Area rugs that don't stink

[hungrymonster]

We recently moved into a new house and need an area rug for our living room which is hardwood. I ordered a machine made oriental rug online and laid it last night and it smells. The more I read the more I am concerned about these types of rugs and the chemicals used in the glue/latex backing... So what to do? I have a small budget for this rug and can't afford something handmade. We are in the living room a lot and I have little kids so I would like something with a little cushioning. I'm really at a loss as to what to buy that will be safe?? Any advice would be much appreciated!

[mamadelbosque]

Last year we bought two big area rugs, both of which are Made in the USA. I think LL Bean sells them. Though, I don't think we bought them through LL Bean (I think I found'm cheaper elsewhere online). But, they never smelled. There wool, I think and we just got the cushioning thing that keeps'm from sliding around to go underneath them. They were quite expensive though.

[doubledutch]

what about a natural fiber like jute, sisal, etc that doesn't have a backing? i know ikea has them. also, i bought a bamboo runner that didn't have anything stinky on the back at target for really cheap but that's not very cushiony. there are also rag rugs / braided rugs - it might not be as expensive as you think, if you can buy directly from the person making it.

[JTA Mom]

What about airing it out? Could you hang it in the garage our outside under the eaves? In a few days the smell should be almost gone.

I'm really sensitive to smells too, and almost all new products have some 'off' smell to me. The airing them out does the trick though.

Dunno if you like the look of them, but have you thought about rag rugs?
Here are some examples. They are pretty cheap, cushiony and, if you are so inclined, completely diy too! lol Here's a nice tutorial for one that's crochet. You can also braid or weave, etc them.

Ami