Hey, lady! I’ve been trying to follow your advice and find a rug first for my new apartment, and I am struggling to find something I like.
Where do you look for rugs under $200 and approximately 5×8? I found a picture of a napkin and I love the colors and pattern on it — I’d like to find a similar looking rug.
I don’t have a car, so it would be extra special if I could purchase it online. Please help! – Sally

Dearest Sally,
Is it just me, or is all the world rug-crazy right now? Oh, it’s just me. Everyone else is just rug-interested.
I love your inspiration napkin. (Now THAT’s a phrase I’ve never used before!) Those colors are lovely. We may end up bringing those color into your room’s palette another way, because (and I apologize in advance)…
It’s going to be difficult to find a nice rug that large for less than $200. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s my job to give it to you straight.
Let’s try, though. Other Gentle Readers have directed me to Overstock.com for rugs, which has been a delightful discovery. That will be your best bet in this price range.
From Overstock.com, the Rio rug, and…holy cow: it’s 5 x 8′ hand-tufted wool for a shocking $199. It’s graphic and slightly dark, but the palette is right:

The wool Parad rug is also only $199; you’d really have to play up the blue:

The Cheri Rug for $160.99 would work well in if you have Arts and Crafts or Mission architecture and/or furniture:

For price comparisons, Madeleine Weinrib cotton flatweaves in 5 x 8′ tend to be between $450-600:

And in 5 x 8′, the wool flatweaves I wrote about recently are $328 at Shades of Light’s Soho but less than $300 as Garnet Hill’s Bogart. Those prices are great, actually, if you have any flexibility in your budget.
If none of these appeal, please consider a sisal or jute rug – I love the herringbone pattern – and bring in those blues and greens through pillows, a mohair throw, lampshades, etc. The Company Store’s 6 x 9 herringbone jute is $199.
Good luck, Sally! Keep us posted.