I don't see a third rug....but between the 2 you posted I personally love the first one best. I think it will be easiest to design around and yet create a very dramatic statement!

I love Persian rugs too! I would go for option #1. The second rug's pattern seems too busy and not as classic, so I say go for the classic Persian design.

Congrats on what sounds like a beautifully designed home!

I suggest you don't buy a rug that is on the thin side, it may always have a wrinkled look.

Number one.

You should check with Allison Trogdon on here and see her rug. It's gorgeous and she found it on eBay from a reputable seller she said.

Personally, I know they are antique but I wouldn't want a rug that is damaged because what if you decide you want to put it under a dining table or in another room and then the damaged side might show so it wouldn't work. There's millions of these rugs out there.

Another good source is ebth/everything but the house. They do online estate sales...they always have tons of these rugs.

One other place to check is Etsy.com (which was surprising to me). I just purchased one that I'm very pleased with. Came with stitched tag on back with location, date made, and material. Came from a legitimate seller who only deals in rugs.

I like the first one.

Etsy! Great idea!

Thank you everyone!

How about this one? Great vivid color

What are the main upholstery and wood colours in the space? The formality is also important, as some patterns are quite formal/symmetric while others are more relaxed.

To tell the truth these do not look like “antique” Persian rugs to me. Up until the turn of the 20th century Iranian rug makers only used vegetable dyes and the colors are not that vivid. The use of synthetic dyes began about 1900 and only became widespread in the 1930s. Are they saying what they are made of and where and when? Some dealers say a 50 year old rug is “antique” but many people who are looking to buy an antique rug are looking for vegetable-dyed hand-knotted rugs.

I have to agree Lois. My rugs have a more muted palette. I would keep looking and try other dealers. They will usually allow you to bring them home to view on site for approval. Try to get as much info as possible and you may want to wait until you get your sofa delivered.

They did some really unusual colors with synthetic dyes in the mid-twentieth century so they could possibly be sixty years old or so. Are they saying the rugs are cotton on wool?

I love oriental rugs . It will look great with your blue sofa . I would pick a rug without central medallion. Something with more geometric pattern

Agree that neither of these look “antique”, but in any case here are my comments: 1. Wait til you get the sofa before buying the rug. 2. No medallion patterns...trust me on this....it will drive you batty because unless you get it just right, something will be off center, too far away, too close, etc etc.
I’m a rug junkie....have 7of them in a 3 br condo...and they each took months of looking for just the perfect one. When you find it, it will give you pleasure for the rest of your life, so be patient.
And good luck!