analogirl's Profile

In terms of cost, durability and quality, I'd say jute is a great transitional (or permanent) rug depending on your tastes. Years ago, I purchased Pottery Barn's 8X10 jute rug, and the only reason I don't have it now is because I didn't have the foresight to hold onto when my last (smaller) apartment couldn't accommodate it. In the interim period, I purchased another one that's alternated between kitchen, living room and office, and all on hardwood floors. It's held up remarkably well over the past five years--even with a crazed and demented kitty.

Although the mildly scratchy texture isn't for everyone, I personally love the feel of it against my soles.

In regards to cleaning, my cat's hair hasn't been any more of a challenge than anything else that will inevitably fall on the floor. My honey is a "grazer" who probably eats a bag of carrots, spinach and walnuts every other day. Of course the crumbs can get caught in the rug, but nothing a vacuum can't handle. Depending on the temperature in your house, natural fibers can and will shed. I've learned that an occasional spritzing with water will definitely reduce the shedding.

If you're looking for something with a more refined texture, the next step up is sisal. Feels wonderful underfoot, has a beautiful rhythmic pattern, but it'll cost 'ya....

Good luck ;)

MM,

Sorry for the confusion: the store describes itself as MCM, but like most people in the business, he scores a lot of finds from estate sales--which is where he snagged the sofa chair. Thanks for the clarification about DeCoro; it took a few Google searches to find anything about the company in the US, but once I did most links were to UK businesses.

J in SF,

Actually, at $1100, both pieces were significantly less than most mid-range sofas I've seen over the years.

What's funny is when I went to the first DWR warehouse sale in Cincinatti a few years ago, that exact amount would've gotten me the three-seater Neo I really wanted.

Unfortunately, I was about $900 shy....