A very humane, very adorable bear rug by Node. Via Gems.

As much as I love castigating Urban Outfitters for their clothing quality and aesthetic, I have to admit their housewares section produces the occasional gem. I’m not saying it’s going to last a lifetime, but if you are looking for a rug you don’t have to guard from kids and dogs, this Empire rug is pretty swell at just $80 for a 5′x7′. Plus, it’s a nice departure from the now ubiquitous zig-zag.

All week, I’ve been obsessing about Anthropologie’s Torridon Rug. I love the warmth of the shag, I love the color pallet. I just love it. And it’s on sale. For $999. Yikes. With a dog (and a budget), there’s no way I can justify paying that for a rug. So, I’ve been desperately searching for days to find a cheaper alternative.

O.co had this hand-tufted wool rug that shares most of the color pallet for $500. Still too expensive and lacking the shag.

JC Penney’s had this rug for $120. A little more muted than I’d like and a little bit cheap looking (also out of stock). Now I’m wondering if I can just buy a white shag rug and do it myself.

Gorgeous hand-woven rugs in lovely, unexpected shades from Sukan. Starting at $2500.

This Steps rug has gotten the Step by Step theme song stuck in my head all morning. Just thought I’d share the fun. 3′x5′ rug, $144.

Via Pinterest

A great way to embellish an inexpensive Ikea rug for a kid’s room. You can find a link to instructions here.

Via Pinterest.

Well, technically he’s on the rug. But close enough. I have to admit, he’s pretty adorable for a snake.

Done with a simple stencil, but the effect is very dramatic. Find the full instructions here.

Via Pinterest

Urban Outfitter’s new Zig Zag rug, $69

Did you know that cork has antimicrobial properties? Neither did I. Sounds like an appealing alternative to constantly washing my shag bathmat.

Cork Bathmat, $20 at Urban Outfitters.