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Home Decorating

Dark Area on New Rug - Character or Character Flaw?

jan_in_wisconsin

14 years ago

Hi all,

I just bought a new 4' x 6' wool rug for our foyer area. I don't know a whole lot about rugs, but it wasn't cheap. It is not hand-tufted, though. Anyway, it is brand new, and yet, I enjoy it's aged appearance. It looks lighter from one perspective and darker from another. I guess that's part of its richness, but I noticed an area that seems darker than the rest of the rug. I am posting a picture below, and you'll see it. But I should mention that this "dark area" virtually disappears from other viewing angles. It's the oddest thing.

Okay, so now you know I'm a rug dumb dumb! Seriously, though, is this normal, or is there something wrong with the rug? If there is, I may be out of luck because I bought it last weekend, and there was a 3-day return policy. Maybe I could exchange it though. Hubby talked me out of bringing it back, because he thinks it's just the way the rug is.

No matter which way I vacuum it, this dark area remains, but only from a certain perspective. Thoughts?

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Comments (11)

bonnieann925
14 years ago
It appears that the weave was flattened due to the way the rug was rolled up for delivery. If that is the case, it you "brush" the weave in the other direction, it should help. I wouldn't accept it if that doesn't work.
jan_in_wisconsin
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi bonnieann, I tried to brush the weave in different directions. Maybe I'm not doing it right. I'll try again to see if I can get it to look better. Thanks!
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elsa42
14 years ago
It almost looks as if there are two different dye lots in the same rug. Machine made rugs should be even more consistent than hand-made. I would try to have it exchanged. You know if it bothers you now, you'll never be happy with it.
User
14 years ago
Usually I dont mind a little "character" in my rugs, but if the rug looks as bad IRL as in the picture, I would not be happy with it. I would try to exchange it.
camlan
14 years ago
If it looks darker when you stand on one side and lighter when you stand on the opposite side, that's normal for something that's napped, like a rug, or velvet or corduroy.

However, the color should be fairly consistent when you look at it. If the nap is flattened, as bonnieann says, you could try vacuuming it in one direction, no back and forth, and see if that helps. If it doesn't, I think you have a valid reason for returning or exchanging it.
jan_in_wisconsin
Original Author
14 years ago
I'll try to brush it again, but if it doesn't look better, I hope they'll at least allow an exchange.

Jan
msrose
14 years ago
I think I'd exchange it for another one. It's a gorgeous rug and looks great with your paint color. Is that BM Wilminton Tan?

Laurie
msrose
14 years ago
bump. Just wanted to find out the paint color :)

Laurie
always1stepbehind
14 years ago
I'm assuming it's the area in the lower left hand side of the rug so if you turn the rug, the spot moves? Does that make sense?
hilltop_gw
14 years ago
I agree it's a beautiful rug, but I would not accept it as is. The darker area is too confined to the one area. If it was more random it might look natural. Right now it just looks like someone spilled something on it.
jan_in_wisconsin
Original Author
14 years ago
msrose - sorry I was out of town for a few days and couldn't respond. Yes, the wall color is BM Wilmington Tan.

always - yes, the spot appeared to move, but when my hubby took it back to the store, it was not easy to see at all in the store. Fortunately, the store took it back anyway, and they will be sending a new rug in the next 10 days. I hope the new rug doesn't have this problem.

hilltop - thanks - you just confirmed what we have been thinking. Let's see what happens when the new rug arrives.

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