Ernesta’s documented strength is true custom sizing: rugs made to your exact room measurements, down to the inch. The Quality Edit says Ernesta was started by the co-founders of Peloton, with a promise to deliver completely custom-sized rugs. Dwell’s tester notes the company raised significant funding to sell custom-sized rugs direct to consumers online. Ernesta says it wants to make custom rugs accessible to everyone rather than only interior design professionals, and it now has a showroom in New York City at 75th and Lexington.
The ordering process is designed to remove guesswork. The Quality Edit explains that you start by ordering samples, then complete a design consultation and provide exact room measurements, and Ernesta manufactures the rug to those dimensions. Ernesta lists hundreds of styles across wool flatweaves, plush wool, wool Persian designs, natural jute and sisal, performance rugs and indoor/outdoor rugs. Starting prices on Ernesta’s site range from about $275 for performance rugs and $325 for sisal to $475–$850 for wool flatweaves and $800 for wool Persian styles. The Quality Edit estimates extra-large rugs, 9 by 12 feet and up, at around $2,500 or more.
Testers are impressed with the fit and quality. The Quality Edit’s reviewer said she was very impressed with her rug’s quality after a week and called Ernesta worth the investment for anyone who has struggled with standard rug sizes. Dwell’s tester used Ernesta to warm up a barren room after a remodel. Ernesta says it prioritizes natural materials and quality construction so rugs last longer, and it offers newer collections such as Coastal, Family and Earth Tones.
The honest caveat: customer satisfaction after delivery is weak. Ernesta’s older ernestarugs.com Trustpilot profile scores about 2.4 from 10 reviews. One customer who spent more than $35,000 on eight rugs criticized slow after-sale service, and another said their Faye rug began coming apart under a rarely used dining table. A repeat customer said a rug’s binding looked cheap and inconsistent, and Ernesta only offered 15% off another order. Ernesta says it refunds only orders canceled within 24 hours, though its Ernesta Promise covers defects, sizing issues and incorrect orders. One reviewer also noted there’s no option to write a review on Ernesta’s site.
Quick Highlights
✅ Rugs custom-sized to the exact inch
✅ Founded by Peloton’s co-founders, per The Quality Edit
✅ Samples and design consultation before ordering
✅ Hundreds of styles in wool, jute, sisal and performance fibers
✅ Indoor/outdoor and performance options
✅ Testers impressed with quality, per The Quality Edit
✅ NYC showroom at 75th and Lexington
✅ Ernesta Promise covers defects and sizing issues
✅ Custom runners for hallways and stairs
✅ Natural materials prioritized, per Ernesta
✅ Starting prices from about $275
✅ New collections like Coastal and Earth Tones
❌ Trustpilot rating of about 2.4 from 10 reviews
❌ Refunds only within 24 hours of ordering
❌ Binding quality complaints, per reviewers
❌ Rug coming apart, per a reviewer
❌ Slow after-sale service, per reviewers
❌ Longer lead times than standard rugs, per The Quality Edit
❌ Large custom rugs cost $2,500 or more
Why Trust This Review
This review draws on hands-on reviews from The Quality Edit and Dwell, Ernesta’s own product and policy pages, and Trustpilot reviews of Ernesta’s older ernestarugs.com profile (about 2.4 from 10 reviews, read via search snippets). The newer ernesta.com profile has no reviews yet. Testers may receive samples or discounts.
Safety note: Use a non-slip rug pad on hard floors to prevent slips, especially on runners and in homes with children or older adults. Keep indoor rugs away from moisture to prevent mildew, and vacuum without a beater bar on delicate wool or flatweaves. GlossGirly has no commercial relationship with Ernesta that affects this verdict.
Full Review Breakdown
Custom Sizing and Ordering Process
Ernesta’s whole model is built around custom sizing. Rather than forcing a 5×8 or 8×10 into your room, Ernesta makes the rug to your exact dimensions. The Quality Edit describes a three-step process: order samples, complete a design consultation, then submit your measurements.
This approach suits unusual rooms, open-plan spaces and long hallways. Ernesta encourages buyers to order samples and read its Materials and Sizing Guides before buying. Because each rug is made to order, The Quality Edit notes delivery takes longer than buying a standard rug off the shelf.
Materials, Styles and Design
Ernesta offers a broad range of materials. Its site lists wool flatweaves, plush wool, wool Persian designs, natural jute and sisal, performance rugs and indoor/outdoor options. Ernesta says natural materials and handmade construction generally mean higher quality.
Design-wise, Ernesta has expanded beyond neutrals into lifestyle collections, including Coastal, Family and Earth Tones, per The Quality Edit. Performance and indoor/outdoor rugs suit families, pets and high-mess areas, while wool suits cozy, high-traffic rooms.
Quality and Durability
Testers praise the quality. The Quality Edit’s reviewer was very impressed after a week of living with her rug. Several Trustpilot reviewers also say the rugs themselves are beautiful, with one calling Ernesta a great idea and the rugs perfect for their home.
Durability complaints exist, though. One reviewer said the Faye rug began coming apart under a rarely used dining table. Another said a rug’s binding had a heathered, inconsistent color that made it look cheap. A third described poor quality after only one vacuum.
Pricing, Returns and Customer Service
Ernesta is an investment. Starting prices range from about $275 to $850 depending on material, and The Quality Edit estimates 9×12 and larger rugs at $2,500 or more.
The return policy is strict. Ernesta says refunds are only available for orders canceled within 24 hours, although the Ernesta Promise covers defects, sizing problems and incorrect orders. Customer service is the most common complaint. A $35,000 customer said after-sale service fell short, and another said they were offered only 15% off a future order. Order samples first and confirm measurements carefully.
Best Products Worth Buying
Ernesta’s core style, a durable wool flatweave made to your exact dimensions. Flatweaves have a low profile that works well under dining tables and in high-traffic rooms, and wool naturally resists wear. Ernesta offers many colors and patterns, including the Paula design from $550. Best for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where a standard size won’t fit. Trade-offs: one reviewer reported a binding issue, so inspect edges on delivery.
Ernesta’s most affordable starting option, built from easy-to-clean performance fibers. Ernesta recommends these for high-mess areas with kids and pets. Custom sizing makes them ideal for awkward kitchens and mudrooms. Best for busy households that need practical rugs. Trade-offs: synthetic fibers don’t have wool’s natural feel.
Natural-fiber rugs in jute or sisal, offering texture and an organic look. They pair well with coastal and earthy interiors and layer nicely under smaller rugs. Best for relaxed living spaces and entryways. Trade-offs: natural fibers can be harder to clean and feel coarse underfoot.
Weather-resistant rugs that can be custom-sized for patios, porches and sunrooms. They also work indoors in kitchens and entryways. Best for outdoor living spaces with unusual dimensions. Trade-offs: should be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent mildew.
What Customers Actually Think
“Ernesta is a great idea and the rugs are perfect for us, but the process is not.” — Trustpilot reviewer (1 star, custom rug order)
“I purchased eight rugs from Ernesta totaling more than $35,000.” — Trustpilot reviewer (2 stars, after-sale service)
“Contacted Ernesta but they only offered 15% off another custom order.” — Trustpilot reviewer (1 star, rug binding issue)
“This rug (Faye) has started to come apart” — Trustpilot reviewer (Faye rug)
“After a week with my new rug installed, I am so impressed with the quality of my new Ernesta rug.” — The Quality Edit tester (custom rug)
Is It Worth It?
Yes, for buyers who need a rug in a non-standard size and want designer quality. Order samples, double-check measurements, inspect binding and edges on delivery, and remember refunds are limited to orders canceled within 24 hours.
Competitors Table
Feature | Ernesta | Ruggable | Boutique Rugs | Loloi | Rugs USA | Annie Selke |
Trustpilot rating | ~2.4/5 (10 reviews) | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked | Not checked |
Custom sizing | Yes, to the inch | No | Limited | No | Limited | Limited |
Main materials | Wool, jute, sisal, performance | Washable polyester | Varies | Varies | Varies | Wool, cotton |
Washable | Performance only | Yes | Some | Some | Some | Some |
Price level | Premium | Mid | Budget to mid | Mid | Budget | Premium |
FAQs
Who founded Ernesta?
The Quality Edit says Ernesta was started by Peloton’s co-founders. A Trustpilot reviewer addressed founders John, Hisao and Yony directly.
Can Ernesta make any rug size?
Yes. Ernesta’s rugs are designed to be custom-sized to your exact measurements, including runners and unusual dimensions.
How much do Ernesta rugs cost?
Starting prices range from about $275 to $850 by material. The Quality Edit estimates 9×12 and larger rugs at around $2,500 or more.
What is Ernesta’s return policy?
Ernesta says refunds are only available for orders canceled within 24 hours. The Ernesta Promise covers manufacturing defects, sizing issues and incorrect orders.
Should I order samples first?
Yes. Ernesta encourages ordering samples and reviewing its materials and sizing guides, which is especially important given the strict refund policy.
Final Verdict
Ernesta solves a real problem: standard rug sizes rarely fit real rooms. By making rugs to your exact measurements in wool, jute, sisal and performance fibers, it brings custom sizing, once reserved for designers, to everyday buyers. The Quality Edit’s tester was impressed with the quality and fit, Dwell’s tester used Ernesta to transform a barren room, and the sample-plus-consultation process helps you choose with confidence. The NYC showroom and expanding collections add to its appeal.
The trade-offs are price, strict refunds and inconsistent after-sale service. Custom rugs are expensive, refunds end 24 hours after ordering, and Trustpilot reviewers report binding problems, a rug coming apart and slow responses even on very large orders. Order samples, measure carefully, inspect your rug as soon as it arrives and report issues immediately under the Ernesta Promise. If you need a perfectly sized rug and accept the risks, Ernesta is a compelling option.
Scorecard
Category | Score |
Custom Sizing | 9.6/10 |
Design & Selection | 8.8/10 |
Material Quality | 7.8/10 |
Durability | 6.6/10 |
Ordering Process | 7.6/10 |
Return Policy | 4.8/10 |
Customer Service | 5.4/10 |
Value for Money | 6.8/10 |
Overall | 7.0/10 |
