I work in the rug district and enviously walk by the huge display windows everyday coveting the oriental rugs on display. I have, on brave occasions, inquired about the prices of the rugs and am amazed at the astronomic prices asked. I always walk out feeling depressed and outclassed. Do you have any advice on how to score one of these fine rugs at a deep discount? 

Hardwood Floors

Short of stealing rugs out of the back of an open truck, it can often be difficult to get a rug for your living room at a price that doesn't approach what most brokers charge for renting an entire apartment. Even when a store has a big sale or when you schlep to the ABC Carpet & Home Outlet in the Bronx, prices can still feel a little out of reach. A store that advertises a "GIANT RUG SALE" seems less inviting when you realize that 50% of $4000 is still, well, a lot of money. (Ask Gothamist was never good at Math.)

As everyone knows, the right rug can tie the room together, but with small New York apartments and the number of times people seem to move in this city, buying one might feel like a bigger committment than you're willing to make, especially at the price.

Recently, Ask Gothamist was at Design Within Reach (142 Wooster and other locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn) and stumbled, or more precisely, walked upon FLOR, a floor covering comprised of individual carpet tiles. Each tile measures 19.7" x 19.7" inches and the most expensive patterns still only cost $11 each. Some are only $9 per square. So, using 27 tiles to cover a 7' x 9' area would cost you less than $300, depending on the per-tile price.

If your tastes run more towards mid-century but your wallet reminds you of the 1930s, FLOR is a good option. We wound up buying some for our apartment even though we will probaby move within the year. But because the tiles can be moved and extras can be stored in a closet, we won't be stuck with an expensive rug that won't fit in our as-yet-unpurchased apartment.

Each tile measures 19.7" x 19.7" inches and the most expensive patterns still only cost $11 each. Some are only $9 per square. So, using 27 tiles to cover a 7' x 9' area would cost you less than $300, depending on the per-tile price.

Persians and other hand-woven rugs are still going to be expensive, so let's open this up to Ask Gothamist readers. Any ideas on ways to score a cheap, but fancy rug?