I'm sure you already know...I LOVE an area rug. They’re powerful design tools that can completely change a room's look with relatively little effort.
The only downside is that they can be $$$$. In many cases, it's very much worth the investment, but in my house - ridden with kids and dogs - expensive rugs are stress-inducing.
What I want are rugs that look expensive, but are a whole lot easier on the wallet....and that is why I loooooove Loloi. Loloi is a massive rug company covering just about every possible construction, style, material, and price point. They do not sell directly to consumers on their website (Loloirugs.com), but their rugs are sold just at just about every online retailer with a large flooring assortment (Rugsdirect.com, Wayfair, etc.).
The is a specific category of Loloi rugs that I have a special appreciation for - their machine-printed rugs. Loloi is able to achieve the look of hand-woven wool rugs by printing multi-color designs on flat or textured synthetic bases. They can achieve blow-my-mind affordable price points by completely changing the production process. They're creating rugs that look hand-woven but are completely machine-made.
Morgan 03 in Denim (source: Amber Interiors)
Before I introduce you to my favorite Loloi collections, I want to talk about the two main types of rug constructions - tufted pile and hooked. The construction - how the rug is made - will determine the look, texture, quality, and longevity of your rug - so it should be an important consideration in any rug purchase.
If you think about wall-to-wall carpeting - that's probably the best example for a tufted pile construction. It's made by (1) pulling loops of yarn through a structured backing, and (2) shearing the loops (imagine giving the tops of the loops a buzz cut) to create a smooth, soft cut-pile surface. A hooked construction is similar to tufting - same step 1 - but the yarn loops stay intact.
Now, let me introduce you to my favorite rugs of the moment - Mogan, Billie, and Alie.
Amber Lewis x Loloi - Morgan
First up - let me introduce you to Morgan. The Morgan is digitally printed on a 100% polyester tufted pile construction. The design was intended to mimic a vintage rug from interior designer Amber Lewis’ personal collection - combining a rich and moody palette with intentional distressing.
Morgan 03 in Denim (source: Amber Interiors)
Since the pattern of this rug is printed on a base of 100% polyester, they're able to hit that value price point (we're talking less than $400 for an 8'3"x11'3"). The polyester base is incredibly soft and also stain- and fade-resistant.
Morgan 03 in Denim (source: Amber Interiors)
I am a little cautious about how the pile will hold up over time and I'm expecting to see a little matting. That being said, I'm not overly concerned about it since I think the intricacy of the print will help to disguise a little wear and tear. Overall, this aesthetic at this price point is a huge win for me.
Although Morgan 03 in Denim is my favorite, there are also four other swoon-worthy colors in the collection:
Morgan 01 Sunset Ink | Morgan 02 in Navy Sand
Morgan 04 in Sea/Sage | Morgan 05 in Spice/Lagoon
Amber Lewis x Loloi - Billie
Next up is the Billie. What I love the most about the Bille collection is that all colors are digitally printed on what Loloi calls an "innovative cross-woven texture" which looks closest to a hooked construction to me.
The is no shearing on this rug, so the hooked yarn loops are kept intact creating a "knobby" look (yes, "knobby" is the best descriptor I could come up with). I love this construction for high-traffic areas because it's extremely durable and I expect this bad boy to stand up to the test of time.
Billie BIL-01 in Ink/Salmon
The Billie is also printed on a 100% polyester base, touting the same stain- and fade-resistant qualities at a price point that's even a little better than the Morgan (shocking, I know). I snatched up the 10'x14' size for our primary bedroom for less than $500. I really can't get enough of the heirloom quality achieved with this distressed print and texture.
Billie 01 in Ink/Salmon
The only pattern/color combination I've bought so far is the Billie 01 in Ink/Salmon, but (at the time I'm writing this) there are six options. They are all printed on this "innovative cross-woven texture," and it's like gorgeous saying hello to gorgeous and her other friends gorgeous, gorgeous, and gorgeous.
Billie BIL-02 in Ocean/Brick
(left) Billie BIL-03 in Clay/Sage | (right) Billie BIL-04 in Aqua/Rust
(left) Billie BIL-05 in Denim/Blush | (right) Billie BIL-06 in Tobacco/Blush
Amber Lewis x Loloi - Alie
The third and final collection I'm obsessing over is the Alie. Alie has an elevated antique look and plush, modern feel achieved with a super cool alternating high-low pile. The underlying traditional motif overlaps with a slightly higher pile, creating a softening effect that only enhances the vintage vibe. If you're looking for a neutral rug - Alie has the neutral market cornered.
Alie ALE-01 in Stone/Mist
Alie ALE-01 in Stone/Mist | Alie ALE-02 in Sand/Sky
Alie ALE-03 in Taupe/Dove | Alie ALE-03 Charcoal/Dove
Alie ALE-04 in Sky/Stone | Alie ALE-05 Charcoal/Beige