This is a 9X12 Karastan rug that I paid $100 for at an auction. It was dirty and smelled faintly of dog and/or cat. I had used a commercial cleaner before for an oriental rug and was not happy, plus it was way expensive. So I did this one myself. I started with a good vacuuming on both sides First I soaked the pet-odor area with liquid Biz and let it sit for a day. Then I mixed up some Hoover carpet cleaner with water and scrubbed it with a brush, including the fringe. Then I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed with the hose. At this point it was completely saturated so I pushed out a lot of the water with a wide, flat yard tool I have. I could have used a piece of 2X4. If you don't have anything to push out the water, I wouldn't suggest this method, because you need to remove as much water as possible. I put some pallets under the rug for air flow then let it sit on the driveway for 10 days. The light spots you see in the picture are sunlight, not stains. it took so long because it was mostly in the shade. I had checked the weather, there was no rain predicted for 2 straight weeks, which was lucky. When it was dry I sprinkled it with baking soda and cornstarch with a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and thoroughly vacuumed. It is now ready to come inside, soft, no odor, clean. As it dried, it had a terrible, wet-wool odor which completely disappeared. So if you have strength, time, dry days, and a big flat area, you can clean your oriental rugs!

I have bought and sold karastan rugs on eBay with great success. They are a great value second hand as the original rugs, especially the 700 series, can last for many years. If you buy from someone with good feedback you should be fine. In the worst case, a good cleaning would take care of any odors, etc., and even with that expense, you will save a lot of money and have a high quality rug that will stand up to just about anything. Be sure to check the "sold" section to see what similar rugs have actually sold for. If you love it and the price is right, I'd go for it.

parma: I'm not so sure about a stripe since I already have striped valances and checked sofa cushions, at the same time we don't want anything very formal in this area. Part of what drew me about the kirman rugs is their busy print which I felt would do a good job of hiding any dirt since we all use this room pretty heavily. That also is influencing our delimna what to do and would be interesting to know what others do with kids. Do we buy a lessor quality rug as we have there now and just figure we will replace every 2-5 years and not sweat it if kids drop food or a drink or my 7-year-old decides to work with markers and glue there while my back is turned? Since I have something there right now, my DH does really see the need to change it right now--esp. as we are doing the home office. Maybe in a month or so or if I can find the right rug for less $$--we'll see. DH just wants everything to be done. I still do like that black kirman and perhaps may wait until I can get what I want--better quality, no synthetics, glues which mean less off gassing in the home. Middle DD has eczema/sensitive skin which was part of the reason why I'm keen to replace the rug I have there now--or at least not spend $500 on a rug with the glued backing that will off-gas. So, I'd come to the conclusion Karastan or a hand knotted rug would have less off gassing?

I'm adding late, too, but saw this earlier and appreciated the update. I'm so glad this rug worked for you. It's one of those finds you'll talk about for years. I think pillow covers are so easy to switch out that I'd just find something that strikes you. I have a rotating set of 3 or so that I really like but can easily add to when I come across something else. I agree placement of windows, esp. so close to the door, would make drapery challenging. If the gentleman's club look is what you're going for (which I love too) then consider a set of symmetrical bookcases on either side of the sofa, heavy-framed masculine artwork, a vintage world map, etc.