darken the entertainment centre?? I think that would be a shame, as the iron accents that make it so special - honestly, my eyebrows shot into my hairline when I saw it - will show so much less... also the case for the end table.

I am not sure I can imagine the rugs you're describing; perhaps others can enough to advise. But I think as long as you like the pattern and it picks up the colours in the woods you have, it would pull things together nicely.

KarinL

The coffee table specifically will need some work (light sanding to buff out some scratches) this is the color I was imagining it would end up being. I think the iron work will still be prominent?

What do you mean your eyebrows shot into your hairline? what does that mean? lol is that good?

Ya, I'm so torn on what to get in what order, it's just that I find stuff that seems like it will work, and I think if I wait, it might not be there later.

{{!gwi}}

IMHO, #1 and #2 are more traditional, and #3 is more transitional, which I think fits the style of your chair more.

As it seems to be a large floral, I could see this rug going with quite a few other patterns, as well. Stripes, checks or diamonds, smaller sized patterned florals, etc. I think this would look good and be versatile.

One more thing to ask yourself. What are you trying to achieve by staining the furniture darker? (which I personally like) Are you wanting a more traditional feel? If so, then perhaps the more traditional patterned rugs might be better. Are you trying to get away from a certain (past) style? Then, I would probably still like #3 best.

What style are you wanting your home to be? Maybe you should take the Sweeby test. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweeby test thread

I LOVE oriental rugs! Having said that.....I would look for CL deals or go to an auction house. I like the thrill of the hunt! I also want to own quality and get a thrill out of not paying full price. I like buying something at a price that I can sell it for. :0) What if I want to redecorate in a year? I've heard the main reason women exit a relationship is because they are bored. My relationship with my furniture could end at any moment! :0)

I really like your entertainment center! It's beautiful!!! I think staining it a darker color is a GREAT idea.

The feature I like best on the entertainment centre is the decorative corner pieces on the doors. Their intricate detail is what elevates this from "just another entertainment centre" to a pretty special piece. What allows those corner pieces to jump out and be appreciated is their contrast with the wood.

The shapes of the door panels are also pretty cool, as is the wrought accent at the top, but it is the detail in the iron accents at the bottom that puts the furniture up a category. And that detail can only be seen because the wood is light. I'd venture a guess that those accents would not have been worth putting on if the wood was dark.

All that said, it's your entertainment centre :-) No reason you should sit there looking at it grumbling because of my preferences!

Good luck with the rug. I will say that when we bought our rug (from an oriental rug store), we took home the rugs we liked and tried them out one at a time. I was ASTONISHED at the extent to which certain rugs I LOVED did not "go" in our space. Lighting and surroundings make a huge difference, even if you think you've matched them. If you can, you should probably try the rugs out, even if you have to buy and return (check the return policy and if they do exchange only, then try the cheapest one first).

KarinL

I went back today with camera in hand and took a bunch of pics of potential rugs. Here is what I came up with, any of these seem like they might work?

Keeping in mind a neutral fabric couch and recliner. being added to the mix, with OR without the EC as is, and the end tables/CT in the darker walnut color.

This is the smaller one that was 8 x 8, the others are 8 x 11 or 10 x 12
{{!gwi}}

This is the one I'm leaning more towards

{{!gwi}}

This one is 10x12

{{!gwi}}

Not at all what I had planned, but this one caught my eye too, and the flash made it more washed out than IRL, it's very saturated colors.

{{!gwi}}

this one is 10x12 too

{{!gwi}}

I vote for the second one. I think it will go well with your furniture and it's beautiful. The third one would be my next choice. I think the last two skew too modern. That's a rather traditional entertainment center. The other ones are too dark. I do like the pattern and color of the fourth one, but I think that red background will fight with your reddish (in the pics, at least) wood floor. JMHO :-).

Opening up two windows on my computer and scrolling the rugs past the furniture, I like the two with the red backgrounds best. You've chosen really lovely rugs, but with such a range of style that personal taste comes into play very significantly.

In addition, it seems to me you have to decide on a size, no outsider can do that for you. And also, if you are going to stain the furniture, I might do that first, as you can't say for sure how it will turn out.

Again, I would really recommend arranging to take one or two of them home. That way, the decision will likely almost make itself.

KarinL

The sale goes one more day and tomorrow DH will go with me tomorrow to "look" at what I have selected to give his input and stamp of approval.

After looking over and over the pics of all the rugs, I have nearly ruled out #1 as it is the smallest (8x8) I guess still a decent size, but it doesn't give the coverage that I'd like. I really do like the colors in it though. Very rich deep colors.

I think the 10 x 12's will be a bit big, and for the difference in price between the 8x11's, I'm not sure it's really worth it, plus for my room being 14 feet across it would almost go wall to wall.

the last 2 are just too modern for my stuff and one muddy dog paw would be the end of the last one, although it is really very unique and pretty to me too! Perfect for a kiddless, petless home :)

Personal taste wise, I'm very drawn to #1 & #2 (#3 is the same rug dif shot) and also to #4 but the color of it will be harder to match to other pieces, should I even consider a red couch or something with red in it, so that's important to consider.

I guess I've about talked myself into #2/3 assuming DH agrees. we will bring it home tomorrow, the problem (which was my main concern for even getting a rug ahead of the furniture) is that I can only keep it a short time before having to return it. (full refund) and there is really an incomplete pallet to "look" at it with. But I do think it's neutral enough, and has a good mix of colors that I'll be able to make it work. What I suppose I will do is drape a tan/beige sheet over the purple couch to get a better "feel"

the price is definitely right so much so that IF, IF, IF the furniture we select doesn't for some reason work with it, I could very easily sell it and recoup all my money (if not make a profit :)

so regardless if we buy during the sale or not, the normal price wouldn't be that bad either. But should we decide to wait (the risk in waiting is that if I dont get it now, it could sell to someone else) they had only 2 of these rugs in the store.