I think the second one compliments the room the most. It also has those creamy tones you have in your light fixture. I can't tell the tones in the chairs from the picture, I hope they blend too.

Either one of those rugs would be gorgeous, but I have a tendency to lean towards more vibrant colors so am drawn to the first. It's beautiful! Although, now that I look closer at the second rug, I do think it would work nicely with the warm colors in your room.

The second one to me would work better with your wall colors.

I like the softer lines in the design of the second one.

Donna

You guys are great! The chairs are just black and cream paisley (I recovered them awhile ago), and they can always be changed again.

Here is the listing info on the second one: 6x10 Korasan Persian antique hand knotted woven oriental area rug. Age 1940. Starting bid $490.

Does this seem like a good deal?

I would be concerned about the size. Will a 6x10 rug be the best choice for under your table? The length might be ok, but will 6' allow you to pull the chairs out to be seated and still have them remain on the rug?

The table is 42 inches wide so 6 feet allows 30 additional inches. I had read to add 24 to 30 inches to allow room for the chairs. Do you think that is enough?

The listing under additional details actually says it is 6.6. So that is 36 additional inches. Would that work?

My table is 44 inches so 2 inches wider than yours and my rug underneath is 93 inches x 116 inches. The 93 inches give me 16" to pull the chair out when sitting on it, perfect. My table is 87 inches long and I find that the 116 inches is not enough behind the end chairs. I am going to replace my rug with a 8x11. I think that might be a better size for you too.

Maybe I'll have to do a mock up some how. My table is 42x72.

You could lay painters tape on the floor around the dining set in the size of the rug to at least get some idea of the size.

Donna

I think you need a bigger rug, like a 10x13. I'm currently lusting over this rug. Can't afford it though, but you should check it out. It's amazing!

Rug of My Dreams

6'6" is not enough width to go under a dining room table.

Back to the drawing board then, thanks for all the input.

Here is a 7x10 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/7X10-Antique-Bakhtiari-Persian-1940s-Hand-Knotted-Woven-Oriental-Area-Rug-/131672417728):

Although I was looking for something brighter with more color.

Louislinus that rug is awesome, but I'm not sure the animals are what I'm looking for.

I love the tribal look of this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Karaja-Persian-Oriental-Rug-early-1900s-/321950980904?hash=item4af5c61b28:g:7ycAAOSwCQNWcbr8), but it isn't big enough:

Crushing on this one, sent seller a message to confirm hand knotted. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Ca-1940s-VEG-DYIES-PERSIAN-ANTIQUE-CLASSIC-TABRIZ-RUG-7-1x11-4-/361447693659?nav=SEARCH

• 2nd one goes better if you plan to keep the wall color. But if you want it eclectic either would really work.

Andrea, are you looking at other rug sources besides eBay? There are a lot of reputable online rug dealers with fair pricing. Couldn't you use an 8x10 rug in your space? The ones that you've posted all seem like they'll be just a tad too small in one direction or another.

I really think you need a large rug in a dining room. I had an 8x10 at my old house and it was *just* big enough. My new house has a 10x13 and it is much better. The chairs should always be on the rug, even when you push the chair back to get out of your seat. When I had the 8x10, many times the back legs of the chair ended up on the floor and not the rug. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but my rug was pretty thick and the chair legs were constantly getting caught on the edge of the rug and it was just awkward. Get a big one!

Aunjen, I played around with the tape measure and I believe you are right, 8x10 would be perfect. Do you have any recommendations of where to look? Thank you!!

Take a look at http://esalerugs.com/ - although for some reason, the pages aren't loading properly for me today.

I would agree with auntjen to look elsewhere. I looked at the negative feedback of your seller above (I give more weight to the negative), and many buyers stated the seller is dishonest by using markers to color in faded areas, selling smelly rugs, and selling newer rugs as vintage. I would deal with a local or a reputable online dealer.

I guess you would have to determine what the return shipping would cost if found to be unacceptable.If you are anywhere near Hagerstown, Maryland-return shouldn't be so bad.

I've never ordered from esalerugs, but a 30day free return is great !

Also check listings on your local Craigslist. I've bought a number of rugs from CL sellers, including this hand-knotted Persian in my dining area.

That is soo pretty! I'll check there also, thanks!

Those are also great! I'm trying to stay under $1K, I'll see what else that eBay seller has to offer. I'm liking this one from potter barn also, although it isn't authentic. Any idea on the quality of pottery barn rugs?

I've bought two Pottery Barn rugs from Craigslist sellers. The rugs were just like new, but when I got them home I realized why they were selling them. The smelled horrible! I later learned that stinky PB rugs was a common complaint at one time, so if you do order one from them, read the reviews to ensure that the rug you want doesn't stink. I would assume that's a problem they have alleviated, but you want to be certain because man - that smell was awful!

I'm not sure if the PB rugs are hand-knotted or hand-tufted, but that's also something to check out.

Have fun! I adore beautiful rugs and enjoy shopping - or just browsing - for them!

Eww, wouldn't want to deal with smell, I'll def research that. This particular rug is hand tufted which I know isn't as good as hand knotted, but is it necessarily a bad thing?

This one is by that Manhattan Rugs and they have 100% positive reviews. It is hand knotted, might be a better choice?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272073390664?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

This explains the difference between hand-tufted and hand-knotted. Given the choice, I'd go with hand-knotted for sure.

http://furniture.about.com/od/accessoriesguide/f/ru41009gs.htm

You have been so helpful! Thank you! Now once I make a decision and we have the new light up, I'll be sure to post a picture. I've started a rug frenzy, I'm loving this for my foyer:

Oooooooooooh! That is absolutely beautiful! You have a good eye.

Thanks! I think I'm going to buy it to sort of test the waters from this seller before I buy a larger rug. I'm super excited!

OT: Does anyone know when animals and birds were first prohibited in 'orientals'? (I noted there were deer in the rug linked to earlier that said it was from the 1920's.) Was that true everywhere? Was it a religious ban?

Aniconism in Islam prohibits the depiction of human and non-human (animal) beings in art, including rugs, to prevent idolatry. Have other regions banned animals in their rugs? There are many rugs being made even today with birds and animals, including Navaho rugs. It is an interesting question. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in.