Where can I purchase a rug for my classroom? The one's at Lakeshore etc. are great but they are too expensive. I've bought ones at Target but they don't last too long. I want something under $50. Any suggestions?
If you teach at a public school, check out donorschoose. org. It's an online resource where you post projects and donors can and do fund them. I got my rug through them, and tons of other things, too, for my classroom. Before that, though, I got my rugs at Home Depot and they lasted for a few years. I did have to duct-tape the hems all around after the first year to keep it from unraveling, but it worked ok.
Lots of stores out there have cheap rugs! Target, "salvage" type stores (like Ocean State Job Lots), local carpet companies sometimes run sales...maybe a parent has one to give you (in that case, I'd have it cleaned professionally with the money you'd save). I picked one up at IKEA for $15. Butt-ugly color, but it's holding up great!
As a rule, anyone who sells "back-to-college" stuff for dorm rooms usually has good sales on rugs in the fall. That's when I picked up mine.
Yesterday I went to Costco and I found some great carpets, they weren't to big but they have awesome designs, I fell in love with one that has a map of the U.S. with some national monuments and attractions in all the states, I'm going today to buy it!!!!!!!
My neighboring teacher went to Big Lots and got carpet pieces. these starting falling apart and she went to the PTA and asked for one from Lakeshore. they bought her one. she said it has made and amazing difference with the students not fussing over carpet pieces.
Lowes, IKEA, Big Lots, or a thrift store. If you go to a thrift shop, unroll the whole thing to check for major stains/bare spots. If there's a minor stain you can always hide it under some furniture.
I don't know how they work for setting furniture on top of them... I'm not sure if you need a "meeting" rug for everyone to sit on during class meetings, reading, etc., or what.
I requested one from our PTO. I included a letter explaining why one was needed and a copy of the catalog page highlighting the one I wanted with the price circled. They bought it for me and it is wonderful!
Go to your local carpet store and see if they have a remnant you can purchase. I got a 10 x 12 ft gray carpet for $40! Sometimes they will give you a good deal if you tell them you are a teacher.
I bought a green rug at Menards on sale for like $.49 square foot or yard (whatever it comes in!). The total was close to $27.00 for something like an 8'X12'. I bought some white duck tape to tape around the outside edges after they cut it off the huge roll and then used fabric paint, masking tape, and stencils to make it look like a football field!
It's functional for a team theme as well as helping kids sit in rows!
I got one at JCPenney Home store at 80% off. Check the internet for huge savings/sales. I agree with pp, though. Try the PTO. I got one of those expensive, Lakeshore ones when I taught kindergarten that was funded by PTO.
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02-19-2012, 11:01 AM
