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Puppy proof rug

8 years ago

Hi everyone!

We've recently repainted our living room and need a new rug and curtains to finish it off. But we have a 5month old puppy who loves to claw and chew rugs and walk muddy footprints through the house! So light coloured or expensive rugs are a no-go.

The room is also quite square so rectangular rugs look a bit strange with the furniture arrangement which has to stay as it is. (It's the only way it fits)

The living room is dark with only 1 small north facing window. We love the dark blue wall as it makes it feel snug rather than stark so that's staying. Pastel colours seem to look really washed out in there. We're open to colour and pattern unless everyone thinks that would make it look too busy?

I've attached pics from a few angles so you can see the dimensions of the room. I was thinking a 200cm x 200cm would cover the main area of the room but they're quite hard to find (not keen on the ikea ones that are this size).

Please help!

PS I'm going to paint the white racks the same colour as the wall to blend them in. We can't afford to rip them out and replaster at the moment :)

Featured Answer

minnie101

8 years ago

Hi. Was it a square or circular rug you're considering? Normally you'd sit the front feet of the sofas on the rug but your hearth sticks out? I think a cowhide would work in here but not sure what the puppy would think of it! I think the room looks great (love the navy!) so would be tempted to go without a rug until the dog is older. Maybe add a throw to the left sofa for more texture and add 2/3 bits of varying height on your the coffee table? I'd also add a little navy to the sofa. I must admit i like the shelves in white. Would blinds be better suited to the room? Do you only have one curtain at the moment? You could hang the blind high so as not to block light. Maybe something in a geometric.

Comments (35)

emtickner
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi minnie101. Thank you for your help! :)

Yes the hearth sticks out which is one of the problems i'm having with rug placement. I'm open to any shape rug but needs to be cheap-ish just in case the puppy eats one of the corners. She's pretty good and may not - but i'm not willing to gamble with a £££ rug!

I agree blinds may be better. Yes it's just one as the window is so narrow and the sofa sits against them. At the moment it's just a linen panel we had left over from our old house that I never got around to changing :/
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minnie101
8 years ago
That's why I thought a cowhide would work but they're normally anything from around £300. Maybe just a sheepskin rug instead? You can pick those up pretty cheaply and I doubt she'd want to eat that?! I just don't think you can go with a square rug with the hearth. Maybe mustard and white for the blind?
Tani H-S
8 years ago
Hi, we had the same issue but we had to remove all rugs as the dog liked to pee on them, lol.

We have a cowhide rug in our living room (also navy!) but it was quite cheap off eBay. The one is huge and I only paid £70 as it had a cut in it (just taped up the back!) and I love it. The dog loves it as well but is now 8 months old and doesn't eat/pee on it.

I love off shaped rugs and I'm not a fan of square/oblong ones for some reason.

An alternative suggestion would be to look for an outdoor rug that wouldn't get damaged if it gets 'wet' When the dog is the house trained, it can be moved outside.
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
This would go nicely with the colours in your room, they do a circle version of it and it's synthetic so should be easy to clean. Not sure if it's more than you want to spend though. http://www.wayfair.co.uk/EspritHome-Pixel-Multi-Contemporary-Rug-I-QVT1066.html
emtickner
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Tani - that's 2 votes for a cowhide :) not sure my boyfriend would go for it but i'll look into second hand ones. Think an irregular shaped rug may be an answer to my awkward space though. I've been looking at the Dash and Albert outside rugs which are nice but expensive and only in standard sizes.

Thanks mrsmcee - circular could be an option but that ones a bit out of my price range :( ideally looking for something under £150.
PRO
JML Garden Rooms
8 years ago
I have a large Flockati rug from Ikea... looks like a big white Afghan fluffyrug. It is great, as it is actually made from nylon/polyester mix, so can throw it in the washing machine. It has survived 2 puppies who are now 3 and 4 years old. It still cleans up great, but will confess that it has been round the washing machine with a cup of bleach on occasion too...
Tani H-S
8 years ago
This one might work
http://www.bambuzo.com/uk/safavieh-cy6162-258-courtyard-collection-indoor-outdoor-area-rug-5-feet-3-inch-round-beige-navy.html?gclid=COiF6_iTkscCFU3LtAodjSsLNg

Depends on your colour scheme though of course
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
If you can't find a second hand or eBay bargain cowhide, IKEA do them for £180
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Sheepskins and cow hides: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/20544/
emtickner
Original Author
8 years ago
@ JML Garden Rooms - Thanks, I'd ruled out anything fluffy because I didn't think I'd be able to wash them! I don't think Ikea do them anymore but I'll look around for similar options. Did you find your puppies managed to get tufts out? Mine chews on the pile. Hopefully she'll grow out of it soon!

@ Tani - thanks, I like that rug. Do you think a round rug would work in the space?

@ mrsmcee74 - thanks for the link, I'm gonna put cowhides on the back burner because I don't think my boyfriend will like them. His taste is simpler. Good spot though!
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Bloc Blinds
8 years ago
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We are currently working on a designer range of fabrics for our blinds and have one which would work fantastically well with your room and cushion! The range is yet to be released but if you keep an eye on our website you will see it appearing on there soon or you can email me at kiera@blocblinds.com for more updates. Also visit our website for more fabrics.

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JML Garden Rooms
8 years ago
The littlest one did, but he got a mouth full of fluff and comedy coughs followed. A bit like the cinnamon test for puppies :) x
cavgirl
8 years ago
Here's a cheat. Get a heavy fluffy throw (TK Maxx can be a good source) and put it on the floor with some kind of backing to stabilise it. It will be the right size, relatively cheap AND washable. I did this in my living room for six months after redecorating so that I could be sure my not-pups (12 and 9) wouldn't mess before I got a proper rug. And then I got the ikea green one for £30 which I love!
minnie101
8 years ago
I'm just looking at the pic again. Does the left hand sofa move up 6 inches as it looks as if it will then move the window sofa the same and you can then have a rectangular rug
emtickner
Original Author
8 years ago
@minnie101 this is a far as it can move over as a door opens into the living room by the left sofa. Do you think this is enough? It's still very close to the hearth.
minnie101
8 years ago
https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/chelsea-atelier-contemporary-living-room-new-york-phvw-vp~19045 I've just attached the first pic I've found with a rug against the hearth. Why not test it with a throw or sheet right up against the hearth to see what you think? It looks as if the window sofa can move another 2 inches and the other one down 4-6 inches which should mean it's facing the other bookshelf and it's all symmetrical?? I see the puppy got in the pic!
emtickner
Original Author
8 years ago
@minnie101 yes she's pretty much always snoozing on the sofa :)

The door opens into the living room next to the sofa so can't move it up any further. The other side of the room is the space under the stairs with a TV and cabinet. I've attached a pic. It's a lot squarer than appears in the photos.

Think the main problem with the rug is room shape rather than it being puppy proof!
minnie101
8 years ago
Sorry, I thought you meant the other door:) are you not keen on it against the hearth? The other thing you could try is a smaller round rug. Set the coffee table on the edge of it similar to this rather than in the middle (would love this room!) or set it so only a couple of legs are on the rug. It could look quite funky. Re cowhides, this may sound gross but I've got a white and gold one in my basement. They also do white and silver and just plain grey I think. My husband was dead against it but I rebelled and ordered it anyway and then he loved it so much he wanted another in the lounge but I refused :)
Laura
8 years ago
Love the colour of the wall.

Whichever shape/size rug you go for, I'd opt for a plain mustard one; something with a pattern would be too distracting a busy - it would draw your eyes away from the lovely feature wall and fireplace.
katherine91
8 years ago
Personally I wouldn't bother unless it's something in ikea price range . All the dog hairs get caught on it , the corners get chewed and my naughty puppy decided despite being toilet trained it was more fun to wee on the inside rug grass than in the garden. We got through 3 before we gave up.
benburnett
8 years ago
Try getting pee out of a sheepskin. One stain and you may as well throw it out. Cow hide too possibly. Maybe something synthetic or thin enough that could be dry cleaned. If you really want robust have a look at outdoor rugs. You do get some lovely styles. And they could even be power washed.
Juliet Docherty
8 years ago
I have bought two gabbeh rugs on ebay for amazing prices. Take a look. They work well with mid century stuff and can be cleaned as they are pure wool.
headers13
8 years ago
I would go with a plain low pile rug under the coffee table. I think a patterned one would look too busy. I looked on the rug store website yesterday they have some really good rugs at a good price. High pile rugs are very difficult to clean with any little accidents - I have 3 long haired cats & one of them had a little accident earlier today ... sigh !
PRO
Staged for Perfection
8 years ago
Just get an indoor outdoor rug that you can hose off
Lauren
8 years ago
I've heard lots of good things about Dash and Albert's rugs as far as pets go. Particularly their indoor/outdoor rugs (as suggested above). Lots of lovely patterns/colours and good prices. Not sure if they do square ones. Another trick is to go to a local carpet shop, ask if they have any good quality offcuts you can look at and they'll often offer to hem it into an area rug for you very cheaply.

http://www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk/samode-navy-ivory-rug

http://berryred.co.uk/textiles/Rugs

Let us know what you opt for! I think a flat weave makes sense since you can stick them in the washing machine easily.
PRO
Architectural Drawings Ltd
8 years ago
A rectangular rug would complement the space left by your sofa's. But if the issue of choice is really due the pooch then, as a long time dog owner your first job is to get it house trained. If its chewing its probably teething due to its new set of teeth or its bored. If its teething try steering it towards things it should chew. Frozen carrots are great for teething puppies. Once its got some adult teeth through move it onto rawhide (small sticks at first!). Also Keep it out of the room when your not there, and if it comes in and chews your new rug in front of you then remove it from the room for a while.

I like to have my dogs in the living room and would suggest you get a thin pile, hard wearing rug. The dogs naturally head for the rugs as they are a nice warm spot to lie on. You will need to vacuum and scrub it regularly as dogs are messy things. Think hair, mud, vomit and slobber to name but a few of the delights you'll need to deal with.

The likes of Dunelm Mill have thin pile rugs at the bottom of the price range (woo-hoo!). And speaking from experience they can be taken outside and scrubbed with a bit of detergent.
PRO
Carpet and Flooring Concepts
7 years ago
When you have a puppy that young it is going to chew up till its about a year old especially any hide rugs. So I would stay away from anything expensive until your puppy is about a year and a half. You could go to the local carpet shop and see if they have any remnants that you could get whipped for the time being. I have two dogs one is four and the other is one, and she is still chewing everything
marivon1
7 years ago
Why don't you go with an indoor/outdoor rug?? They are suitable for both settings and with a puppy, wipeable. Won't be chewable, but if it does survive, you can replace with a more expensive one and put the other rug - outside! The patterns I have seen them in are usually black/white, blue/white etc. Homesense and TK Maxx had them a while back and are only about £30, so maybe worth a look?
Laura Thomas
7 years ago
This yellow rug from IKEA would work well with the dark blue wall and I saw you had a yellow cushion on the sofa - it is rectangle though.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/textiles-rugs/rugs/stockholm-rug-flatwoven-handmade-net-pattern-yellow-art-10229035/
cazSF
7 years ago
Emtickner - fabulous walls! Would you mind sharing the name of the paint colour?
emtickner
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi cazsf! Thank you :) it's Hague Blue by F&B
PRO
Saltbox Interiors London
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi, I love this room and Hague Blue is one of my favourites! I would suggest a flat weave rug for this space. Flat weaves tend to be easier to clean as the dirt doesn't as easily get into the fibers, and they don't pull by little paws so easily. They have worked really well in my own home with three small children (and two dogs we often dog sit)! With regards to flat weave/dhurries there are lots of options. Safavieh has some great dhurrie rugs at a reasonable price point on Wayfair, so that might be worth exploring.

West Elm has some wonderful kilim style rugs that would suit your modern space quite well too, and I believe many are on sale at the moment.

Another suggestion might be a natural fiber rug like a jute with a cotton border which can be ordered online by the sq ft very easily. Both the internal rug and the outer border come in a variety of shades and materials to suit your budget and taste.

A final suggestion would be to look at some indoor/outdoor options which are made from a really soft plastic (many you wouldn't even know are plastic) and can literally be hosed off in the garden. Check out Dash and Albert.

Otherwise, have the white vinegar ready and enjoy your puppy! Hope this was helpful!
Charlotte
7 years ago
Try getting an off cut of carpet - way cheaper than buying a rug
PRO
tigmee_home
7 years ago
Love your room. Ikea have very reasonably priced cow hides and sheepskins which I'd recommend. I know you may prefer something more bespoke but in the interim, whilst the dog is young, they are the best option. Also I'd save up and get shutters in the front room. Love the colours by the way.

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