine atmosphere for dining and living well.
I’m glad you like!
Thank you so much for your review and pictures! I am shopping on overstock.com for a rug for the exact same purpose and decor as you, and this was super helpful!
Thanks so much for your kind comment! I’m so glad you found it helpful. I’d love to see how it turns out!
I’ve been eyeing this rug from Overstock and was so happy to see your review and this post. I’m trying to re-do the dining room in my Spanish style home and am searching for a good compromise between contemporary and rustic. Thank you so much for the recommendation on the rug pad, too. That might have been what was missing with our last rug! You don’t have any problems with the chairs sliding out over it? I don’t want to get too “chunky” a rug that makes it hard to move stuff over it.
Hi Carrie, thanks for your comment–I’m glad you found the photos and review helpful! While this is definitely not a flat weave or low-pile rug, the rug’s chunkier texture has not been an issue. I think the rug pad helps: while I do have a heavy dining table anchoring the rug, the rug pad has a “grippy” quality that helps keep the rug in place, say, when vacuuming or moving chairs out from under the table. Still very happy with my purchase. Good luck with your decision, your Spanish-style home sounds lovely!
Hi there,
I was thinking of buying this rug from Overstock.com to put under our dining room table. Do you think it would be OK in that use — that is, would it stand up to chairs being pushed out from and into the table? Many thanks!
Hi Mary Jean! The rug is definitely thicker (it’s not a flat weave rug). I haven’t found pulling out the chairs from the table to be too much of a problem. That said, we also don’t use the dining room every day. If you’re looking for something for under a table that you would use multiple times a day, then it might require a bit more effort, but I think it would definitely hold up to frequent use. Hope this helps, good luck! 🙂
Yeah, it would be daily use for us, so I’ll take this into consideration. Thanks for the response!
Hi I was wondering what color your jute rug is…I am considering buying one and I like the color of yours
Thanks
Linda
Thanks, Linda — The color of my dining room rug is “Natural.” I see that the rug now comes in more color options which are very nice too. Thanks for your comment!
Linda, in case you’re interested, here is a link to my “after” photos of my dining room. More photos with the rug are included:
https://www.thewriterandresidence.com/virtual-tour-dining-room/
Good afternoon, do you think the rug is soft? I have a 3 year old who loves to play and roll around on the floor, do you think it would be soft enough?
Hi Lindsay! Thanks so much for your question.
The jute rug I have in my dining room is fairly soft–if you walk barefoot on it, it feels fine. That said, I’m not sure if it would be soft enough for a little one who likes to roll around on the floor… Alas, I only have a fur baby, and I wouldn’t want to steer you wrong! 🙂
Here are some links to posts that you might find helpful. Both of these bloggers (whose style I love) have natural fiber rugs AND have little ones, and these are their recommendations.
Emily Clark includes links to the rugs from Pottery Barn she recommends (a little higher price point than my Overstock rug, but it might be worth the extra $$ for extra softness):
http://emilyaclark.com/2014/02/a-really-soft-option-for-a-natural-area-rug.html
Trina wrote a really good post on things to consider when buying a natural fiber rug for a house with kiddos:
http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/11/natural-fiber-rugs.html
I hope this helps you in your search, Lindsay! Thanks again for your comment.
Hi! The rug looks great! I am really thinking about buying this. Is the 8×10 including the fringe? Thanks!
I’m thinking the measurement does not include the fringe. My rug measures 8 feet by 10 feet and eight inches including the fringe — there may be some variance as I think these are hand woven. I hope this helps!
What color is that if the rug? Looking at the same kind and trying to compare the colors. Thanks.
Hi Yvonne, the color is “Natural. “
Thanks for linking this post to the comments on Overstock. They have a 7’6″ x 9’6″ listed. Is that what you have pictured here? I’m assuming, but would love to verify the proportions, since your’s looks good.
Thanks,
C. Evans
Thanks for your question, Carole. My rug measures 8′ wide by 10′ long (not including the fringe, which adds another three-plus inches on each end. Hope this helps!