What do you think?: Will an oriental-design rug work in my tropical-theme Mahalo Lounge?
I have thought for quite a while that I would use an oriental rug in the lounge:
- I love oriental rugs — and they look fantastic in midcentury homes. They are timeless — they have been be around forever…
- I think that when chosen correctly, they (1) blend, (2) accentuate, and (3) make a statement all their own — all at the same time…
- And I love mashing things up. And, the more pattern the better. But it’s gotta work; I know it when I see it.
I found this rug at my favorite used furniture store. The colors were right — the slightly muddy coral field! — and so was the price. The back is flaking (I’m reading online that that’s old latex delaminating and can be repaired), so it’s not perfect. But I was itching to get something on the floor, so I took a chance and carted it home.
I waaaaaant it to be right, but I’m not sure. I think it’s going to fight the upholstery of the sectional.
Like I said: I love mashing things up, and I love lots of pattern. But: I am not a professional interior designer who has done scores of rooms. I still need to experiment… to take risks — and ack! spend money… to see if what’s in my head will really translate into a room. This one: I am not sure. What do you think?
- Browse >> all my stories about my Mahalo Lounge << to get sneak peeks of the various elements and how they’re starting to come together.
Laura Palazzolo says
What Deb said…jute or sisal. The Oriental rug is not right with everything else. Jmho
Marta says
Not to my liking. I will go with something that gives a tropical vibe, sisal or something in that line. It is true that persian rugs go very well with mid century decor but with the tiki theme I am not so sure. I love tropical mid century decor with the barkcloth and flower patterns, animal print goes very well here but persian rug? Too clashy for my taste. But maybe somehow it can function for you.
Paige says
I feel ya on this. I LOVE pattern but this rug just doesn’t work. You’d be amped if it were the right thing. You will find it because the treasures never end!
Kim Campbell says
I love it! I think it adds some softness to the newer fabric in the pillows and the edginess of the glass and metal.
Deb says
I would use a jute or sisal rug or any neutral toned natural fiber rug to bring additional texture to your room without creating too much contrast with your other strong decor elements. It seems rather Polynesian to have a natural fiber rug and am concerned with your barkcloth and animal print wallpaper the current rug may be a little too busy.
Khadija says
I definitely think so. It just blends in and doesn’t stand out. I’m so loving your room! You’ve effortlessly pulled together so many different items to make an amazing room.
Marie Gamalski says
I like it w/the bark cloth and sectional… just wondering about the pattern on the bar…. the leopard and wallpaper seem like they’d all work, but the bar fabric could fight it too much… just my humble opinion????
Penny in CO says
I’m with those who are recommending using the rug for a while after you get the other components installed. Each time you walk into the room you’ll find yourself reacting to the overall impression.
And that rug is gorgeous – it deserves a whole room decorated around its own unique characteristics (Your next project?)
tammyCA says
It seems like the muted rug works. It looks like old world tropics..if you look up British colonial decor it has a lot of the same elements as your room (it is your living room right, not just a bar room?). But, you can always switch back and forth with rugs as they aren’t so permanent.
Chrism says
Agree! 🙂
Karin says
Personally, I really like the rug. I also like really like British Colonial decor, which always seems come back in some form. You can certainly change the rug and move it to another room if it doesn`t work for you.
Bette Jean says
Ditto…and the colors are pretty perfect.
ineffablespace says
And if budget is a problem, why not look at something like FLOR tiles which has some relatively inexpensive options, is very mix and match, and could be reused somewhere else later on if you get a large rug?
I looked at online images to see if I saw any persian rugs in authentic tiki rooms. I didn’t, but one thing I did see was tiki rooms with graphic square VCT tile patterns. Maybe you could do channel something like that in modular FLOR carpet.
Jeanne says
I recently purchased some FLOR carpet tiles in the “Mod Cow” pattern for a hallway runner carpet and love them! There are definitely a variety of colors, textures and patterns that would fit the Tiki lounge…using one solid or mixing several. You can order samples (which I now use the samples as coasters). It’s worth a look-see on their site, Pam! I’d recommend getting on their email first, then wait for a percent-off sale.
Allison says
Thank you for the inspiration of the FLOR tiles!
In their Chenille Charade, it looks like they have a splendid adaptation of 60’s sculptured carpet; in what I hope is blue/green or an avocado (either would work) Samples on the way.
Haven’t found anything else remotely close to what I want; I’m excited!