Your rug is darker than the inspiration rug. It will never look like that

Matching the color of the table apron might be more successful.

Would you absolutely hate me if I suggested pulling the yellow from your table runner and painting the chairs yellow? lol :-D

Thanks so much for responding, Beverly and ODD!

Beverly, I really appreciate the mockup you did. It is very helpful. I see what you are saying about the rug. In truth the rug does look lighter IRL than the way it photographed but it is still less vibrant than the one in the photo. Even though I could go with the chairs that matched the table apron, when I saw them I just wasn't feeling it. This is a large room with a lot of white everywhere, including a white beadboard ceiling, and I am thinking the blue will be a nice change and something different.

I'm thinking now I will stick to my original color choice; BM Hale Navy. My reason for hesitation is that it is very dark, and now I'm not so sure that is a bad thing. Here is another photo I found that uses black chairs:

Our setup is similar to this but we have dark navy granite counters. The Hale navy will contrast well with the rug and if it looks similar to this I can see it working.

ODD, I'm not mad at your suggestion, haha! I have thought of it myself. I've thought of using yellow or another bright color too. I'm seeing a darker color as a good thing here since everything is so light. I think the term is it would "ground" the space?

Thanks again for weighing in and wish me luck!

I just had a thought....maybe grey chairs? They would contrast the table but not have the chairs "pop" so much. Truth is, I'm not crazy about the look of the chairs but they are sturdy and the cost of painting was much cheaper than new. I wonder if a grey paint would make them less noticeable, if that makes sense.

I like the navy.

I hate to throw this out while it’s coming down to the wire ... and I am NOT a paint color expert ... but wondered if you’d ever looked at BM Old Navy? Do you think it’s too dark?

Door in Old Navy:

I like the BM Marine Blue on the strip in Beverly’s post, too, as well as the Hale Navy. Big help, huh? 😬

Good luck! Can’t wait to see afters. :)

I have dark charcoal, almost black kitchen chairs. They are a pain to dust, they show everything. I wish I’d chosen something lighter! FYI

Good point Bette! Got a bad case of analysis paralysis on this one, lol! Another concern I have is that the coral cushion, navy chair, white apron, weathered wood table to, might just be too much going on. Cushions are essential for comfort. And there will be eight chairs!

Hi there- Hale Navy is always a classic choice. I have used this shade for furniture, cabinets, doors, moldings etc.. You can purchase a small jar to test as well.

Third + Windsor Interior Design

OK, all, thanks for your help! Hale Navy it is....and they will be here next Wednesday! Fingers and toes are definitely crossed :) Each navy color I look at seems to have a little green or purple in it. The Hale Navy pops up again and again on image searches. I see it referred to often as "classic" so that is a good sign. It seems to have the least amount of undertone, and I'm thinking there's a reason that it's so popular....it must look good!!

I am thinking I may be making new chair cushions but the good news is, I can do that if I don't like them with the navy chairs or it's too busy.

Grey chairs were a good option too, but I try to go back to my first instinct when I get nervous about a choice. I have never been in love with grey chairs, but I do love navy. So it seemed like I should try it. If it doesn't work, there's always Craigslist!!!

I’m excited for you! I think you’re going to love them.

Do navy chairs and replace the rug. You don't have to do it immediately.

Here are some examples of patterned rugs that would look great in your room. I know this is not your room, but these photos have blue chairs and a similar table.

This outdoor rug is $289 before discounts.

Look at SW Naval.

Thanks Beverly! I have been thinking the same thing. The rug we have in place now is an indoor outdoor rug that was very inexpensive. We could replace it pretty easily. Your photos really help!

I'm happy with my decision now that the analysis paralysis phase is over! There are always risks in decorating, especially custom pieces. But my biggest mistakes have been made when I choose something mainly because it goes well with everything. I think you need to love whatever it is you are choosing on its own merits or you will tire of it quickly.

itsourcasa, I love Naval too but in this case it had to be a BM color. I don't trust them to match it.

Ah, gotcha! Naval definitely has more blue in it.

Sounds like you are considering a new rug, which I think would be a great addition. Given the table’s light wood legs, suggest a rug that has a lighter feel with only a touch of navy

Maureen, thank you! That is beautiful. I've also considered a jute rug. Definitely something that will play well with the navy chairs. Current rug can find a new home somewhere....probably goodwill!

Jute is not a great one to use under a dining table, harder to clean and the fibres tend to pull. I have a jute in a long hall and one in basement and I have to routinely push through the fibers back into place.

You could try selling your rug on Marketplace. I have also given things away and I can’t tell you how nice it felt when I knew they were so happy. You can leave on doorstep for pickup.

My (unfortunately, window-less) hall bathroom is Hale Navy (ceiling will be, too, soon!), and we really love it. :-D It's like my favorite pair of dark jeans. <3

Thanks ODD! I decided that a color with so many fans must look good! I’m still a little nervous about it but glad I decided to give it a try.

Oh, they look wonderful! I’m so happy for you. :)

Fabulous, glad you made that choice of colour, I love it.

Thank you both! This forum is so wonderful. It's always helped me find a good result when I take the time to post questions here.

Looks great!!

Amazing!!! Love love love

Oooooooooh so pretty!!! <3 That room makes me smile. :-D

I was excited to come and see if you made a decision and even better the chairs are done. I love that color!! They came out great.

jam,, they look really good. how were they painted? (sprayed, lacquer,??)

Jjam the chairs look wonderful! I am looking to have half of my dining room wall painted Hale Navy. I am afraid it may be too dark so I am also considering Newburyport Blue as you were. Your chairs came beautiful and do not look as dark as I thought they would. I have very similar chairs that I will be using in my kitchen and I like the idea of having them painted the same color as the navy I might use in the dining room. As Beth H. asked, were they painted or sprayed?

Hi all and thanks everyone!

Beth, the chairs were sprayed; no lacquer. They were done by the same company who built the table and they are pros. Glad I didn't attempt these myself as the finish is gorgeous!

Lizzie, Hale Navy is definitely not as dark as I thought it would be, so much so that I'm having second thoughts today. Unlike yesterday, when the chairs were delivered, today was bright and sunny, and now they look more like a blue-grey than a dark navy. I wonder if it's possible that the color reads darker on walls than on furniture, and the sun really brought that out today.

I'm actually giving some thought to having them painted over with an even darker shade of navy. But beach light is tricky. It may be that because we get so much sun, I may have to overcompensate and go very very dark, almost black, to get a true dark navy look.

Still happy with the overall look but wishing they were just a bit darker....the place where I had them painted said they could paint over them again, so I'm considering it. If I do I will just have them do one chair first and bring it here to check the color in the bright light.

Thanks jjam. I’ll be possibly using Hale Navy or Newburyport Blue on my dining room wall. I don’t want it too dark. I’m going to paint some extra pieces of sheet rock with both colors and check it out in different lighting In the dining room. Love how your chairs came, and thanks for the update.

Great idea, Lizzie! They are both great colors. A lot will depend on how much natural light your dining room has. But don’t be afraid of the dark with hale navy!

Weve decided to keep the chairs as they are btw :)