I'd go with a larger rectangular rug.

Thanks, IdaClaire! I was considering that myself, thinking that with the round table and curviness of the chairs there might be too much roundness going on with the round rug.

I suggest that you measure the space with your chairs pulled out...as if you were getting up from the table. Your chairs should still “sit” on the rug. A much bigger rug is called for, I believe.

Thanks, ptreckel! I will measure the area as you suggest.

I didn’t vote as I would try each for a few days- first with rug and then without ( will it scratch nice flooring etc.?, is it harder to move with rug?) just see then decide.

Good idea, momof5x! Thanks!

Working on this slowly, as we won't be having guests for a while due to social distancing. These are pictures of the arrangement with no rug. Not sure I like it, as it takes away warmth and I would have some concerns about scratching the floors over the long term. Thinking bigger rectangular rug may be best option. I'll measure the area. Meanwhile, if anyone wants to post pictures of rugs that might look nice in this room, I'd be grateful. Thanks!

Thanks, Jinx! I like your choices and the "British library" vibe! My style is eclectic, leaning traditional. Here are some photos of some of the various rugs in our house.

Your rugs are beautiful! What are you talking about, Woman, you don’t need anyone’s help! You have great taste. :)

I‘m so used to posting a variety of rugs and the OP comes back, “Oh, thanks, but I was thinking more along the lines of [solid gray shag rug or paint-splatter rug]”.

Your style sings to me! :)

The cushions on the chairs are cream-colored. There isn't really a single dominant color in our library, although we have some splotches of red and navy and green in various things, as well as some gold and some grey

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More pics of various things in the room.

Great decor and things collected! It’s a wonderful room, I know you’ll find the perfect rug. :)

Budget? Hubby's retired, and I have no tutoring or substitute-teaching assignments right now due to schools being closed, so we don't have a whole lot of money to throw around. I'd like to keep it under $500 if possible and definitely under $1,000 (although if handmade, fair-trade, and environmentally friendly, I certainly would be willing to pay more than I would if it were machine-made in a sweatshop from non-recycled plastic).

I’m not sure how you feel about vintage and antique rugs, but eSales has some beautiful ones ... Persians, Orientals, and others. Lots of selections and price ranges. Great quality and conditions.

Please update with what you decide! I love to see rug choices. This will most likely be the last rug thread I post on.

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If you go to their site, just scroll down to the age section:

I had to come back and share this room, I just saw it for the first time on L. Bern’s blog (I LOVE her blog). I was looking up something else and saw this — it's really what I was picturing in my mind while looking for rugs! The books everywhere, the warmth, the collected items, the lived-in feel. I can’t believe the timing of stumbling across this. :)

I agree with everyone on the rectangle rug, but I would keep it a plain color, as the room is already pretty busy, with all the many different type of bookcases. Love the new table and chairs!

I would look for a square rug instead large enough to pull the chairs out into the corners and still be on the rug. I think round is just too much. And square would look better than a rectangle. Probably harder to find though. Good luck.

Thanks, all! After measuring, I am thinking that an 8'x8' square rug will be best. Here's one I'm considering. https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Unique-Loom-Pasadena-Fars-Rug-5-x-8/16306016/product.html?option=30153937 Please let me know what you think.

I also like this one: https://rugs.com/navy-blue-square-chelsea-area-rug-6252680?gclid=CjwKCAjw95D0BRBFEiwAcO1KDBmTrPpiGnppy34QQkyzvj3FzdtF80ZpQNUEWGUakGl4ZujVcmYasBoCjC4QAvD_BwE

Or should I go earthier with something like this: https://esalerugs.com/brown-squares-heritage-area-rug-33126060?rt=bbcolor ?

I really like that

I like them all! Any of those would look great.

So I pulled the trigger on the rug today, after talking with my husband (who said they were all OK with him) and with my mom (who ruled out the Pasadena Fars as too busy and who, after seeing both of the other rugs in my room -- thanks to Rugs.com for their ability to show this -- said that she liked them both but thought that the more neutral one "brightened up the room" more). Here's the link to the Rugs.com mockup of the my room with the rug I chose: https://www.roomvo.com/share/wbnxcd . I'll post a picture of the actual rug in the room when I receive it.

Here, for those also interested in "what might have been", are the links to the mockups of the 1st runner-up: https://www.roomvo.com/share/h60gim

and the 2nd runner-up: https://www.roomvo.com/share/0z1hle.

I think you made the right choice! It’s going to look really nice in there.

The new rug arrived really quickly! I love it! As promised, here are some pictures, taken from various angles.