Looking for the perfect rug can be challenging. With endless possibilities, the wrong rug can throw off the entire vibe of a space. We decided to take you along on our journey to find the perfect rug for our dining room, sharing our thought process, the top contenders, and the one that ultimately stole the show.
Size & Material
From the start, we knew size was crucial. Our rectangular table seats 8, so we needed a rug extending at least a foot around all sides when the chairs are pulled out to avoid those awkward chair snags. Durability was also a significant factor. Dining rooms are messy, so we needed something easy to clean and built to withstand crumbs, spills, and chair movement. This led us to explore flatweave and low-pile rugs that are 1/2" high or less.
Style
Our rich chocolate wood table and white chairs anchor our dining room. We wanted to cultivate a cozy, earthy ambiance with neutral tones. We knew we needed a rug to complement the table without dominating the room. We tried to balance the rug with the table and avoid extremes, so we steered clear of overly dark or light-colored options, opting for a muted rug with a hint of contrast. This approach strikes a perfect balance, keeping the space lively yet harmonious. Our rug hunt included modern grid patterns, statement-making bold designs, and ever-stylish traditional patterns.
The 5 Finalists & The Winner!
After much deliberation, we narrowed it down to 5 finalists.
1. Ayden Rug: The first was the Ayden Undyed Hand-Loomed Rug from Rejuvenation. It's a minimalistic but engaging grid pattern with a neutral palette. Aside from its aesthetic appearance, I appreciate that this rug supports the Better Cotton Initiative and its mission to promote sustainable cotton farming practices worldwide. Additionally, this rug is Fair Trade Certified™, meaning it was produced according to strict standards prioritizing protecting farmers, workers, and the environment.
2. Dreux Rug: We also liked the Dreux Wool-Blend Diamond Textured Caramel Brown Rug by Crate & Barrel. This rug has a striking geometric pattern with high and low pile textures that add depth and visual interest. The warm caramel-brown color makes it an inviting addition to any room.
3. Verona Rug: Another favorite from Crate & Barrel was the Verona Wool Hand-Knotted Black Rug, which features intricate botanicals and complex geometries with a unique floral pattern that suits both traditional and contemporary spaces. The restrained palette of black and tan gives it a timeless appeal, while subtle flecks and tonal variations up close add depth and richness to the design. We loved the rug's design, but it ticked two boxes in the "no" category: it exceeded our budget and its boldness clashed with our already bold dining table.
4. Aurelia Rug: The Aurelia Hand-Knotted Wool Rug by Pottery Barn was also a contender with its subdued hues and intriguing motif. It avoids bold colors and overwhelming patterns, creating a sense of elegance and tranquillity.
5. Wayland Rug: Finally, our winner! The Wayland Hand-Knotted Wool Rug by McGee & Co. This rug showcases a beautiful blend of earth tones, evoking a sense of warmth and nature with a classic and contemporary design. The rich dark greens and browns adorned with a floral pattern create a warm and inviting look yet undeniably modern. This rug added the pop of earthy color we were looking for without being overpowering and contrasted with our table and chairs flawlessly. We absolutely love this rug and get tons of comments on it.
Finding the ideal rug for your home can feel like a treasure hunt, and the reward is a space that reflects your unique style. We hope our journey inspires you to find the perfect piece for yours! Remember to consider the size, material, and overall vibe of your room. And most importantly, have fun with it! There's a rug out there waiting to add a touch of magic to your home.
