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What size area rug for dining room?

9 years ago

Hi! I am finally ready to get a rug for my dining room, and have been getting conflicting information regarding size. My dining room is 12 x 16, so I will need a rectangular rug. I was thinking 9 x 12, but somewhere I read 10 x 15 was the standard for a room that size. That seems quite big to me! I really don't want to cover up that much of the hardwoods. Attached is a photo. I am contemplating purchasing an antique sideboard to go on the wall with my son's portrait, in which case I would move that chest or remove it from the room entirely (I live in fear of "cluttering up" my rooms!) I am planning on getting a "sisal-look" wool rug, with a tone on tone diamond pattern.

Here is room:

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Comments (12)

selcier
9 years ago
I agree that the 10' seems too wide. I think as long as you can push the chair out and stand up without it falling off the rug, you are fine.

Love the drapes!
justgotabme
9 years ago
I'm with Selcier. The easiest way to figure this out is to set in the chair at the table and slide it back to easily get out. Use that as a guide to what size rug you need.
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The rug is too small--it is smaller than your table. Quite a bit of it will be covered by the base and people won't be able to see much of it. Even a 5' x 8' rug might not be large enough--I've sat at more than one dining table perched on a 5' x 8' rug and the back legs of the chair weren't on the rug. If you want to add color to your dining room, can you return the rug and use the money to buy some artwork for the walls? Do you have curtains in the room? Or how about a tablecloth? Or some plants?
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Comments (8)
stinky - will do. After checking out sizes using a tape measure in the DR, an 8x10 would be practically wall-to-wall as bac mentioned. I need to get the furniture before I get the rug anyway, so the furniture will determine rug size. One thing I hate is when the legs get caught on a rug's edge. I found chairs that I really like in my casual style, and priced well, especially being solid wood (no veneer), so I'm waiting on a wood sample from the company. Once I have that, I can find a table that works well with the chairs. Unfortunately, the matching table as shown in last pic of these chairs is just too small at 36x60 oval. I'd prefer one at least 42-44" wide and a little longer. I understandand because of the pedestal, the chairs can't be pushed in all the way. That would bother me, so here I am looking for another table. Here's the chair in a Golden Cherry stain.
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8 x 10 is a pretty standard size for a dining table. You want to be able to pull back the chair from the table and keep all for legs on the rug. Here is a story for you: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-tips-for-getting-a-dining-room-rug-just-right-stsetivw-vs~32442746
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Comments (3)
Here is a picture of the space. I didn't want to share because of all of the personal photos but I figured out how to blur them. There seems to be a lot of visual space to work with but not much physical space.
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patricianat
9 years ago
Your room is lovely. You have been given good advice.
nini804
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all! That was great advice! I pulled the chairs out and used my handy-dandy tape measure. Actually, 8' would be fine for the width according to that...but since I have 12' to work with...I am thinking about going with 9'. As far as standard rug sizes go...I think 8' x 10' is the standard size for the 8' width, and I just think that would look too small. And, I occasionally use the leaves in the table, so the extra 2' feet in length would come in handy (9' x 12' size.)

I might be able to do a custom size, though, depending on where I get the rug from...would you recommend going a bit longer (9' x 13'?) or sticking with a 9' x 12' if any size were possible? Again, thanks so much!!
bonnieann925
9 years ago
Love your room! A 9x12 would be perfect. Try one out by going to your local oriental rug dealer and bringing a couple of rugs home. It will be the best way to determine the appropriate size. All chair legs should remain on the rug when in the pulled out position.

What style are you looking for? Such a fun project!
justgotabme
9 years ago
I think you made a good choice. To give you a visual of how that size would look in your room use painters tape.
tibbrix
9 years ago
You want 4 - 6 inches on the perimeter, so that would be an 8X12, with 4 inches, or 6 X 10.
Jules
9 years ago
Beautiful room! I love your window treatments and floor.

Sounds like you have the size figured out. Have you already selected a rug?
amykath
9 years ago
I would love to see what you have chosen! Your dining room is so elegant. I love the warmth, the high ceilings, crown molding, the curtains, the chandelierÃ¢ÂÂ¦. etc etc. I would love to sit down and have a lovely dinner there!
Holly- Kay
9 years ago
Nini, you have a beautiful room. I love it! please post photos once you have your new rug in place.
Arapaho-Rd
9 years ago
Have always loved your home. Can't wait to see the DR with your rug choice.
User
9 years ago
Love the room already! When choosing a rug you should take into account any increased length from leaves you will add for additional seating.

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