How to Choose a Rug for Your Dining Room
Measure Well to Be Sure You (and Your Dining Chairs) Have Room to Move
It takes a little thought to find the right rug for your dining space. It should be long and wide enough on all sides to allow for chairs to slide in and out, and you have to watch out for other pieces of furniture you place in the room.
For a standard dining table (42” x 64") that seats 4-6, a rug that measures 8’ x 10’ is usually a good place to begin. But there other considerations that affect the size and style rug that you decide to use.
I recently researched area rugs for a clients’ dining room. It was a tricky situation because the room was narrow. I needed to visualize the rug size, so I used painter’s tape to map out the size it could be on the floor, then shopped for a similar sized rug. Here are some other pointers to help in your search:
For a standard dining table (42” x 64") that seats 4-6, a rug that measures 8’ x 10’ is usually a good place to begin. But there other considerations that affect the size and style rug that you decide to use.
I recently researched area rugs for a clients’ dining room. It was a tricky situation because the room was narrow. I needed to visualize the rug size, so I used painter’s tape to map out the size it could be on the floor, then shopped for a similar sized rug. Here are some other pointers to help in your search:
Arrange your furniture BEFORE determining your rug size. You should measure where your area rug will end so the rug does not get caught under the front of your server, sideboard, corner cupboard, or other piece of furniture.
Make sure your rug size includes some chair room. Measure the top of the table and add 24-30 inches to each side so you have room to easily pull out and push in a chair while sitting in it. It’s really a hassle if the dining room rug is not large enough and the back legs of your chair keep going over the edge of the rug.
Tip: Synthetic, machine-made rugs might be a better choice for your dining room because they allow chairs to slide easier than hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs.
Tip: Synthetic, machine-made rugs might be a better choice for your dining room because they allow chairs to slide easier than hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs.
If your dining space is set up so the table is centered but the rug is not, try a rug with an all-over design and no defining border or center medallion. This way your eye will not pick up on where the rug's center and edges actually are.
Leave breathing room between rug and wall. A large rug should leave at least 8 inches between it and the wall. A good rule of thumb in a dining room is to keep 18 inches of flooring uncovered around the perimeter of the room to showcase your rug and make your room feel larger. This will also assure that any floor registers and radiators will not be covered by rug.
Choose a rug shape that accentuates the shape of the table. If you have a round table, a round rug will look great. Remember to add 24-30 inches all around to your table’s diameter so the chairs have room to slide in and out.
If you have a square table, opt for a square rug shape to complement the table. And if you have a shiny finish on your table, choose a smashingly bold rug color.
Your rug color can help define a room and make it feel cozy. The rug color is the base for enhancing the color and texture of your dining room set. Contrast the stain color to make your furniture stand out.
For an eclectic feel, consider layering short-pile soft faux animal hide rugs to create the look of a larger one. It adds texture and softness to your floor.
For a long table in a narrower room, you can place two solid rugs side-by-side to cover the length without increasing width.
If you want to downplay the existing floor, select a large rug with a bolder, vivacious overall pattern. Leave at least 8 inches between the rug and the wall.
You may have a situation where you have no choice but to place the front legs of a buffet table or other furniture on the rug. Shim the back legs to keep the piece level.
Find a local rug dealer to help you pick out the perfect one
More:
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Oriental Rugs Beyond the Living Room
21 Ways to Arrange Carpet Tiles Like a Pro
Find a local rug dealer to help you pick out the perfect one
More:
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Oriental Rugs Beyond the Living Room
21 Ways to Arrange Carpet Tiles Like a Pro