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Young House Love » Decorating » A Fun Pink Polka Dot Rug For The Playroom

| By Sherry Petersik | January 30, 2013 | 340 Comments

A Fun Pink Polka Dot Rug For The Playroom

You’ve heard of rolling out the red carpet, but what about the pink one? It’s Clara’s favorite color, and a nice warm tone (after filling most of the house with cool blues, greens, and grays, it’s nice to bring in some warm tones to balance things out). Plus the way the playful dots in the rug mix with the bold colors in Clara’s big girl bedding = almost more fun than my brain can handle. In person it’s even more happy! Seriously. Come over right now.

Clara Rug2

As for the price? Pretty darn hard to beat. We’ve had our eyes peeled for a while for something that would work with the blanket and general color scheme that we’re doing in there (red + pink with a lot of other pops like navy, yellow, teal, etc) but everywhere we looked (local decorating outlet, Overstock.com, Target, etc) was selling larger 7 x 9′ rugs for around $400-700, which was a little more than we wanted to spend. We even tried craigslist and ebay to no avail.

So we held out and kept looking and finally spotted this 7′ x 9′ guy for $236.95 (marked down from $629) on Joss & Main. It’s 100% wool, hand tufted, and the gradated color and fun imperfect dots that appear to be drawn on just felt so “Clara” to us. So we went for it. Not gonna lie, I was giddy when we clicked that order button. Especially since they were running a free shipping special (shipping fees can really add up on a big item like a rug).

Rug Price

Then after clicking that order button all giddiness subsided and we did that thing where we silently freak out about ordering a rug sight unseen. But since it worked out so well with our living room rug, we just tried to hope for the best.

Then it arrived and this happened:

Clara Rug Play1

Apparently rugs are fun even before they’re unrolled in the room.

Clara Rug Play2

Then when Clara was napping we finally got to see it in her big girl room/playroom. This space definitely started out super tame with very soft milky-tea colored walls…

Painting Room14

… and now it’s looking pretty crazy-pink thanks to the bedding and the rug…

Clara Rug1

… but we think once we add in the art, curtains, new light fixture and other items that will break the pink up and balance things out (there will definitely be a large object or two on the rug and we’re thinking about navy for some of the frames and maybe even the light fixture). Remember how the middle makes no sense? Well I’m crazy impatient. Haha. Can’t wait to see it after a few more steps!

In the meantime we’re soaking up some of the plushness and pattern (polka dots + a gradient!) that the rug adds. Most of our rugs are the same tone throughout, so we’ve never had one that gets darker as you step into the room.

Clara Rug5

The polka dots are definitely my favorite part though. No doubt.

Clara Rug6

Are you guys ordering any rugs online and holding your breath until they come? Are you working on a room that’s only about 20% done so you’re in that giddy-can’t-wait-for-this-to-come-together stage like us? It’s so funny how this room has been a pretty even combination of paint, furniture we already had, craigslist finds, and now there’s a new rug in the mix. Gotta love a smorgasbord…

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Filed Under: Decorating, Our Second House

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Comments

  1. Kristi - SimplePrettyThings says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I love the rug! I do think you should try flipping it so the pattern of the dots is closer to the dresser and the gradient is closer to the bed…just to bring spread the patterns throughout the room some. Just a thought. Maybe you tried it already. I’m 10% done with our daughter’s room. Meaning that I am set firmly on the bed. Terrified of painting the walls aqua and hating it…thinking of going taupe. I can’t for the life of me find fabric for the roman shade I want to make. Ughhh. I feel like I need help. Wanna know the sad part? I’m getting my Masters Degree for design. And my favorite thing in the whole world is designing kids rooms. Why is this so hard? Wanna help?!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:38 am

      Aw I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing! And as for flipping the rug, check back a few comments for what we thought when we tried it both ways :)

      xo,
      s

  2. Sandy P. says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Ok so I’m loving the whole thing so far … BUT … Clara’s orange colored piggies are the bomb!! Too cute!!

    Reply
  3. Alecia says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:16 am

    The rug looks great, but I’m really commenting to say thanks for the whole post about “the middle makes no sense.” I’m right in the middle of a panic attack about the fact that I just stripped and restained my beloved farm table. I’m halfway through and starting to freak out that I made a huge mistake. But I keep reminding myself that the middle makes no sense and I need to see it through to the end. It may still end up being a disaster, but for now I just need to plow through! Thanks for the words of wisdom, guys.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Aw you’re we one Alecia! Good luck with everything!

      xo,
      s

  4. Frida says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Another great rug choice from you guys! I like the way the pink gradually gets darker as you step into the room. I keep thinking about that big pink painting from your last house crashing tour…something similar (big abstract art in pink, yellow, navy etc.) would look great over the chest of drawers and could be a very special piece that Clara wouldn’t necessarily outgrow. Or maybe you could reframe the existing chevron art in a much taller frame to engage the entire wall a bit more?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Fun ideas!

      xo,
      s

  5. Béa says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:18 am

    loving the lamp!!!

    Reply
  6. nancyo says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Love it. I can’t wait to see how you dress up the walls. It’s like a blank canvas right now.

    I’m sure you have plenty ideas but I would love to see some stained wood shelving (kind of like the color of your behind the sofa table) or another fun texture to soften it a bit.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:33 am

      That would be fun!

      xo,
      s

  7. Paige @ Little Nostalgia says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I’ve never ordered a rug online, but I totally would! If worst comes to worst, I could just return it. I tend to buy things from Overstock and Target that have good return policies, so aside from rolling it back up, I don’t think it would be too bad!

    We’ve been working on our family room (slowly, slowly) since we moved in 6 months ago, and I have major ants in my pants to get it done. The next big thing is to find an accent chair, and then when the weather is a little warmer we’re painting the built-ins! Aaaaah!

    Reply
  8. Reenie says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Love the rug…. what a cute lil room this is =) Love Clara’s top/jacket, and her painted toe-nails ;)

    Reply
  9. Kristin says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wow…if I were Clara, I’d be out of that crib & into the big girl room NOW. It’s going to be great.

    Reply
  10. Tracey says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I just bought a 7×9 area rug for my living room from target.com sight unseen! I had been searching forever, but that size rug is usually at least $300+ which was SO not happening. I bought a hooked wool one, tan with pale steel-y blue flowers for $130 on clearance! I was so scared that I would hate it or it would be shredded, but I love it! Lugging all 60lbs up the stairs wasn’t awesome, but seeing my daughter ride on the carpet roll like a horse was! Then once she was allowed to walk on it she said, “It feels cozy on my toes, mom!” Score!!!!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:33 am

      Sounds awesome!

      xo,
      s

  11. Sara says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Oh that rug is awesome! I’m loving watching her room take shape

    Reply
  12. Kaitlyn says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:23 am

    I would have NEVER thought about putting that rug in there, but it totally works! What a great find :)

    So what was Clara’s reaction to the rug?! Has she been enjoying seeing all of the new things in her big girl room?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:32 am

      She loves it. Put her finger on every last dot I think :)

      xo,
      s

  13. Alyssa says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I love it!! What a fun pattern, so different and fun! Just the way a little girls room should be! Safe travels to NYC, have a great signing:)

    Reply
  14. Gabbi says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:26 am

    I love the graduated color of this rug! It’s perfect! And I can’t believe you posted about this anticipation of ordering rugs online because I just wrote a post about this not too long ago! We took the plunge and ordered 3 rugs online! Eeeeek!

    http://retroranchrenovation.blogspot.com/2013/01/taking-riskon-rugs.html

    Reply
  15. Jodi T. says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:27 am

    Love it! The gradient is awesome. :)

    Reply
  16. Samantha says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:27 am

    Have y’all ever tried Rugs USA? I see a couple other people have mentioned it too. I’ve bought 3 rugs from them now, all at amazing prices (they ALWAYS have sales) and I’ve been super happy with all three.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Sounds awesome!

      xo,
      s

  17. Lindsey says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:29 am

    I just did my first online rug purchase (not returnable — holding my breath!) yesterday! I ordered two hall runners from Joss & Main. They’re pretty neutral in color, so as long as the quality is okay, then we’re good. Unfortunately, it didn’t have much description about the quality/workmanship/materials used, but at least they were only $35 a piece!

    Loving Clara’s room so far. I like pink. I’m not sure I could handle a pink room in my house, but I really like the way you’re approaching it. Very accessible.

    Reply
  18. Katie @ Suburban Fervor says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:31 am

    I love the rug, and especially the new dresser! I just bought a sewing table that we are making into a bar. My sister and I are torn over what to do with it!

    Reply
  19. Megan Carlisle says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Have you thought at all about a DIY-hemming tape-velcro bed skirt? I only ask because those beds are the BEST size for under the bed storage boxes and a sweet bed skirt could hide oodles of easily accessible storage! Storage solutions are my white ceramic animals Sherry, they get me absolutely giddy!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:39 am

      Great tip!!

      xo,
      s

  20. karen little says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I’ve never seen such a cool rug and in such a fun color, too! So great that Clara can have such a fun, so “her” room to enjoy for many years. It’ll grow with her and, from the other little things already in the room, she’ll grow up appreciating artistic touches and funky stuff. Love it, even if it’s in “the middle”. (Our granddaughter, Claire, would be over the moon for it.:)

    Reply
  21. Dani says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I love it! Any chance you tried it turned the other way so that the lighter end was under the bed? I’m curious as to how it would look that way….

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Oh yes you can scroll back in the comments for that info :)

      xo,
      s

  22. Ashley says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:38 am

    The pink and “hand drawn” dots are soo fun!! Are you still thinking red for the chairs? I vote yellow!! And navy or a METALLIC for that beautiful dresser. It’s so exciting watching Clara’s big girl room evolve :):)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:42 am

      I keep changing my mind about the chairs and dresser so I’m waiting for the curtains and light and art and then I’ll figure it out. Haha!

      xo,
      s

    • Kristin F says

      January 30, 2013 at 11:48 am

      Ooooh! Metallic would be awesome and on trend! Great suggestion, but maybe better for the chairs?

  23. Tammy says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Hi Guys!

    Love the new rug :-) This may seem like a strange question…but does Burger shed a lot? I have a yellow lab who sheds like crazy, and rugs are always a challenge. Just was curious if your little one caused the same issue.. :-)
    Thanks!
    xo,
    Tammy

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:44 am

      He has very short hair and a bald tummy so not very much at all. Growing up my dog shed all the time though! My mom brushed him outside which seemed to help.

      xo,
      s

  24. Genevieve says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Love that rug! This may be silly, but how do you shop on Joss & Main? I signed up and get their emails, but am wondering if there are any tricks for browsing around. I haven’t looked around too much but get overwhelmed by the timelines and collections. Guess I should just keep at it since you guys always have great finds there.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:45 am

      I just usually click into a collection if it sounds cool. I don’t click them all or do it every day, usually just if we’re actively looking for something or the cover photo of the collection catches our eye :)

      xo,
      s

  25. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:41 am

    That rug is awesome! Love the gradient with the dots!

    I’ve never bought a rug online, I’m way too scared!

    Reply
  26. Mandy V says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:41 am

    I get so much anxiety when ordering rugs online. I ordered my first one a few months ago with a super deep discount and I love it. Your rug is beautiful!

    Reply
  27. Christine says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Very pretty! Such a relief when an online rug turns out to be a winner. I’m actually waiting for the arrival of a rug today…yikes! It’s the “recycled cotton rug” from CB2. Check this thing out:

    http://www.cb2.com/recycled-cotton-rug-5×8/s485063

    So colorful and crazy but I’m hoping it will add some fun to my 2 1/2 year-old’s big boy room!

    I’m nervous. Wish me luck!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Lots of luck!!

      xo,
      s

  28. Amelia says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:47 am

    Love the rug! I’m so excited to get to see you guys tonight in NYC and (finally!!) get my copy of the book. Can’t wait!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:53 am

      Wahoo! We can’t wait! Currently sitting in Philly on a layover (delays for fog in NYC). Hope we get there someday! Haha!

      xo,
      s

  29. Beth A. says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I love that dresser more and more every time I see it – so perfect for a little girl’s room. And the curve of the drawers is lovely. Love the rug, too. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together.

    Reply
  30. Sara says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I think that dresser would look awesome in an aqua/teal blue!

    Reply
  31. Laurie says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:50 am

    We are transitioning our 10 year old daughter from her Princess room to a “tween” room and are in the same middle stage as you. Room is painted, new bed and bedding are in and so is a table lamp. We need to: hang her new chandelier, paint the closet doors, buy an armoire, a desk, nightstands, a rug and decorative items. Definitely a work in progress but she is able to sleep in the new room so she is happy. She also decided having two bedrooms is a pretty sweet deal so I don’t think she is suffering all that much! I am hoping to score some great furniture finds on Craigslist and make it a project we can do together. I love the new rug….so cute.

    Reply
  32. Lara says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I love that rug! I’ve been eyeing it every time it’s on sale at Joss & Main, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I just might next time!

    I bought a rug sight unseen that worked perfectly for our eat-in-kitchen. My hubby is so-so on it, but I love it!

    Reply
  33. Crystal says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:50 am

    LOVE IT! I’m secretly hoping to see a fun color on the dresser, can’t wait until you decide what you’re doing with it.

    Reply
  34. Deb says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Looks great! I am so glad you posted the second picture of the rug the other way… now I understand why all of the dots are on the side of the bed. I have been reading long enough to know you guys would share all angles, but just wanted to say thanks for always sharing it all… The container, for lack of better word, that is on the dresser really looks nice! Happy Book tour!

    Reply
  35. Gray says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Just this past weekend I ordered my first rug online from RugsUSA.com after seeing that your friend Katie Bower has had good experiences with them. It was actually my own first rug purchase larger than a 3’x 4′ for the entry way so I’m all kinds of nervous! But it was an amazing deal and free shipping as well, so here is hoping it was worth it! Got a shipping notification yesterday…(Teeth chattering in anticipation/nerves)

    Clara’s rug is AMAZING! Love the mixture of gradient and polka dots! She should love that one for a few years to come :)

    Can’t wait to see you in Atlanta next week!

    Reply
  36. Kate says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:56 am

    I have an online rug order sob story! We just redid our kitchen and rugs will be the finishing touches. I searched far and wide for a matching set of a runner, a small one for in front of the sink, and a large one for the dining area and finally found it on Fab.com. Ordered all three at a crazy low price and was super psyched about them. Two came yesterday, then I checked the site again this morning and saw the third (the large one) had been cancelled! I know they’re just rugs but I’m crazy sad about it because the pattern and price were so great! The good news is even though they were supposed to be final sale, Fab is taking the two back because they didn’t fulfill my entire order. Now my search begins again. Le sigh!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Oh man, so sorry!

      xo,
      s

  37. JB says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:58 am

    i love the rug, but i’m also loving her adorable painted toes in that pic!!

    Reply
  38. Alli says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Omg I just made my first rug purchase from Joss and Main last week! They just emailed me yesterday that it is back ordered for a month! Ahhhhhh! Can’t wait to see it! Last year I allowed my husband to shop without me and he bought a burnt orange rug for our living room…ugh! I have been cringing ever since… I ordered this beautiful slate gray chain link rug and I’m sooooo anxious to see it!

    Reply
  39. Noelle says

    January 30, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Is this rug style still for sale on Joss & Main? I would love to order it too!

    Went to Uncommon Objects in Austin per your advice and loved it!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 10:59 am

      It sounds like it pops up from time to time, so I hope it comes back soon!

      xo,
      s

  40. Christi says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:03 am

    I love this rug! It reminds me of my room when I was little except mine was purple and white polka dots with white and yellow accents… Great find!

    Reply
  41. Kierstin says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:10 am

    It makes sense to me, and already looks fabulous! Now I’m nostalgic for my “big girl room” growing up. It was pink, pink, pink with a pink shag rug. Yup, shag. Gotta love the 70’s.

    I’m currently redecorating the office into the grownup version of the big girl room – the “Lady Lounge”. The walls are a rich navy, and the accents are camel, chocolate brown, and purple, in a variety of shades and textures, such as linen, velvet, metallics, and high gloss surfaces, too (at least that’s the plan). I have my eye on a rug at Overstock, just waiting for the right moment to strike, and then I’ll be playing the “holding your breath” game that you know so well. Here it is:
    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Brown-Abstract-Wool-Rug-8-x-10/5532660/product.html

    Reply
  42. Christina @ Homemade Ocean says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:11 am

    So stinking cute….very Clara-esque

    Reply
  43. Megan @ Monroe Makeshift says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I love the picture of Clara’s toes on the rug. So cute!

    Reply
  44. Erin S says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I can’t wait to meet you guys tonight! Seems like your streak of brining the rain continues as we are expecting thunderstorms!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      That’s the tradition! Haha!

      xo,
      s

  45. Michele says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:13 am

    If I would’ve known her big girl colors I would’ve made her blanket to match! The crochet pops would’ve matched the polka dots. (I brought one to the Dallas book stop)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 12:06 pm

      Aw we love it! It’s perfect and so snuggly.

      xo,
      s

  46. Rebecca says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Are you considering painting the kid chairs red? I think it would play so nicely off the red in the comforter. Can’t wait to see how it all pulls together!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      January 30, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Yup, that’s in the plan!

      xo,
      s

  47. Leslie says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Oh sweet rug! I love it. My parents let me get Donny Osmond purple wall to wall carpet back in the day.

    Most recently I ordered a wedding dress and a wedding ring for my fiance – and yes, almost literally held my breath until they both arrived… and they are both perfect!!! :)

    Reply
  48. Jamie S. says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Love where this room is going! So much fun for a little girl. But I have to agree with you that “the middle” is the WORST thing. Maybe ever. It’s currently where I am with my living room. If ONLY I had a money tree that would allow me to do things all at once….

    Reply
  49. Diane @ Vintage Zest says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I am so in love with polka dots too! I buy home decor with polka dots, I wear lots of polka dots, half of my fabric stash is polka dots. I think I need to attend a 12-step program!

    And I love that it is in pink too!

    Reply
  50. Jon says

    January 30, 2013 at 11:31 am

    That rug is amazing and was such a bargain! I wish we had the eye for putting a room together that you guys have. But we are learning a lot from your posts and hope to re-do a room we have that is pretty bland. Thanks for the great inspiration!

    Reply
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