Area Rug & Coffee Table Help

6 years ago

Our 1st home came fully furnished & after deciding what to keep & how to tie in our own style, I know we want to replace the oversized glass coffee table with something more practical. I need advice on a coffee table as well as rug for living room. We do like the side tables & have tried to tie in a farmhouse style but also maintain the balance of a nicer more sophisticated look with pieces it came with as well. The rug is far too busy for the 2 busy chairs I want to keep. I have a bit of an eclectic side as well and our home is an extremely open floor plan.

Featured Answer

Joanna Biddolph

6 years ago

I agree with the above comments about the rug - it's far too small and too pale. Also, it's a bit of a cliche putting it under the coffee table. Why does a coffee table need a rug? We need them - under foot. They tend to look great if they run under the sofa and chairs, not necessarily the whole way but under the front feet for sure, but the bigger the better is the main thing. I also agree that swapping the two chairs might make a difference - the stronger blue one stands out and seems odd to me; if you had a darker rug, swapping it with the paler chair might be right. I like the coffee table but the constant wiping of dust would drive me bonkers and it's not the same sort of style as the rest, even allowing for an eclectic mix. I'd try to tie in the green sofa a bit more, too - have something else with that green in it whether cushions or in the rug or on the walls or the lampshades. I love the colour but it's a bit on its own and needs to feel more integrated. It's about creating specific areas so the room has focus, by having several areas of focus, rather than being one large space.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Jules Mc
6 years ago
It's a lovely room to work with. I don't think that the rug is too busy, especially give you like an eclectic look. I just think it's too small and needs to be darker to ground the space and tie in the darker patterned chair (can't tell if black or navy). A quatrefoil/trellis rug could work but I do think it should be as large as poss and even out space between the sofa and hearth. It would also pick up the pattern in the curtains. I like the coffee table but it wouldn't be practical for me either. What about campaign style chest or something more solid with drawers for storage? I'd go lighter (white or cream) if going with darker rug suggestion. Finally, have you tried switching the patterned chair with the one by the fire? Just wondering what that would look like. Best of luck
163 hrd
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I agree the rug is not busy but too small, and does lack presence. Benuta is a great website for quality rugs. I seem to recall a dark blue and ivory "Serengeti" design that would look nice with its small scale geometric design. Also I like the dark chair where it is, and the dark cushions on the green chair tie it together. I would consider similar cushions for the pale sofa. The 2 largest pieces (sofa and rug) are pale so I definitely wouldn't throw another pale armchair into the mix. Spend a long time browsing for a coffee table and one day you will discover one that you love.
Related Discussions
Coffee table for loft apartment. Help!!
Q
Comments (1)
Sorry. Re posted in design dilemmas. With pictures.
...See More
Patterned coffee table on Persian rug
Q
Comments (4)
@celerygirl thanks so much for that! Yeah I would definitely get some throw cushions to tie it up. Its pretty large too, about 140cm wide. I wouldn't get rid of my rug, and i'm really struggling to find the perfect table... this is the number one contender at the moment.
...See More
Rug, side and coffee table design advice please!
Q
Comments (17)
Thanks everyone, this is so helpful!!! Dundrum that made me chuckle. I will stick to my guns but sadly the retailers have an aversion to pistachio. Went round huge Next home store today, tonnes of curtain fabric options in all colours except pistachio!!! Grrrr! Thank you again Man about House, I will persevere and I covet your curtains!!! I think I may well get the original rug you found! Thanks Laura will also look at French Connection, who would have thought! The parquet floors are from 1962 and I am chuffed to bits how they have come up, waited 3.5 years to do them! Angie and celery girl, very good points re rug size, my last Ikea one was definitely in the "not this" category!! Thanks also for the image celerygirl, I like the poufs very much but the trouble is the room is Lshaped and the walkway goes past them Any views on the coffee table dilemma everyone? As for brown sofa wish could replace asap. Would you believe someone gave me a beautiful South African wood sideboard and I kept it for a few years until eBaying it for a pittance! I even tried it in the space, see pic, yikes, I thought it was too dominant but maybe not....!
...See More
What rug and coffee table with this sofa?
Q
Comments (15)
Hi, what do you think of this rug (or something like that) and these coffee tables? Get a rug that is large enough to go under all front feet of the sofa, so I'm not sure whether this one is big enough, but just to show you how something like that would look. https://www.benuta.co.uk/ebba-shaggy-rug-beige-185257.html https://www.cultfurniture.com/furniture-c10/tables-c9/madison-nesting-coffee-tables-marble-top-gunmetal-p13156
...See More
163 hrd
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Although it is specifically about dining tables & chairs, this is a good article about mixing farmhouse with other styles and may give you some inspiration.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/10-killer-table-and-chair-combinations-stsetivw-vs~76924488
Kimberly Combs
Original Author
6 years ago
I absolutely agree (& appreciate) all advice! I was afraid of being too detailed but the help I've received has given much guidance. I'm pointing out a couple key things in hopes of helping me out even more building on these great tips. Included before photos (we have lived here for 9mo now so some is my poor choices/coupled w/financial patience+ happy decisions! Ready to tie it together & LIVE w/out mismatch/incomplete "one day" still lingering.

Before: So much blue pulled out more in fireplace/kitchen backsplash & did not like. It's more gray when not accented so that was 1st intention. I loved the blue loveseat but wanted something more practical(& less blue)..Green replaced it but seemed small (although matched main sofa)Added wall frame behind & knew coffee table would eventually not be larger than green couch. It's comfortably laid on (as if a chaise lounge) so turned out practical. The rug is absolutely too small which I worried about. We purchased on our own & after curtain fiasco's, settled with it actually "going" okay. The blue ikat chair was also going to be a (sad) sell considering it's comfy & swivels. Realized it would go very unique IF my rug were not the same.

Please note: I think swapping the orange/ivory couch pillows to tie in the new pieces would help? Larger, more neutral area rug but COMFY. Smaller, square & practical coffee table have been big concerns but thanks to you all....
*** I think a square/tufted ottoman top, "bench coffee table" may be solution? Possibly with gold/antique silver legs to match end tables? or something white washed/gray weathered-- not TOO farmhousey--- to tie in mirror & "bar" shelves. Rug must be MUCH larger but still at loss for exact type/color. (afraid I will overdue it... OR that a neural style will end up uncomfortable AND orangey/outdoor looking.)

**Kitchen bar stools are also going to be replaced as they don't go well with space so suggestions for those more than welcome! Large space between dining table windows is terrifying. Will take time I am afraid.Needs to be just right for blank 10FT+ of space! Eventually raising window curtain height above actual windows would make the space seem larger & continue the theme of French Country Farmhouse meets a COMFY, Eclectic Minimalism? I am to the point of *wishing* I could just hire someone!!!
Kimberly Combs
Original Author
6 years ago
And.... I just wrote a novel!
Kimberly Combs
Original Author
6 years ago
I dislike everything about the rug I chose regardless of the fact the coffee table will not be the same. I tend to change decor seasonally & enjoy doing so but now struggle & end up spending too much $ as is. I feel largly due to all major pieces being not practical nor easy to accommodate + very open space. At times, second guess simply replacing with large sectional etc. however, did like some of the elegance & it's been challenging enough to sell the furniture throughout the house that's expensive beautiful and simply not our style. Ideally and maybe 1 one day will make significant modifications (such as built in bookshelves on each side of fireplace, new light fixtures above island & replace current backdoor to our LOVELY porch with window & window with doors instead)
Joanna Biddolph
6 years ago
Having a covered ottoman would introduce another fabric and texture when you already have too much going on and are finding it hard to tie it all together. Plus it wouldn't be practical as a coffee table - you need a solid flat surface that is easily cleaned/wiped. Also, I am not sure a square coffee table would be right in an oblong space; it would look wrong and out of place. Live with the existing shape and see if it works practically - can anyone reach it when sitting down and needing to put down a coffee or drink? I think perhaps you are trying too hard to get it right and that letting it evolve gradually would be best. Also, changing it seasonally - what a lot of pressure! It is very open, as you say, but you are creating zones which is the right thing to do. Make them more defined and you'll have sorted it. In the sitting area, yes, take away the pale cushions, get a much bigger and bolder rug and, later, think about the coffee table as the rug will have added a new dimension and made it look and feel different. Put something bolder on the table behind the sofa - a vase of strong coloured flowers or a plant arrangement - and take some things away. It's too pale and bitty and needs focus. Put something bolder on the coffee table. With the curtains ... consider roman blinds instead - they are neater. But do it gradually. At the moment, you seem to be overwhelmed by it al.. Step by step is good if you, like me, can't afford an interior designer.
Kimberly Combs
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you! I further explained to make an attempt to better convey what/why I am now asking for help but may have overwhelmed my own post. I have taken it all slowly as it's going on a year living with this space and slowly adjusting. The things I request specific help for are because I dislike or impractical as stated and am at a loss. The coffee table is huge + glass & yes beautiful but not practical for our family/needs. We spend most of our time here & are unable to kick up our feet comfortably, nor lay anything down on without loud scare since so fragile. We also have a big inside dog and many friends pups and we adore and play with inside. I have lots of very young nieces/nephews that it is simply not practical by any means. Seasonal decor is a hobby and enjoyment of mine that will not change. I absolutely over think things & am sorry to overwhelm or confuse advice I'm seeking by adding more info but only intended to clarify my lifestyle & current situation :) I do appreciate the advice being given if it does suggest sticking to what I have because the comments all add extra consideration for many things now or to come!
Joanna Biddolph
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Such pale colours and formality for a house with kids and pets! I thought it was for a couple who have lots of dinner parties. Get rid of the coffee table immediately; it's completely wrong for your lifestyle.
Lynne Saunders
6 years ago
Suggest a painted wooden table with turned legs say bluish grey on a plain but textured rug.