Good rugs cost. This is an excellent question, and one that we haven't found a silver bullet answer to yet:
Love the site, but I noticed one thing that's missing. An entry on rugs. Sure we live in the city, and most of us rent, but that doesn't mean that I can't have something to keep my feet off my hard wood floors when I get up in the morning. I've been looking for a good, reasonably priced rug dealer in the city that sells something that can cover a large part of my bedroom floor, will look stylish and won't make me feel too bad if it doesn't fit in my next apartment and has to be given away. Thanks, John.
When asked about rugs, our best bets for the money are always Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn (though the styles are hit or miss). You can always get lucky at ABC Carpet, or at their warehouse. Other than that, for a good rug expect to pay at least $2,000. Anyone else have better news? MGR
I have to concur with your pottery barn recommendation here - I generally don't love their stuff, but I needed a big rug for my living room (ok, studio apartment) a few years ago and I found a great, LARGE red sisal rug at the PB. it's still in great shape after 4 years (OK, not a long time, but given how long their other stuff lasts, it can be a good measure). The one I bought came in a variety of sizes, and I believe mine is 8' by 10' (I think there were even larger ones). It's also a really nice visual way to divide up the "living room" portion of my apartment from the "office" part.
one great way to create inexpensive and stylish area rugs is to use modular carpet tiles. they come in a variety of colors and textures and can be used in any combination to create any size rug (or go wall to wall). more info at www.interfaceflor.com
I have bought some good Tibetan rugs at Dolma (on Lafayette) for about $1600. Still pricey, but cheaper than most and really nice people that help you.
If you're willing to go online, what about rugman.com? I've never ordered from them, but I know folks who have and were pleased with their purchase. Ebay, of course, is another possibility.
Look on line!
For deals on rugs from C&B and PB try ebay. If you're in need of a sisal try naturalarearugs.com we bought from them and are very very happy. If you buy from them or any other online dealer a tip on whether they are reputable is if they'll send samples, naturalarearugs does which is how we finalized our decision. Plus, they have free shipping.
check out Ikea online. Some nice ones that are high priced for them, but cheap as compared to everyone else ($750). Go figure.
I faced this problem recently and came to a great solution. Pearl River (featured here a few days ago) on Broadway sells large bamboo floor mats which are very plesant to walk on, look great and can be cleaned with soap and water - and the good news is I bought a 6'x9' one for $40 - and am using it for a living room carpet. See pearlriver.com, furnishings, floor mats - the name is "Slab Bamboo Mat (Yellow)". They come in many sizes.
I don't think I'll ever use anything else - the mat looks very simple, modern yet organic, and it's so very easy to clean when necessary, unlike a rug.
Don't rule out Pier 1 for rugs. Some very similar to PB and C&B, at even better prices.
Room and Board also has some very nice rugs, but it represents the typical online/catalog gamble...
I also believe Smith and Noble (Windowware) has branched out into floorcoverinsg on their website.
And don't be too quick to dismiss ABC for being outrageously priced... they have an affordable line called Amagansett (sp?) that offers a wide range of great, modern designs, in both flat weave cotton and wools, relatively inexpensive. Keep in mind its still ABC, so the "relatively" is key...
Visit the remnant department of a high-quality rug store, pick out a remnant big enough for your space, and have it cut to size and bound at the edges (the carpet store will do it for you). The binding costs as much as the remnant (you pay per foot), but I got a beautiful, large all-wool rug for under $300.
Try E Bay! There is a huge selection of everything from antique orientals to sisals. You have to spend some time searching but it is worth the effort.There is also a pricepoint for every budget and some very good deals to be had.