The Big Lebowski
Fans of the Coen Brothers’ movie The Big Lebowski will be aware of how important a rug can be in a given space. For Jeff Lebowski, of ‘The Dude’, the traditional rug in his living room is the single design flourish that, as he repeatedly explains to other characters in the story, “really ties the room together”.
This is the sort of relationship with rugs that many homeowners have, although that relationship is rarely given the same dramatic and comedic treatment as The Dude’s relationship with his rug!
Discover all about the famous rug used in the movie.
Jeffery “The Dude” Lebowski’s Persian Rug
Jeffery Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), or “The Dude” as he prefers to be called, is an unemployed bachelor who bowls as a hobby. Mistaken as a very wealthy man who shares the same name (David Huddleston), The Dude is caught up in a complex payment/blackmail plot.
The initial encounter happens in The Dude’s apartment, where he is threatened by a pair of intruders who render his most prized possession, a Persian Rug, as little more than a urine drenched floor covering. It was difficult for us to decide the kind of rug this was, as no direct camera shots were shown. However, we believe the rug may have been a Tabriz.
New Kashbah Rug
The Dude then decided to confront the wealthy Lebowski, the man for whom the intruders intended to intimidate. After explaining to the wealthy Lebowski the situation of mistaken identity, The Dude asserted responsibility of replacing his rug was not his. The wealthy Lebowski dismissed the idea of replacing the urine soaked Persian Rug….
But The Dude was ahead of multi-millionaire, as he ended up convincing Lebowski’s Butler, Brandt (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), that he had been granted permission to choose any Persian Rug in the house. The Dude ended up choosing a rug which is similar to a “Kashbah” due to similarities in design but a lower grade.
It sure does look like a classic Persian “Kashbah” design. These rugs are very affordable, and strikingly similar to rugs several times their value. As seen below, they are highly characterised by their red fields, blue borders, stylised flowers (known as palmettes) and medallions.
Nice looking rug, we figured the size is probably in the vicinity of 5’x8′ or so.
Things To Do With The Rug
Similar to what differentiates The Dude from the nihilists, the idea of cherishing something as simple as the rug you step on every single day is what really separates The Dudes of this world from the rug stainers.
As an owner of a brand new oriental rug, The Dude decides to break it in a little. Pictured above is The Dude active on his new replacement rug. And of course, more meditating…
Nice close up of the pile of the rug. Yep, that’s a walkman you see there, even back in 1998. And of course, we all get carried away with the age-old tales of being on a flying carpet…
Living The Big Lebowski Way: Style Guide
There’s no denying that this rug really tied the room together. A rug of substance, of quality; The Dude knew he was onto a good thing. But happiness is fleeting, and if you’ve seen the movie, you know it all ends in…tears?
The Big Lebowski is a cult classic worthy of recognition, that is undeniable. It’s not just because we’re Coen brothers fans or that we weirdly love The Dude’s rugs. There is an unmistakable whiff of modern California cool behind The Dude’s slacker interior (and we also appreciate his dedication to rug cleanliness).
- Royal Palace Rug, 2. Floor Lamp, 3. Dowel base Side Chair, 4. Bamboo Sofa and Daybed, 5. Nesting Tables.
Browse Similar Rugs? Here are some options…
Tabriz
Tabriz rugs feature timeless classic designs in a soft heatset polypropylene pile or 100% wool yarns. Which benefits from being soft to touch, hard wearing and anti shed. Choose from a large selection of designs and colours with matching hallway runners to complement surrounding areas.
Kashbah
Kasbah rugs offer a selection of classic and traditional designs with a vast selection of sizes, colours and shapes including matching circular and hallway runner versions. This high-quality range is power loomed with a 100% polypropylene pile that is designed to offer a soft finish that is stain resistant, colourfast, moth proof and anti-static.
Inexpensive: Take a look at our Tabriz rugs here.
Ottoman
Ottoman Temple rugs feature traditional designs in a selection of attractive colour options with timeless appeal. Each rug has been hand carved to enhance the design and will fit into any classic room setting. Also available in a selection of standard rectangular sizes with a matching hallway runner.
Inexpensive: Take a look at our Ottoman Temple rugs here.
The Famous Quote
“That rug really tied the room together.” — Walter Sobchak
Fun Fact: There’s a religion based on the movie ‘The Big Lebowski’ called “Dudeism”. Dudeism advocates and encourages the practice of “going with the flow”, “being cool-headed”, and “taking it easy”.
Thoughts?
For us, the most important thing is that The Dude gets the perfect replacement rug! If the rug in your living room is damaged, shows significant signs of wear or just doesn’t work for you anymore then it’s likely it no longer ties the room together so well.
In this event, it’s also time to start shopping around for a new rug and there are plenty of styles and designs available to choose from online.
The rug ALWAYS ties the room together. Mine is one that my dad bought forever ago and i remember rolling around on as a wee one. they last forever given decent care. the dude abides!
Hi Tom, yes indeed! Antique and timeless, what more could you ask for! I’m sure the dude approves! 🙂