We’ve tackled four rooms in our house thus far, and even though they have changed, some drastically none of them are really finished. Paint and trim are always readily available, but the perfect coffee table at the perfect price point is not. My hunt continues for pieces here and there, and sometimes in the search for one thing I come across another.
Like a rug. I know, rugs seem to be my weakness. The wood room has had a cranberry 8×10 in it for a while now. The color was pretty, but the size was a bit small. I’ve been dreaming of something lighter and more modern this is perfection, but my budget has told me otherwise. And then I stumbled across this Karastan on Craigslist. The size was great, the colors were good and the price was more than right.
But it was traditional. I already had a lot of tradition going on in this room. But the coffee table is only a placeholder and I’ll be bringing in more modern details when I come across them. I wanted a modern rug, yet I knew this rug was a step in the right direction. So I got to thinking: I could sell another rug for the price I’d pay for this and come out even. Then, if I come across perfection later I could always sell this one.
That’s the great thing about secondhand. If you buy quality you don’t loose value when you turn around to sell to someone else. So when in doubt, I say buy. You and your heart I’m not promising your husband won’t regret it.
Haha! The husband comment at the end is perfect. I just tried to do a swap like this with a dresser – sell one I had to buy a new one but the price on the new went up before I could piece it all together. But I do this kind of thing alllll the time, to the tune of much eye rolling 😉
Haha! The husbands are always a little exasperated, aren't they.
I feel like I just read the story of my life. I could relate to everything you said, Gwen!! I totally agree that you should buy the rug especially if you can come out even with your other one (or maybe with a profit???)
I love it! That rug really ties the room together! It might even be perfect once you add a modern coffee table and some other accessories.
Gwen, I have two of the exact rug you said is perfection for you. Love them! Watch Rugs USA for their super sales, that's where I got both of mine for very good prices. Pleased with the quality too.
wow, i really needed this post! i am oogling over a vintage coffee table on chairish and i don't know why i've been stalling. if someone else bought i think i would cry. i have to have it! haha and the husband will have to deal with it!!
Yes! YES! That is exactly what I do as well. In fact, I've furnished our home at a profit at this point, by buying and selling vintage furniture to trade up to certain dream pieces. And actually, once my husband realized that when I found a new "perfect" piece it usually ended up being financially beneficial, he's completely gotten on board!
The rug you found is just lovely, and at the very least is the perfect placeholder, if not something you'll fall in love with as you add to the room! I'm kicking myself for passing on a similar rug on Craigslist recently because I didn't have a place for it.
I think this rug looks just GREAT in this room, it really does.
http://www.annlanglois.com
What a great addition! I think your chairs are modern so it balances out. I do the same thing when it comes to "good placeholders". 🙂 It's coming along great, Gwen! xo
I like how you think… Totally agree!
This is looking amazing! I am a huge fan of rugs, it is classy, it is traditional and yes, sometimes difficult for maintenance.. But I am totally agree with everything you said.
xoxo
Isabella
Yes, rugs can make a big difference. They are usually the focal point of the room. Finding the right color and style is critical. And, when you do, I say go for it, too.
I think we could be best friends. ?