Just your basic jute rug from West Elm, nothing fancy. I have patterned Persian rugs in rooms that adjoin this one so I never wanted any distracting colors or patterns on the floor of the dining room. So, I've always had some version of a jute or natural fiber rug (prior to this one I had the diamond jute rug from West Elm). And while I've always liked the look of these neutral natural rugs, they do have their downsides. A. They shed (there is always a pile of sandy/dusty/gritty material under the edges of the rug), and B. I have two dogs and a cat, and let's just say they sometimes think the jute is grass, and well, you can guess the rest. Which leads to C. The natural fiber rugs are hard to clean. So, after a while, mine was looking pretty worse for the wear, so I took it the the recycling center. Now, my dining room looks like this . . .
I actually don't mind the bare floor, but I don't like the clashing browns of my dining table and floor. It was way less noticeable when there was a buffer rug between the two. And if you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen these . . .
Yes, I bought some new dining chairs. I got them at the Habitat Re-Store . . . they were such a good deal and I absolutely love the shape and black color (which needs some serious touching up, etc.). And, of course, they need new fabric so I got a swatch of this just to play around with.
Which led me to think about painting my walls a creamy color . . .
One thing leads to another. It's inevitable. So, basically now I want to change my entire dining room (table, chairs, walls, possibly chandelier, etc.). No big deal. To me, our current dining room looks a little formal, and we're not really a formal dining kind of family. More of a casual group.
Which leads me back to the floors . . . for now, I'm keeping them naked. Once other decisions are made, I'm sure it will become clear. Until then, here are some dining rooms I've been drawn to with naked floors . . .
Which leads me back to the floors . . . for now, I'm keeping them naked. Once other decisions are made, I'm sure it will become clear. Until then, here are some dining rooms I've been drawn to with naked floors . . .
Now, if I could just convince my uncle to switch dining tables with me, I'd be set (he currently has my dearly departed Grandmother's oval Saarinen style table which I covet).
What about you, do you like the bare/naked dining room floor look?
16 comments:
This very morning I got the rug back that sits under my dining table. It was gone a month at the cleaners and I missed it SO MUCH.
On the flip side, if you find yourself missing the soft touch underfoot you can always add a rug later.
I think it's fun to "go naked" for the summer months. Then when the weather turns cool, you can add some coziness with a rug then! M.
I like that idea a lot. I was thinking this morning my postage sized rug in the dining room is driving me crazy. Maybe I'll go naked too! Thanks for a great post.
I like the look of your natural fiber rug. If you want to go with another natural I have loved the seagrass rug in my kitchen. It doesn't absorb liquids and I just sweep it clean. I think your chairs do a good job of breaking up the brown tones too. Love the new ones by the way.
I went naked in our dining room and I've been thrilled with it. Love your new chairs too!
A couple of years ago I gave up on using a true oriental rug that I fretted over under the dining table; bare floors drove me crazy from the traffic noise. My DR decor is in the "churn phase" but I've been pleased with two pet-friendly easy to clean options: FLOR tiles (create your own design) and a hand tufted outdoor rug that has the look of a natural fiber but none of the shedding issues and hose-it-off clean ability, if needed. Good timing for you, large outdoor rugs are showing up with all the new patio items :) Looking forward to see what you decide ... love your new chairs.
I have to say I like the room better with the rug. But they are very high maintenance and hard to keep nice looking and especially with children or pets. But yes if you go bear you will probably have to rethink the the whole room or at least the furniture. Oh boy!
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
I can't wait to see this. I love your decisions. The fabric is amazing! :)
I love your naked floors, and those black chairs! It's so fun to change it up, and boy once you start, do we go down a rabbit hole! have fun though with your new look for spring! Love the fabric. Have a great weekend. HOpe you enter our giveaway! xo Nancy
I love the bare floors and the new chairs....
I know I'm late to the party on this one but my vote is rug. I like how they soften and ground the table and chairs. Either way it will look beautiful once you put your stamp on it.
Are you using a rug pad? I've had seagrass rugs and never had a shedding/mess problem, but you always need a pad to stop friction with the floor. The only thing that ever stained it was red jello (and yes, we had a dog issue, but the rug resolved.) I also have a Stanton polypropelene that looks just like natural fiber. Stanton is the only brand in the mid-range price that looks realistic that I've found, although a few samples from The Perfect Rug look promising.
Without a rug, I would worry more about crumbs/dust showing.
I am feeling the no rug look. Not sure what it is, but everything feels overdecorated to me. I like the idea of your new chairs and fancy fabric and pale walls and noooo rug. Clean.
I think not having carpet/rug in a room has its perks... like, less stuff to clean. Also, it looks more clean in my opinion. - Patrick Tan
We have a bare floor year round. It's just more practical for us. I love the look so no need for a rug.
Your idea sounds fantastic! I can totally relate to the frustration of having a postage-sized rug that just doesn't cut it in the dining room. And hey, if you're feeling bold enough to go naked, then why not? Your post was truly enjoyable for El Paso Drywall Contractors and gave me a good laugh. Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
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