When I was four years old, I watched what I consider to be a cinematic masterpiece for the first time: The 1998 version of “The Parent Trap.” It’s one of my all-time favorite movies – yes, because of the heartwarming story – but also because it was the start of my decades-long love affair with the homes in Nancy Meyers films. I mean, how lucky were Annie and Hallie to live in those Napa Valley and London residences? That being said, when the Nancy Meyers aesthetic started trending on TikTok and Pinterest, I wasn’t really surprised. The beautifully-styled and undeniably cozy-looking homes in “The Holiday” and “Something’s Gotta Give” have long been sources of interior design inspiration for many – and I’m no exception.
One Meyers-adjacent Instagram account that I keep coming back to for design inspiration is Nancy Meyers’s daughter Annie Meyers-Shyer’s @thisoakhouse. There, Meyers-Shyer documents the progress of her ongoing LA home renovation, answers followers’ design questions, and shares product recommendations. So when Meyers-Shyer recommended Ernesta for rugs – and I happened to be in the market for one – I was inclined to try the DTC brand out for myself. Said to be great for communal spaces and high-traffic places, I decided to order Ernesta’s Calamus Rug ($1,596) in the color cream and 8’x10′ size.
Keep reading for an in-depth review of my Ernesta experience and the Calamus rug ahead.
What I Like About the Ernesta Calamus Rug
First and foremost, I love the look of the Calamus rug. At a distance, it appears to be a solid cream color, but when you look up close, you can see that it actually has a subtle cream and tan striped pattern throughout. The warm-toned colors helped brighten up my living room – which typically doesn’t get direct sunlight – and delivered on the cozy vibes I was going for. Plus, it didn’t clash with another striped rug I had in close proximity.
While the look of the rug was a major selling point, it’s the luxe feel that really won me over. I’ve sampled synthetic and natural fiber rugs in the past, but in my opinion, nothing felt as sturdy or as pillowy as wool. The Calamus rug felt super soft, almost cloud-like, beneath my feet. Another testament to the rug’s plushness? My dog always beelines for it when he’s looking for a place to sit – which in my mind, is the ultimate stamp of approval.
Finally, I also liked that the Calamus rug was truly customizable in terms of size. I ended up getting a standard 8’x10′ sized rug in the end, but was able to play around with other not-so-typical dimensions that may have worked in the space, too.
What’s Worth Noting About the Ernesta Experience
Before officially deciding on the Calamus, I opted to get a Sample Box ($25) of five 12″x12″ rug samples from Ernesta. That way, I could review different rug styles I liked in-person. While browsing online, I wondered whether a patterned rug would look too busy in my space or if wool would feel too scratchy, so having samples on hand to figure that out before making a final decision was extremely helpful. Of course, getting a sample box is optional, but worth considering as quality rugs can be a big investment.
Another notable part of the Ernesta experience is the design consultation available to customers during the rug selection process. Natasha, the design expert I spoke with, helped me narrow down my choices based on the colors and materials we thought would work best. It came down to the Calamus and Amelia rugs, and at that point, Natasha created renderings of what each rug would look like in my space so I could compare the two. Both rugs were made of wool, great for high-traffic family areas, and would be just fine in the presence of a dog – but according to Natasha, the more subtle stripe pattern of the Calamus would help expand my space and make it feel more open, which is ultimately what sold me on the rug.
What to Consider Before Buying an Ernesta Rug
Made-to-order rugs can take a while to ship, which is something to note if you’re looking to furnish your home sooner than later. An Ernesta rug can take anywhere from two to four weeks to arrive at your doorstep, but I will say that the delivery process was very easy to coordinate. My rug arrived on time and was totally worth the wait.
Additionally, because Ernesta rugs are custom-made, they are not eligible for returns or exchanges. You do have 24 hours to cancel an order, but after that initial 24-hour period, the brand cannot provide refunds or exchanges. Ernesta’s limited warranty may cover refunds for certain circumstances though, like manufacturing defects or damaged rugs.
Who the Ernesta Calamus Rug Is Best For
The Calamus rug is perfect for someone looking for a low-profile wool rug that’s easy to clean and holds up well in common areas. While I got the Calamus rug in cream, it is also available in darker colors that’ll stay looking cleaner for longer.
I’d also recommend Ernesta to anyone who is shopping for a space that can’t accommodate a standard-sized rug. Ernesta’s rug dimensions are customizable, so you can easily tailor your rug to fit your space’s specs.
Is the Ernesta Calamus Rug Worth the Splurge?
An 8’x10′-sized Calamus rug comes in at $1,596, so it’s definitely an investment piece. However, its pricing is in line with other hand-loomed, wool options on the market – and it’s actually on the more affordable side. Yes, it’s more expensive than say, a synthetic rug, but I believe a quality wool rug is worth the upfront investment because they are incredibly durable and can even last decades if taken care of properly.
Additional Details
- The Calamus rug is made of 100 percent premium wool and hand-loomed.
- The brand describes it as a solid rug “with subtle ribs and heathered stripes”.
- The Calamus can be as small as 2’x2′ and as large as 15’x25′.
- It also has a 0.51″ pile height and serged edges, and is available in three colors – cream, pepper, and indigo.
- The rug also comes with an attached rug pad that keeps it in place.
Where Is the Ernesta Calamus Rug Available to Shop?
The Calamus Rug is only available to purchase on the brand’s website.
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Alida Araica (she/her) is a newsletter manager at PS, where she oversees and executes editorial and client email strategy and production and occasionally writes product reviews. She has been working in marketing in the digital media space since 2018, working on email, content, and social media programs.
