Living Room Makeover Inspired By A Vintage Persian Rug
Here’s how our living room makeover inspired by a vintage Persian rug took place. When our new, vibrant vintage rug was rolled out, I began to notice how everything else was starting to look shabby. The mantel was stained with soot. The cotton slipcovers on the sofas were sun-damaged from their time in our window filled San Francisco apartment. The wooden arm chairs’ cushions were dilapidated and stained.
So although I got a great deal on the beautiful rug (more on that below), it was time to invest in reupholstery (a sustainable option) in performance fabric. And the mantel needed a professional paint job.
It’s all here as it’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
Quality Persian Rugs Priced To Sell
Several years ago, our daughter-in-law, Mona’s parents fled persecution in Iran. Her father imported much of his inventory from his fine rug business there.
Now, Mona is selling these high quality rugs for her parents way below market value to “clear out their family’s guest room.” This means it could be a great deal for YOU. (My friend, Mercedes already bought one, too).
When You Want The Best: A Tradition of Artistry and Craftsmanship
Each vintage Persian rug is a unique work of art, meticulously handwoven by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations.
Durability
Made with high-quality wool and tightly knotted construction, these rugs are built to last for generations. Unlike synthetic alternatives, which wear down quickly, a well-maintained Persian rug can withstand daily foot traffic and even improve with age.
How to Incorporate a Vintage Persian Rug into Your Interior Design
- In the Living Room: Use an antique Persian rug as a focal point to anchor your seating arrangement.
- In the Bedroom: Place a soft rug beneath your bed for added warmth.
- In the Entryway: My favorite: welcome guests with a richly patterned rug that sets the tone for your home and is good in high traffic area.
- Layered Over Another Rug: For a casual, collected look, try layering a Persian rug over a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal.
You may also like Choosing The Right Area Rug To Finish Your Room.
Check out the new Etsy shop authentic Persian Rug Finds for discounted prices while they last. There is free shipping and no returns are accepted. Mona is happy to answer any of your questions via the contact form. Check out their instagram: Orientalrugs.
We love the one we bought for our living room!
Living Room Makeover Inspired By A Vintage Persian Rug
Mona sent me photos of vibrant oriental carpets and I selected this one with the deep red, rusts, peaches and blues. I needed a large one, around 9′ x 12″ to have and the front feet of all the furniture on it. This is a Heriz rug.
Reupholstering Sofas In Performance Fabric
Reupholstering can often cost more than buying new. But if you have quality construction, it’s worth it. I asked for upholsterer recommendations and Jax Furniture Refinishing came highly recommended.
I washed and saved the worn slipcovers to put back on for when we have two more visiting dogs and grandkids. The new Thibaut Sacchi performance fabric is easier to clean…but you still have to spot clean dirt and food spots.
The pillow covers were switched up from my pillow stash… highlighting the accent colors of terracotta in the Persian rug. The black pillows are nice for winter (I have off-white ones I could change to for Summer).
Arm Chair Cushions Recovered In A Soft Indoor/Outdoor Stripe Fabric
For years, I’ve thought that these black wood framed chairs would be nice in a black and white striped fabric.
We pulled the trigger on a durable fabric: Perennials Tatton Stripe in Basalt. When they redid the upholstery, I had them add a foam layer to the feather and down back cushions to keep them a little firmer…a nice option to consider.
The stripe pattern adds a crispness to the décor.
Painting The Stained Mantel
I tried three Benjamin Moore stick on samples and wanted a basic black…without brown or blue undertones. This is Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10.
It’s been fun playing with the screen savers on the Samsung Frame TV. We were just on those Sacre Coeur steps last September for a walking food tour of Montmartre in Paris.
What To Watch “The Long Game” On Netflix
This may be a movie that your husband will enjoy, too. It’s touching.
“In 1955, five young Mexican-American caddies are determined to learn how to play and create their own golf course in the middle of the South Texas desert.” It’s based on a true story.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
And that’s Our Living Room Makeover Inspired By A Vintage Persian Rug!
Shop The Living Room
Hi Mary Ann,
As always, your living room update is stunning and that gorgeous rug really makes for a stunning background for all of your beautiful pieces that you’ve collected over the years. When I think back on your past homes, I have always loved whatever you have done and this latest update is up there at the top of my “favorites” list!
Thank you for always sharing recommendations for books and shows to watch on TV. I’ve have never been disappointed with any of your picks!
I love the new rug and recovered furniture. Over the years I’ve also gone with performance fabrics or leather in entertaining spaces. I’m especially interested in the lack of side tables. Do your guests use the large coffee table for drinks, or are there more side tables than are shown? I think I spotted one small round black drink table. No many how many tables I provide, it seems there’s always someone looking for a spot for a drink.
There are actually three small side tables…one by the black chairs and two on the sides of the sofas. And yes, we do use the coffee table with coasters.
Mary Ann! I love your new rug! Everything looks amazing! That photo of Louisa on the rug at Mona’s family home in her velvet dress…taking a break from dancing is just too cute!! Frame it!!
Alie took that shot. I love it too. She was the life of the party.
Love the drama that is added with your new rug and black accents! And how you combine your family pieces with updates to create a timeless quality in your decor. My husband and I have a weakness for handmade rugs, and have several laughable “stories” from trips to Tunisia and Istanbul when we can’t seem to exit the showroom without overbuying…
“Chief throws up when he drinks too much water” — just love the REAL LIFE element of this comment, as that is what our beloved (now beyond the Rainbow Bridge) dog did on a regular basis!
We saw “The Long Game” not long after it came out — based on a true story (I looked up all of the characters afterward to see how there lives played out)), it is enjoyable and touching.
My sister got some great rugs in Turkey too. Are you thinking of getting another dog, Joan? I’m not sure what we will do without Chief. He’s almost 12 years old now.
Your refresh turned out lovely. From the gorgeous rug, to the black mantle, to the striped chairs and reupholstered sofa. Perfection! You have the best eye for putting a room together. I love that you purchased it from Mona’s family, with intentions to pass it back to her and your son’s family someday. Louisa on Mona’s family rug – so wonderful! It’s all about the love from Chief, your grandchildren and family bestowing on the rich rug with such an incredible story behind it.
Also – can you please tell me the source of the bronze/brass?? floor lamp by the side chairs? Classic and useful!
Actually, just yesterday I thought that Mona and Tommy might want to pass it down to one of their kids (hopefully…eventually 🙂
This is perfection! It’s so nice to see Persian rugs again as it grounds all the whites these days. Love the chairs so much too!
Yes. That’s what I think too, Jennifer.
I love your rug in your living room refresh it turned out amazing. We must be on the same thought process on chairs. I just redid a vintage loveseat and chairs in a black-and-white ticking stripe, and I love how they read as a neutral, and can go in any room.!! I have been looking for a rug like yours for a long time. It’s really beautiful.! and I love how the black mantle ties into everything as well. Great job.!
Thanks. Martha
Wow—I’m loving the changes in your fresh, crisp living room. The rug and black mantel really set the tone and the black striped fabric and peachy tones just add to the magic. I’ve been needing to replace my 15 yr old wool PB rug in my great room and was thinking of changing from its tone on tone neutrals to something more colorful—I may have to do just that after seeing the life your rug adds!
Thanks, Carol!!!
Hi Mary Ann,
Your living room redo is fabulous! I love everything about it. The stripes are particularly nice and just stunning with that new rug.
Great picture of your girl on the rug!!!
Best, Ellie DeWitt
I get to be with Louisa next weekend!!
I love your rug! It is exquisite! Your choices in performance fabric are perfect for your furniture and the room. I’ve been waiting to see what you did. I especially love the stripe on those chairs. Great job!
Thanks, Sydney!!!
Dear Mary Ann,
Your living room make over is absolutely exquisite. The warmth of your “Persian” anchors the room perfectly. Your black mantel is a a subdued bit of drama that plays beautifully with your new stripe upholstery and black pillows. You must stand in the room while marvelling many times a day. Congratulations!
Hugs from Mercer Island,
Diney
We are happy with the refresh, Diney!
I love your style! You put things together so elegantly yet with such an inviting warmth! I am toying with reupholstering an older (but very well made) sofa but it’s a camel back and I’m wondering if it’s out of style?
I think it would look great recovered! It’s classic.
Hi Mary Ann,
The Persian rug comes with such special history and all connected back to family. Everything looks lovely. You made excellent choices.
Love the rug and the changes you have made including the black mantel. Persia has such a glorious past. Wonderful to celebrate that in their exquisite rugs.
Yes, we don’t trade with Iran anymore for obvious reasons so these are from a time when you could.
So beautiful! Did you also change the furniture arrangement? I love the couch facing the fireplace.
I wonder if you could talk about how to choose upholstery fabric to go with a patterned rug.
We have a Moroccan rug in shades of black, camel, beige, rusty red and slate blue. We inherited a wood framed wing chair that we would love to reupholster (it is currently 1980s floral with pink velvet 😂). I love the black and white stripe you chose but not sure it would work on such a curvy chair.
We like to change up the furniture arrangement. I didn’t want anything to fight with the patterned rug so I chose smaller or no patterned fabrics for the pillows (did you notice that?). Yes, I love a stripe on a traditional wing back chair.
Love love love how the rug looks in this room!
Thanks, Marty! We are happy.
The room is wonderful, and the rug is a treasure.
I don’t have it now – but my former husband’s family gave/loaned us a big old Persian rug that had been the grandparents’. I raised two little boys on that rug. the pattern and colors made it so forgiving! Just blotting up messes, maybe with a little water, worked well.
I think I will just blot with water, too. I need to ask Mona’s dad!
Hello Mary Ann. Love the new update! Would you mind sharing the color you chose of the Thibaut Sacchi performance fabric? I have a leather sofa with fabric seat and back cushions and have been thinking it’s time to get/refresh new slip covers for them. Thanks!
It’s the Flax color and I like that its two-toned.
I have been looking forward to seeing your living room refresh reveal. It did not disappoint! I so enjoy your style.
Thanks, Allison. SO nice 🙂
I think your living room refresh looks great, especially the rug. It’s such a wonderful foundation for everything else, and you have a personal connection and story that makes it even more special.
I know. To think Mona’s parents had to leave their homeland forever. I hope we can pass the rug down to Mona and Tommy’s kids.
It is so nice to see you feature a Persian rug with color. I have several and have worked hard to keep them in our downsize house. I love both the richness and history they bring. A little wear just contributes to the authenticity of these rugs.
You are so smart, Linda! Years ago everyone was switching oriental rugs for seagrass/sisal. I did that since we couldn’t afford the good ones…except I have a 30 year old small Persian rug (ie less expensive) by our front door that I still love.
Hi Mary Ann- I really like your refresh choices. I am wondering about the area rug that was removed from your living room. The area where I want to put it gets a lot of traffic and I am considering The Lillia Performance Rug. Can you give me some info on this rug as far as clean ability, snagging and showing traffic?
Thank you
That is a pretty tough rug! I gave it to a friend who is using it in her primary bedroom and she loves it. Showed me a photo.
Chief throws up when he drinks too much water so I spot cleaned it a lot.
Anyway, the Persian rug was just too great an opportunity for us!
Love all the updates and the rug adds so much
richness
Thanks, Jill. Feels “richer” to me too!
Stunning! Your choices are great…
Thanks, Sue. We had our friends over for dinner last night and I had music on and candles lit…felt happy about the room.
The re-fresh is marvelous!! KUDOS!! franki
Thanks, Franki. I really notice the improvement with of sofas’ appearance in person.