Vintage Karastan rug

One of the great things about living where I live is the tremendous Estate Sales that pop up.  For whatever reason there are hardly ever any lines and people have nice things.  At a recent Estate sale for example I had my eye on a rug that was in their preview photos. I zoned right in on it and stuck a "Sold" sticker right away.  I don't really think I even looked at the price tag.     

I scored this beautiful vintage Karastan rug for a mere $250!   The colors were perfect for our dining room and the pattern very pleasing. It has a thick wool pile and even better after I put a 1/2 felt pad underneath it.  It's 8'8" x 12' Antique Ivory Medallion Kirman #781 American wool.

When I brought it home I went to work cleaning it.  I used my water hose, a bucket with soapy water and a scrub brush.  I hand scrubbed it and then rinsed it.  I also used my Bissell cleaner to suck out the dirty water. Unfortunately the amount of dirt that was coming out if it was too much for my little Bissell. I think it even started smoking at one point! I decided to let it dry and I rolled it up and took it to a great Persian Rug company that gets great reviews online.  At $3.40/square foot to have it cleaned, which for a 9x12 rug ran about $370 + tax. But in the end, it's nice to have a rug that feels brand new, yet from the 1950's with all the charm of a vintage rug. 

With care, this rug should last another 70+ years.  It's so well made and just absolutely stunning. 

I have been really drawn to cozy English style homes, so I've been wanting to incorporate more pattern, more mismatched furniture and having everything work. I have a ways to go to get that feeling, but I'm enjoying finding things that I love to fill our home.

 

I was ready to get new end chairs, but I think these Cheetah print Parson chairs go really well with the new rug. 

Happy New Year! 

xo

Cathleen