Of the two, the first one. If open to other styles, suggest adding a touch of black to connect the room and create more interest.

There's not much difference between the two--they're both very neutral and blend in with the furniture and the tile wall.

Would you possibly consider something with a bit of drama? Like a more colorful rug to add some spice to the room?

Here are two rooms with very neutral furniture and walls. The tribal-style rugs work nicely to perk up the rooms:

Beautiful space needs a better option.

https://www.rejuvenation.com/products/elliot-hand-knotted-rug/?catalogId=84&sku=4117996&pickuplocation=ST:%7Bstore_code%7D&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Rugs%20%3E%20Hand%2DKnotted&cm_ite=4117996_14334675725_pla-2276268490058&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14334675725&gbraid=0AAAAADtoK0SceX7g-jenX3LrwXngMx5tg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpZ26hLuHlAMV-0b_AR02WA_KEAQYEyABEgJu3_D_BwE

Beautiful space that fireplace wall is a strong focal point

Between the two, I’d lean toward the option that keeps the palette soft and cohesive rather than adding too much contrast. With the black fireplace and darker sofa, a lighter, more tonal rug will help balance the space and keep it feeling calm and elevated.

I’d also make sure the rug is large enough so at least the front legs of all seating pieces sit on it that will make the layout feel more intentional and grounded.

If you want to elevate it further, a subtle texture or very low-contrast pattern usually works best in spaces like this. Happy to share a few options if you’re still deciding

Cb2

Agree with Diana Bier’s comment. Both are very neutral, I like neutrals but ….. Lyn Nielson’s suggestion is good.

It’s a beautiful space, and I like your rug choices.

Out of the two that you show, I like option one the best. The texture is nice, and it has a sophisticated look. The second choice is good, too, and it can work- but the patterning on that rug is often seen in various formats and configurations, and imo this gives that rug sort of a ”typical” kind of vibe. The first rug looks rich $$$ .

So I would go with the first one.

Or alternatively, I think a rug that had some contrast around the border could also be interesting.

Could be more subtle than the border above- this is just one view of the general idea.

I like your first rug, alot, though. Very high-end look to that one- and it’s a great complement to the space.

A rug with some contrasting black is going to make the space a bit more dramatic. What size rug are you considering for the space because it doesn't appear you'd need anything larger than a 9x12 yet your rugs seem larger. I don't advise having the rug within 3 feet of the face of this fireplace. Your floor needs a walkway.

What is planned for those niches? IMO you need some color and what is going in those niches might be helpful. IMO squares or rectanle design does not work with that FP at all. I think some colorful glass art could bring real life to those niches and not matching ones either The room needs some life and less rigidity

Thanks for all the opinions and thoughts. I really appreciate it. I am trying to keep the fireplace the focal point and I love the idea of bringing some sculptures and possible color into those niches. I think I’m leaning towards the first rug to keep the calm and not bring too much attention to that area. The room is approximately 25 x 25 so there’s plenty of space and I’m thinking of going with a 12 x 15‘ rug. I’m going to continue to look and see if there’s anything that brings a little bit of pop without overdoing it.