I Saw This Crate & Barrel Rug in a Friend’s Apartment and Ordered It That Same Day

As someone who loves to decorate my small living room with color and pattern, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to keep a large, foundational item neutral for balance. For me, that’s always been the rug. A simple piece underfoot, like a classic sisal or solid jute, can prevent a space from appearing too busy. It’s also great to use for a nice traditional base — my style is classic meets eclectic. 

When it came time to replace my existing rug due to wear and tear a few months ago, I found so many different sisal and jute options online that I became overwhelmed with what to pick. Sure, I had a few parameters in mind: I wanted to keep my purchase relatively inexpensive, although I wasn’t opposed to spending over $500 if that meant I’d secure a high-quality piece that would last longer than my previous rug. I was also looking for a fairly big rug — approximately 8 by 10 feet (as any designer will tell you, skimping on rug size is a major no-no!) — and found myself drawn to solid styles over the ornate options on the market featuring scallops and zigzags. 

Still, even when taking all of those considerations into account, I had plenty to consider and found myself in decision paralysis. It was only while scrolling through Instagram stories one afternoon that my friend Cat’s sisal rug caught my eye — and I was pretty sure I found the one. I immediately messaged her about it to find out more info, all the while crossing my fingers it was still available for purchase. 

The rug, Cat told me, was an affordable option from Crate & Barrel she had owned and loved for years. It traveled with her from her single-girl studio to the apartment that she now shares with her fiancé, and she said it has held up wonderfully over time. Although Cat’s style leans more coastal and minimalist than mine, I could easily envision the rug fitting into my living room nicely based on the photos she had posted of her own space. 

Within minutes of reading more about the rug on Crate & Barrel’s website to confirm that it was right for me (decent price for the size, 100 percent sisal pile, backed in latex to avoid slippage), I found myself placing an order for the almond colorway. Just a few days later, the rug showed up at my doorstep. It fits into my space perfectly and provides such a calming effect on its own, although I could also see it being a great base if you wish to layer a smaller rug on top, too. It even comes in a few other colors: a slightly darker brown called Heritage, a lighter tan called Linen, and a mid-tone gray. 

At $700, the rug cost a little more than I had planned to spend, but I don’t regret the purchase one bit — in part because I know that this is a piece that’s built to stand the test of time.

So far, it’s been easy to clean and holding up well; I haven’t seen any signs of shedding. And it’s even softer than other sisals I’ve had! And trust me — given how much lifting and shifting is involved when replacing a living room rug, I’m more than happy to hold off on purchasing another one for the foreseeable future.