By now we have all seen the gorgeous overdyed Color Reform rugs available through ABC Carpet & Home. The deep hues poured over vintage Turkish rugs allow the original pattern to show through for a look that is at once vibrant and muted.
According to Color Reform, the process is done by hand to "reinvent imperfect, vintage carpets through the power of color." They are undoubtedly beautiful and would be a perfect way to add some color to a room. They are also quite pricey. For the craftier among us, there are DIY instructions available, but I can only imagine the mess I would make if I attempted to dye a rug. Even small dye projects I have attempted have had disastrous results.
Luckily, there are less expensive versions available that give you the look without the high price of the original or the mess of a DIY.
The Empire Kilim rug pictured above from West Elm in rich purple and blue tones offers a more neutral version of the bright Color Reform rugs.
Here, in vibrant emerald green, a Color Reform rug rich with color would be a stand out addition to any home.
An alternative version from Overstock also offers a similar look.
Find it: Empire Kilim Rug, $67.00 - $721.00 from West Elm
Find it: Overdyed Turkish Rug, $3799.00 from Color Reform
Find it: Presley Teal/ Grey Area Rug, $294.99 from Overstock
(Images: As Linked)

Sheex Bedding
Nomadic Trading also sells these rugs in patchwork form as well. He's out of Durham NC. Saw them at Brimfield. He had cool colors.
I've heard that the Empire Kilim rug picks up EVERYTHING like a magnet. Too bad because it's so beautiful and reasonable.
I have always craved one of these (but the bargain versions, though pretty, just don't have the same richness the ABC ones have.) I love the way the pattern shows through in a less busy way than in the originals. Anthropologie has versions now, too, and they seem to be bit less expensive than ABC's. I get a friends-and-family discount at Anthro (kind of a blessing and kind of a curse) through a relative who works for Urban Outfitters, and I may try to snag one when they have their next employee appreciation program (at 40% off!)
i bought a used 7 x 10 rug from craigslist $50 and had this company clean, bleach and dye it, www.rugwashinc.com, $500 and it is spectacular. They picked it up, i gave them a pantone color card and viola, three weeks later an amazing piece and an amazing price.
boy are overdyeds trending seriously right now! we just did two posts this week on them, one of which is going to chronicle our DIY. Kristen F Davis designs blog did an AMAZING DIY and we're following her lead. Check her out!
@flippy42, thanks! going to check that out
oh man, I tried to diy one of these and it was a disaster. But it was a free rug, so it only cost me the dye from Dharma and about a day of my time. I'm eyeing the overstock option.
I've seen these rugs recently at my Ikea here in Germany. I wonder if Ikea is selling them in the States as well? I love the look of the over dye, just wish I was craftier to make my own. The mess wouldn't be worth it though.
We are based in New York and we dye rugs also kilims for dealers and private clients. We also carry large collection at wholesale prices. If you have a rug to over dye or want to buy a rug please don't hesitate to contact us. orientalisthome@gmail.com