apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Mainstream or not, it doesn't really matter if you love something and it truly reflects your personal style. Do not conform to nonconformity! Go with your instincts, they are always right!

I've been lurking on this site for a month or so now (love the best-of-Craigslist postings!) but wanted to pipe up since this subject is dear to my heart -- we just totally revamped our tiny guest room and I've been looking for a rug to suit. I have wanted a zebra rug and a Le Corbusier/Eileen Gray LC4 chaise since I was in elementary school but so far that dream hasn't worked out.

If I had the money (and didn't have two cats who would do their best to shred it), I would go for Jonathan Adler's take on the zebra rug, which sort of pokes fun at the classic while still providing the graphic punch: http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?productid=16688&cat=253&page=1

The black edging might be a turnoff for some, though. Personally, I'm looking at a variety of sources for relatively inexpensive but cool rugs, including West Elm, Target, and Velocity, which has great rugs from Thomas Paul: http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/tp_rugs.html

I completely agree with jinah...who cares about mainstream, not mainstream, blah blah. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about your place...You're the one living in it!

Now go get that rug.

I think you should absolutely get the zebra rug! Especially if it's going to "really pull the room together".

There is a zebra shaped one and also a nice round one on overstock. Looks like same rug as at target but cheaper. i have been ogling it for my bedroom for a while.

I really depends on what you are paying for it. If you get it cheap enough to treat as disposable then go for it. If your taste changes in 3 years you won't feel bad selling it cheap on craigslist or throwing it out if it gets a huge stain. If however you want to buy a pricey version than think carefully about how you will feel about it if your tastes DO change in 3 years and the zebra rug no longer suits you or your mother in law spills a huge platter of bolognese all over it.... Be adventurous, be spontaneous, be daring but always be a smart shopper.

i'd say if it isn't an actual zebra skin rug, go for it. if you like the zebra stripes and it helps the room, go for it!

Check overstock.com. They have a large zebra print rug (but it's rectangular) for about $450.

not a fan of the zebra skin rug, but happy to join if you love it go for it and don't pay attention to the it's too common or out of fashion brigades. I seem to remember a shop in the bay area that had a lot of animal skins, taxidermy numbers, skeletons, preserved bugs, and other such natural history delights which, if it still exists (and if I could remember the name) might be a good source. Here in New York, I'd suggest Evolution on Spring Street, but that would be a bit of a hike for you.

sorry: to whether it's too common or out of fashion... I'll blame this one on my cold medicine

Zebra rugs being all over the place mean it's easy to find one. It's the design cravings that are totally, utterly "out" -- so far that even thrift stores don't help -- that are the real problem. Get the rug.

i think if you love it, you should get it! *listen to your heart* a friend of mine actually has zebra carpet in her living room, and it works with her personality and her furnishings. it was very fun to visit.

cheers,
cindy

Like others have said, get it if you like it. However, I would highly encourage you to really look at a lot of rugs before making this decision. Go to nice places, crappy places, funky places, weird places, let texture, color and pattern be your guides. Then, after completing this homework assignment, if you still absolutely adore the zebra rug go get it cause you'll be sure it's the right choice.

Knitorama, great site. alot of interesting rugs and lighting options. (just what i need:)

Shannon in SF, hilarious. that gets said very often in my household.

Add me to the list of "love it/buy its."

HUGE zebra fan here.

love 'em if they're real, but i think they look really silly when they're bad zebra prints.

I so love them. I have a huge one I bought in Namibia and an enormous throw pillow made out of zebra (24 x24). I think they are glamourous, fun, and graphic. What's not to like?