Whether placed under a kitchen table or in a cozy living room, an area rug is a great way to add color and texture to your space. With so many options on the market, you might have a hard time determining which rug is best for you, though—especially if you’re shopping online. With that in mind, we tested out the 4 x 6-foot version of Langley Street’s Aldergrove Handwoven Wool Area Rug. The popular low pile rug is available in 15 different sizes from a 12-foot hallway runner to a large, 10 x 14-foot rectangle. Keep reading for our full assessment of the rug’s material, texture, design, care, and more.
Material and Texture: Thin and lightweight
The Aldergrove is handmade from 100 percent wool, so we were surprised to find our 4 x 6-foot area rug weighed just 11 pounds. Getting it inside proved to be a one-person job, and once it was in the house, unrolling it and placing it was just as easy. When we unfurled the rug from its plastic packaging, the edges on one end curled up slightly. Following the manufacturer’s suggestion, we laid the rug out upside down for two days to allow it to flatten out. This helped smoothed it some, but we found that the edges were still sticking up a bit on the second day so we placed a stack of heavy hardcover books on each corner and left them there overnight. Thankfully, that did the trick. Although the rug feels pretty smooth underfoot, it does have a slightly nubby texture that’s typical of wool. The Aldergrove’s material isn’t overly soft by any means, but it’s comfortable enough to walk barefoot on. Since it’s very thin, this rug doesn’t really provide much comfort or cushioning. If you prefer thick carpets with a bit of loft or if you’re looking for a playroom rug you’re infant can crawl all over, this isn’t the ideal option for you.
Design: Subtle and stylish
Thanks to its low pile height of 0.3 inches this rug is a popular choice for hallways. That said, it comes in 15 different sizes—from a 2 x 3-foot mat to a 10 x 14-foot rectangle—so it can be placed almost anywhere in your home. The listing describes the Aldergrove’s design as a “nomadic tribal motif.” Basically, it incorporates some Aztec elements like geometric shapes and zigzag stitching. We think the rug would look best with contemporary or bohemian decor, but the pattern is pretty neutral so it most likely won’t compete with whatever furniture and decor you have. We have light hardwood floors and found that the rug complemented them nicely. The Aldergrove’s ivory tones also worked well with the off-white furniture in our living room. Although it’s very pretty, the soft color scheme isn’t the best option for concealing dirt and debris. If you have small children or pets that are prone to messes, you might want to consider something darker. The Aldergrove’s low pile height is a bonus if you’ll be placing it partially under furniture or in front of a door. We placed our desk chair on the edge of the rug with its front legs resting on our hardwood floors and the back legs on the rug; it didn’t rock or wobble at all. The rug also sits alongside a French door leading to our deck. After lots of opening and closing, we were pleased to find that the door consistently cleared the rug without catching or sliding it around.
Performance: A great rug overall
We bought this rug to use as an accent piece in an empty corner of our living room. Aside from a writing desk and bare hardwood floors, the spot had otherwise gone undecorated. Once the rug was placed, its warmth and texture immediately livened up our space and pulled our existing decor elements together. Aside from its stylish design, there are a few other things we love about the Aldergrove. First, it hardly sheds at all, which is a major plus for us—especially with two small dogs running about. We noticed a few loose fibers on the floor when we flipped the rug over, but it was a very minimal amount. Next, we’ve bought quite a few rugs in our day and we’ve frequently found they have an unpleasant plastic or chemical smell. But thankfully, the Aldergrove didn’t have this issue. Additionally, the rug didn’t slide around at all, even despite daily foot traffic and the fact that we didn’t use a rug pad. Given how light it is, we found that super impressive. That said, we still intend to order a rug pad as it will lend the Aldergrove a bit more comfort and stability.
Care: Easy to clean
One benefit of the rug being so light is that it’s easy to carry it outside and gently shake it out. To keep the rug in tip-top shape, the manufacturer also recommends that you vacuum it regularly with a brushless attachment. We used the dusting tool on our vacuum, making sure to go in the direction of the pile. After vacuuming it several times, we didn’t notice any loose threads or fibers. Despite its thin construction, we were pleased to find that the rug is quite durable.
Price: Very affordable
The Langley Street Aldergrove Handwoven Wool Area Rug is reasonably priced with the 4 x 6 option retailing for roughly $150. The smallest option, the 2 x 3-foot rectangle, goes for $56, while the largest option, the 10 x 14-foot, goes for $840. The wool material certainly isn’t luxurious, but it’s excellent quality for its price point. If you’re after a plusher rug, you’ll likely have to shell out a lot more.
Competition: Plenty of options to consider
nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug: Retailing between roughly $15 (2 x 3-foot rectangle) and $675 (12 x 18-foot rectangle) depending on the size and color you choose, the nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug is a comparably priced option. In terms of selection, nuLOOM’s offerings are more versatile: the rug is available in six colors, from a muted gray to a multicolored pattern with rich jewel tones. Dash and Albert Rugs Herringbone Handwoven Indigo Area Rug: If you prefer a rug that’s soft underfoot, a cotton material might be preferable to wool. Retailing between $44 and $658 depending on the size you choose, Dash and Albert’s Herringbone Handwoven Indigo Area Rug is another affordable favorite. Its small chevron pattern adds just enough style without detracting from your decor and users say the rug is soft, easy to clean, and does a good job of concealing minor debris. Langley Street’s Aldergrove Area Rug will make a great addition to your home providing you don’t set your expectations too high. If you want a rug that’s thick, plush, and really soft underfoot, you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if you’re looking for a low pile area rug that’s stylish and affordable, we think you’ll be more than satisfied.
