Dash And Albert Herringbone Rug

How I Discovered My Home’s Missing Piece and Why You Need One Too

My journey with the Dash & Albert Herringbone Rug began three years ago when I stood in my newly renovated living room, feeling that something was missing. The furniture was in place, the walls were painted a soothing sage green, yet the space lacked that special something to tie everything together. Little did I know that a single textile would completely transform not only my living room but my entire approach to home styling.

I’ve since become something of an enthusiast (my husband would say “obsessed”) with these magnificent rugs, to the point where I now have them in four different rooms. Through trial and error, countless hours of research, and yes, even a few cleaning disasters, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about these incredible home staples.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to add another Dash & Albert to your collection, consider this your definitive guide to understanding, selecting, and caring for what might just become your favorite home purchase ever.

The Fascinating History Behind the Herringbone Pattern

Before diving into the specifics of Dash & Albert’s interpretation, let’s appreciate the pattern itself. The herringbone design dates back to the Roman Empire, where it was originally used in road paving systems. The interlocking pattern created stability that could withstand heavy traffic and changing weather conditions. The name “herringbone” comes from its resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish, with the distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern.

Fast forward to modern interior design, and this ancient pattern has maintained its popularity for good reason. The herringbone creates visual movement while maintaining an orderly appearance – it’s dynamic yet sophisticated, eye-catching without being overwhelming. When I first saw the Dash & Albert interpretation of this classic pattern, I was struck by how they’d managed to honor tradition while making it feel utterly contemporary.

The company itself has an interesting story. Founded by Annie Selke in 2003, Dash & Albert was named after her two beloved dogs. The brand began with a mission to create beautiful, practical rugs that could withstand real life – pets, kids, spills and all. This practical approach to luxury resonated with me immediately, as someone who wanted a beautiful home that could still be lived in, not just looked at.

Understanding the Design of Dash & Albert Herringbone Rugs

The Dash & Albert Herringbone Rug isn’t just another pretty floor covering – it’s a masterclass in textile design. The pattern features rows of parallel lines, with each row slanting in the opposite direction to the one next to it, creating that characteristic zigzag effect that draws the eye and adds dimension to any space.

What sets Dash & Albert’s version apart is their attention to scale. The proportions of their herringbone pattern are perfectly calibrated – not so small that the pattern disappears from a distance, yet not so large that it overwhelms the room. This balance makes their rugs incredibly versatile across different interior styles.

The weave itself is tight and consistent, speaking to the quality of manufacturing. When I run my hand across my living room rug, I can feel the precision in the pattern – there’s a subtle texture that adds another sensory dimension to the experience. The edges are finished with a simple, clean border that frames the pattern beautifully without competing with it.

Color variations within the pattern create subtle depth, especially in the natural fiber options. This dimensionality means the rug looks slightly different depending on the time of day and lighting conditions – something I’ve come to appreciate as it keeps the space feeling fresh and interesting.

Material Matters: What Makes These Rugs Special

Dash & Albert offers their herringbone rugs in several material options, each with distinct advantages. My first purchase was a cotton herringbone, but I’ve since expanded my collection to include other materials. Here’s what I’ve learned about each:

Cotton Herringbone

The cotton version was my gateway rug, and remains a favorite for its lightweight flexibility and affordability. The cotton has a casual, relaxed feel that works beautifully in my sunroom. It’s noticeably softer underfoot than some of the other materials, making it wonderful for spaces where you might often be barefoot.

Cotton does require more frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas, but it’s also the easiest to wash. Mine has gone through the washing machine several times (following care instructions carefully) and has maintained both its shape and color beautifully.

Wool Herringbone

For my dining room, I opted for the wool herringbone, which has proven to be a wise investment. The natural resilience of wool means it bounces back even under heavy furniture, and its natural stain resistance has saved me during more than one dinner party mishap.

The wool version has a more substantial feel – there’s a wonderful weight to it that lends gravitas to the space. It’s also naturally flame-resistant and regulates humidity, which I didn’t consider when purchasing but have come to appreciate. The wool option does come at a higher price point, but after three years of heavy use, it shows barely any wear – making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Indoor/Outdoor PET Herringbone

My most recent addition is the PET (recycled polyester) herringbone for our covered patio. This material is a technological marvel – it looks and feels remarkably like a natural fiber but stands up to the elements with incredible resilience. After experiencing a summer of outdoor entertaining, pool drips, and occasional rain exposure, it still looks new.

The PET material is also the most stain-resistant of all options, making it ideal for homes with young children or pets. While it doesn’t have quite the same luxurious feel as wool, the difference is surprisingly minimal, and the practical benefits more than compensate.

Jute and Sisal Options

Though I haven’t personally purchased the jute or sisal versions, I’ve seen them in friends’ homes and can attest to their earthy, textural appeal. These natural fibers bring an organic element to spaces and work particularly well in coastal or boho-inspired interiors.

The trade-off is that these fibers are less soft underfoot and can be more challenging to clean thoroughly. However, for low-traffic areas or households without small children, they offer a stunning natural aesthetic that’s hard to match.

A Rainbow of Options: Color Selection Guide

One of the aspects I love most about Dash & Albert Herringbone Rugs is their thoughtful color palette. Rather than chasing trends with flashy colors that quickly date, they’ve curated a selection of timeless hues that work in virtually any setting.

Neutrals: The Foundation Collection

The neutral options form the backbone of their collection, ranging from pure white (brave souls only!) through ivory, beige, greige, and into deeper taupes and browns. My living room features the “Grey” herringbone, which is actually a sophisticated greige that changes subtly with the light throughout the day.

These neutrals aren’t flat or boring – they contain subtle variations within the weave that give them depth and interest. The “Charcoal” option, for instance, has flecks that range from deep black to lighter gray, creating a rich visual texture that a solid color could never achieve.

Blues and Greens: Bringing Nature Indoors

The blue and green spectrum options allow you to introduce color while maintaining sophistication. The “Ocean” blue herringbone in my guest bedroom brings a tranquil feeling to the space without dominating it. These colors tend to work as “new neutrals” – colorful enough to add interest but subdued enough to coordinate with changing décor.

What impresses me about these colorways is how they shift under different lighting. The “Spruce” green, for instance, can appear more gray in morning light and more distinctly green in the afternoon sun, adding a dynamic quality to the space.

Statement Colors: Bold but Refined

For those wanting more impact, options like “Indigo,” “Rust,” and “Aubergine” offer deeper, more saturated colors that make a statement while still maintaining the refined character of the herringbone pattern. These bolder hues work beautifully as focal points in otherwise neutral rooms.

I initially worried that a colored rug might limit my ability to change other elements in the room, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. The multicolor nature of the weave actually provides a broader palette to work with than a solid color would.

Sizing Options: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Selecting the right size has dramatic implications for how a room feels, and Dash & Albert offers their herringbone rugs in an extensive range of dimensions to accommodate different spaces. Here’s my guide to choosing wisely:

Standard Sizes

The rugs come in all the expected dimensions:

• 2′ x 3′ (perfect for entryways or as an accent by a sink)
• 3′ x 5′ (ideal for smaller seating areas or beside beds)
• 5′ x 8′ (works well under coffee tables or in medium dining areas)
• 8′ x 10′ (perfect for anchoring larger living room arrangements)
• 9′ x 12′ (ideal for spacious rooms where you want to unify all furniture)
• 10′ x 14′ (for truly grand spaces)

Runner Options

One of my favorite applications is using herringbone runners in hallways and galleys. Available in standard lengths of 2.5′ x 8′, 2.5′ x 12′, and 3′ x 15′, these runners bring pattern and protection to transitional spaces that often get overlooked in decorating schemes.

My upstairs hallway features a 2.5′ x 12′ wool herringbone runner that has completely transformed what was once a utilitarian passage into an elegant gallery space. The linear nature of the herringbone pattern actually makes the hallway appear longer and more spacious.

Custom Sizing

For those with non-standard spaces, Dash & Albert does offer custom sizing options, though these come at a premium price and with longer lead times. I’ve found that in most cases, the standard dimensions work perfectly well, especially if you’re willing to be flexible about placement.

Durability: How These Rugs Hold Up in Real Life

Perhaps the most common question I receive when friends admire my rugs is about durability. Can something this beautiful actually withstand daily life? After years of personal experience, I can confidently say yes – with some caveats depending on the material choice.

High-Traffic Areas

For truly high-traffic zones like entryways and main hallways, the wool and PET options reign supreme. My wool herringbone in the dining room has endured countless dinner parties, children’s craft sessions, and daily foot traffic with minimal showing of wear. The dense weave and natural resilience of wool make it bounce back remarkably well.

The PET option performs similarly well in high-traffic areas, with the added benefit of being virtually impervious to stains. If your household includes young children, pets, or frequent entertaining, this would be my top recommendation despite its slightly less luxurious feel compared to wool.

Cotton herringbones, while beautiful, do show wear more quickly in high-traffic areas. I’ve found them better suited to bedrooms, sitting rooms, or other spaces with moderate use.

Furniture Indentations

A common concern with any rug is furniture indentation. How do these rugs perform when placed under heavy pieces? The wool option again proves its worth here – after rearranging my dining room, the indentations from the table legs recovered within about a week.

The cotton and PET versions are more prone to showing lasting impressions, though periodic rotation of the rug and the use of furniture cups can mitigate this issue significantly. I’ve made it a habit to shift my cotton rugs slightly every few months and find this prevents permanent compression.

Edge Durability

The edge finishing on these rugs deserves special mention. Many rugs start to fray or unravel at the edges over time, but my oldest Dash & Albert herringbone (going on four years now) shows no signs of edge deterioration. The binding is substantial without being bulky, and the stitching has remained intact despite vacuum cleaning and the occasional tug from my robot vacuum.

Practical Matters: Care and Maintenance

Even the most beautiful rug becomes a burden if it’s too difficult to maintain. Fortunately, Dash & Albert designed their herringbone rugs with real-life practicality in mind.

Regular Cleaning

For everyday maintenance, a simple vacuum with the beater bar turned off (to prevent pulling) keeps the rugs looking fresh. I’ve found that vacuuming in the direction of the herringbone pattern (rather than against it) prevents any distortion of the fibers.

For the cotton versions, I use a slightly different approach – the upholstery attachment on my vacuum works better than the regular floor head, providing gentler but effective cleaning.

Dealing with Spills

Inevitably, spills happen. The response protocol differs by material:

For wool herringbones, blot immediately (never rub!) with a clean white cloth. For water-based spills, mild soap and cool water usually suffice. The natural lanolin in wool provides impressive stain resistance if addressed promptly.

Cotton versions are the most absorbent, requiring the quickest response to spills. I keep a spray bottle with a mild cleaning solution (just dish soap and water) specifically for this purpose. After blotting excess liquid, a light spray and another blot usually prevents staining.

The PET rugs are the true champions here – I’ve watched red wine bead up on the surface long enough to grab a cloth and blot it away without a trace. For stubborn spills, a mixture of vinegar and water has worked wonders without affecting the colors.

Deep Cleaning

For periodic deep cleaning, the different materials diverge significantly:

The cotton herringbones can generally be machine washed in a front-loading washer on gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air dried flat. This has been a game-changer for seasonal refreshing. However, I always check the specific care instructions for each rug, as some patterns or colorways may have different requirements.

Wool versions require professional cleaning for anything beyond spot treatment. I’ve had mine professionally cleaned once in four years, and it was a worthwhile investment to restore its original beauty.

PET rugs can often be taken outdoors and cleaned with mild soap, water, and a soft brush, then rinsed with a hose and air dried. This makes seasonal cleaning much more manageable for these versions.

The Price Spectrum: Investment Analysis

Let’s address the elephant in the room – Dash & Albert Herringbone Rugs are not the least expensive option on the market. However, after cycling through cheaper rugs that quickly looked worn or dated, I’ve come to appreciate the value proposition they offer.

Entry-Level Investment

The cotton herringbone rugs represent the most accessible entry point, typically ranging from $60 for the smallest size to around $800 for the largest. This places them in the mid-range market segment – not budget, but not luxury either.

For those testing the waters, I often recommend starting with a runner or 3′ x 5′ cotton herringbone in a versatile neutral. This provides the experience of the quality and aesthetic with a lower initial investment.

Mid-Range Options

The PET indoor/outdoor versions occupy the middle of the price spectrum, running approximately 15-20% higher than their cotton counterparts. Given their durability and stain resistance, they actually represent excellent value for families, pet owners, or anyone placing them in challenging environments.

Premium Selections

The wool herringbone rugs represent the premium tier, with prices roughly 40-50% higher than cotton. A 9′ x 12′ wool herringbone represents a significant investment, often approaching $1,500 or more depending on retailer and any customization.

However, having witnessed the remarkable durability of my wool version, I consider it the best long-term value. Amortized over what will likely be a decade or more of use, the annual cost becomes quite reasonable for the quality and joy it brings.

Sale Strategies

For budget-conscious shoppers (aren’t we all?), I’ve discovered a few strategies for finding these rugs at better prices:

End-of-season sales, particularly in January and July, often feature 20-30% discounts on select colorways. Additionally, signing up for retailer newsletters often provides access to one-time discount codes for first purchases.

Some colorways occasionally get discontinued, leading to clearance pricing that can represent significant savings if you’re flexible about color selection.

Where to Buy: Sourcing Your Perfect Rug

While Dash & Albert rugs are widely available, not all retailers offer the full range of options, particularly in the herringbone pattern. Here’s where I’ve had the best experiences:

Direct from Annie Selke

The official Annie Selke website offers the complete range of herringbone options, including exclusive colorways not available elsewhere. Customer service is excellent, and they frequently offer free shipping promotions. The downside is that direct pricing is rarely discounted outside of their seasonal sales.

Major Home Retailers

Retailers like Wayfair, Perigold, and One Kings Lane carry extensive selections of Dash & Albert rugs, often with the advantage of free shipping and occasional sales. I’ve found that Wayfair in particular sometimes offers pricing below the direct website, especially during their major sale events.

Specialty Rug Dealers

Local and online specialty rug dealers often provide a more personalized shopping experience, with knowledgeable staff who can help with selection. While pricing may be at or near retail, the guidance can be invaluable, particularly for first-time buyers uncertain about size or material choices.

Designer Discount Programs

If you’re working with an interior designer, they can often access trade pricing on these rugs, potentially saving 20% or more off retail. For larger sizes or multiple purchases, this can represent significant savings.

Styling Tips: Maximizing the Impact

A beautiful rug deserves thoughtful integration into your overall design scheme. Here are some approaches I’ve found particularly successful with the herringbone pattern:

Direction Matters

The orientation of the herringbone pattern can significantly impact how a space feels. Placing the zigzag running parallel to the longest wall can make a room appear wider, while orienting it perpendicular to the longest wall can make the space feel deeper.

In my rectangular living room, I positioned the herringbone diagonally, which created an unexpected dynamism that draws the eye across the space in an interesting way.

Layering Potential

One of my favorite discoveries has been how beautifully Dash & Albert Herringbone Rugs layer with other textiles. In my living room, I’ve placed a smaller, high-contrast cowhide over one corner of the larger herringbone, creating a textural vignette around a reading chair.

The key to successful layering is contrast – either in texture, color, or pattern scale. The fine, regular pattern of the herringbone creates a perfect backdrop for more organic shapes or bolder patterns.

Color Coordination Strategies

Rather than matching your rug exactly to other elements in the room, I’ve found that pulling out secondary or tertiary colors from the herringbone weave creates a more sophisticated palette. For example, my grey herringbone contains subtle blue undertones that I’ve amplified through accent pillows and artwork.

The multi-tonal nature of these rugs makes them exceptional anchors for building a color story throughout a room.

Furniture Placement

While interior design rules often suggest that all furniture should either be completely on or completely off a rug, I’ve found that the herringbone pattern actually works beautifully with more flexible arrangements.

In my living room, only the front legs of the sofa rest on the rug, while side chairs are entirely on it. This partial placement actually highlights the beautiful pattern transition at the rug’s edge rather than hiding it under furniture.

Real-Life Performance: Three Years Later

After living with these rugs through various seasons, hosting countless gatherings, and navigating the challenges of real life (including a puppy’s training period), I can offer some honest reflections on long-term performance.

Wear Patterns

The wool herringbone in my dining room shows minimal signs of wear despite being under a table and chairs that move multiple times daily. There is slight compression in the main walkway, but it’s only noticeable when the light hits at certain angles.

My cotton herringbone in the sunroom has faded slightly where direct sunlight hits it consistently, though the pattern remains crisp. This is an inevitable outcome for any textile in direct sun, and rotating the rug seasonally has helped distribute this aging more evenly.

The PET herringbone on the patio has been the true performance champion – after exposure to sun, occasional rain, and outdoor entertaining, it looks remarkably similar to when it was first installed.

Color Longevity

Color retention varies by material and hue. The deeper colors in my wool rug have maintained their richness beautifully, while some of the lighter cotton versions have developed a lovely patina over time – not so much faded as softened in a way that feels natural and appropriate.

The blues and greens seem particularly colorfast across all materials, while the warmer hues like rust and terra cotta show more subtle evolution over time.

Texture Changes

The wool herringbone has actually improved with age, becoming softer underfoot while maintaining its structural integrity. The cotton versions develop a more relaxed, lived-in quality that suits their casual nature.

Only the jute and sisal options (which I’ve observed in friends’ homes) show more significant textural changes, developing an aged patina relatively quickly – though many people specifically desire this evolution as part of their organic appeal.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, it’s worth examining how Dash & Albert performs in these areas.

Sustainability Practices

Dash & Albert has made strides in sustainability, particularly with their PET rugs made from recycled plastic bottles. Each 8′ x 10′ rug repurposes approximately 3,500 plastic bottles – an impressive feat of upcycling.

Their wool is sourced following responsible animal husbandry practices, and they’ve increased their use of natural dyes and low-impact manufacturing processes in recent years.

Packaging and Shipping

In my experience, the rugs arrive with minimal excess packaging – rolled tightly with recyclable end caps and a single plastic protective wrapper. This represents a significantly lower packaging footprint than many competitors who use multiple layers of plastic and non-recyclable materials.

Longevity as Sustainability

Perhaps the most significant environmental aspect is simply the longevity of these products. In an era of disposable homewares, creating textiles that last for years (potentially decades) represents a meaningful reduction in consumption and waste.

Perfect Pairings: What Works Best with Herringbone Rugs

The versatility of the herringbone pattern means these rugs work across diverse design styles, but certain pairings do seem to amplify their beauty particularly well.

Architectural Elements

In rooms with architectural interest like wainscoting, coffered ceilings, or detailed moldings, the herringbone pattern creates a beautiful dialogue between the architectural and textile elements. The geometric precision of the pattern complements traditional architectural details without competing with them.

Furniture Styles

I’ve found that mid-century modern furniture creates a particularly striking contrast with herringbone rugs. The clean lines and organic shapes of these pieces play beautifully against the structured pattern of the textile.

Similarly, very contemporary, minimalist furniture allows the subtle complexity of the herringbone to take center stage without overwhelming the space.

Complementary Textiles

When selecting other textiles for a room with a herringbone rug, I prefer to contrast rather than match the pattern scale. Larger, bolder patterns on curtains or pillows create visual hierarchy, while solid textiles with interesting texture prevent pattern overload.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

After three years of living with Dash & Albert Herringbone Rugs in various rooms of my home, would I make the same choice again? Unequivocally, yes.

These rugs have transcended their functional role to become defining elements in each space they occupy. They’ve weathered daily life with grace, maintaining their beauty while developing the subtle character that only comes with time and use.

For anyone considering this investment, I offer this perspective: while the initial cost may exceed budget alternatives, the combination of enduring style, remarkable durability, and versatile design makes these rugs an exceptional value over time.

The herringbone pattern itself represents a perfect balance – interesting enough to elevate a simple space, yet restrained enough to complement more complex design schemes. It’s this versatility that has allowed me to evolve my home’s style over the years without needing to replace these foundational elements.

Perhaps most tellingly, these rugs consistently draw compliments from visitors, often becoming conversation pieces that anchor the entire room. In a world of rapidly changing interior trends, finding textile elements with this staying power is increasingly rare.

Whether you’re furnishing your first home or refreshing a well-established space, the Dash & Albert Herringbone Rug represents that elusive combination of beauty and practicality that makes a house truly feel like home.