An area rug can add a burst of color to your dining room and make it feel more spacious. When selecting an area rug for your dining room, look for a size, shape, and material that will fit your furniture, the room’s color scheme, and your lifestyle.
Find a Rug That’s Big Enough, But Not Too Big
An area rug should be large enough to accommodate your dining room table and chairs. If your table has leaves that can be inserted to make it longer, the fully extended table should be able to fit on the area rug.
The rug should extend at least 2 feet beyond the edges of the table. That way, when people push their chairs away from the table to stand up, the chairs will still be on the rug. If the area rug isn’t large enough, chair legs can get caught on the edge of the rug or scrape the flooring under it.
A rug that’s too big can make your dining room feel cramped instead of spacious. There should be 1 to 2 feet between the edges of the rug and the walls.
Choose a Shape That’s Right for Your Dining Set
As long as the proportions work, an area rug that’s the same shape as the table can give your dining room a sense of balance and harmony. For example, a rectangular area rug can pair well with a long dining room table.
If you want to take a less traditional approach, you can buy an area rug that’s a different shape than the table. Just make sure that there will be enough space for people to pull their chairs out.
Think about the size and layout of your dining room and the other furniture in the room. You might find a rug that’s the right size for your table, then realize that its shape won’t work with your hutch.
Find the Right Color and Style
Look for a rug with a color and pattern that will complement your dining room furniture. If the room has white walls and a light-colored wood table, a rug with a dark, bold color can provide a stunning contrast. If you have a dark-colored dining room table, you can brighten the room a bit with a rug in a lighter color.
Select a Rug That Fits Your Lifestyle
When shopping for rugs, remember your dining room’s purpose. People will gather there to eat meals on special occasions, and possibly on a daily basis. Food and beverages will inevitably get spilled.
Look for a rug made with a durable and stain-resistant material. Some area rugs are even machine washable. A rug with a flat weave or a low pile will be easier to clean than one with a higher pile. Find a color or pattern that will be able to hide stains, just in case you can’t get the rug clean.
