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Want to add warmth and style to your dining area? Discover our expert tips for placing a rug under the dining table.
A well-styled dining room is not only a sign of good taste but also a guarantee that you will enjoy dining with family and friends. Therefore, we need to think both of form and function and consider every element alongside our dining table.
A rug under a dining table has many benefits for your room. Let’s check them out.
Dining room rugs
The table is, of course, the focal point of the room, but several stylish additions can modify the overall ambiance. The perfect dining room rug, for instance, can add lots of value to your dining room. So, which is the best dining room rug?
Short pile and flat weave rugs for the dining room
Image source: Plain & Posh
Let’s begin with the obvious choice. We’ll lean a bit more to the practical side, and advise you to get rugs that don’t stain easily. Low-pile and flat-weave rugs facilitate movement in the room and require less cleaning or maintenance. Consider Moroccan carpets, shag rugs, or any other thick fabric.
An intimate atmosphere with Bohemian rugs
Image source: Advanced Building Concepts, Inc.
Get a Bohemian rug for classy dining rooms that need a bit of warmth. A long dining room table could use also lanterns and floor cushions, ideally reaching in color and motifs. To give you an idea, check out Southwestern rugs with tribal patterns or intricately distressed Persian carpets.
If you want the dining experience to be truly Bohemian, consider the feel rather than the looks. The rug should foremost be comfortable. You can always choose vibrant colors and textures to add drama and inspire conversations.
Wool rugs
Image source: nuLOOM
Wool rugs stand for quality and durability. They are a timeless choice that never fails to surprise, and their luxury appeal is unparalleled. Plus, we are talking natural fiber that blends seamlessly with other natural materials in the dining room, especially wood.
Any wool rug or plush rug will be easy to clean, and can easily be repurposed when you no longer need it. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that wool rugs can be a bit pricey.
Patterned rugs
Image source: Nurzia Construction Corporation
Who said dining room rugs need to be formal? Nowadays, dining rooms are family-styled and fun! That being said, you should brighten up the room and add a cheerful color. A patterned rug will do this easily, and it will be the perfect finishing touch.
Rustic rugs for more traditional dining rooms
Image source: Samad
A rustic rug can turn your dining room into your favorite get-together place. A traditional, country-charm dining space would look amazing with a braided rug, or even a sisal rug on the side.
The colors are usually moody and pastel, but you can still choose a pattern that makes the room more cheerful. If this is the case, go for rugs with plaids or stripes. The results will amaze you, but also all of your family members and friends.
Sisal rugs
Image source: Frederick + Frederick Architects
Going back to sisal rugs, there is hardly any more piratical dining room rug. these rugs are perfect for the dining room and the kitchen because you can clean them easily using nothing but a sponge.
An interesting fact is that sisal rugs are flame resistant and you won’t need to worry about them while cooking. Last but not least, they look inviting and comfortable.
Turning rugs into focal points
Image source: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Many homeowners begin decorating a dining room the non-traditional way. Instead of looking for the perfect dining room table or dining chairs, they focus on the rug first.
This is a great decision! Rugs are there to set the tone of the room and bring the palette of colors together. If you accessorize with the right cushions or artwork, they can become the main and most favorite items in the room.
Cotton rugs
Image source: Country Joe Homes
A dining room needs a natural touch. If a wool rug goes over budget, pick a nice cotton rug to invite nature into the room.
Cotton rugs are also easy to maintain and you can wash them without worrying that they will be ruined. keep in mind though, that cotton rugs are not very durable, and you will need to replace them quite often.
Checkered rugs
Image source: Wolstenholme Associates, LLC
Checkered rugs are perfect for rustic, farmhouse-inspired dining rooms. Go for a warm, yet modern color, and ensure the size is appropriate for the dining room table. Once you see how adorable these rugs are, you will want one that spreads throughout the entire room!
Mid-century rugs for socializing in the dining room
Image source: Mackenzie Collier Interiors
Of course, it may as well be that you need a dining room that can entertain, rather than a cozy, family-friendly space. Mid-century rugs create a more festive atmosphere in any room, and dining rooms are no exception.
On top of that, mid-century rugs come in many different colors and fabrics. The classic choice would be cotton or wood, as both materials are easy to clean and maintain. We don’t have to tell you how important this is in a busy, frequently used dining room.
Image source: nuLOOM
In terms of size, you’d ideally get a rug that fits exactly under the dining room table and the dining chairs. The rule of thumb dictates 18 inches from both edges of the table and chair legs. It would make sense to try various options before you decide on the size.
Last but not least, mid-century rugs are charming and beautiful. They come in vibrant patterns and colors and inspire long, lively dining parties.
Jute rugs
Image source: Marianne Simon Design
Jute rugs will also look awesome under the dining room table. You can choose among many colors and textures, which means that the style of your dining room won’t matter.
We are also talking of durable rugs with low-pile height. This makes them both comfortable and easy to clean.
The shape of the rug under the dining table needs to match the shape of the table itself
Image source: Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design
This comes without saying, but if you have a round dining table, choose a round rug. The same goes for a square rug, oval rug, or rectangular rug. You can astray from this rule if you feel particularly playful, but make sure you get some expert designer help.
Coastal rugs for fine dining
Image source: Lauren Nelson Design
The coastal decor makes the mood more relaxed and is thus perfect for entertaining. It doesn’t even have to be blue – any light, the airy tone will set the right mood for entertaining. You can choose whatever works for your dining table!
Coastal rugs are sophisticated and rich in soothing, subdued tones. Your guests will enjoy their meal but also feel welcome and relaxed in your dining room. Needless to say, a coastal rug is a perfect choice for a beachside, regardless of the rest of your decor.
Image source: Studio McGee
When it comes to colors or patterns, there are no rules. We recommend you choose a simple rug under the dining room table and support the look with similar accessories. An excellent idea is to bring in smaller, nautical-print rugs in other areas of the room.
Polypropylene rugs
Image source: BuildSense
Looking for a dining table rug that is easy to maintain? You’ve got a winner!
Polypropylene (or olefin) is the best material for rugs. This is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t stain easily but provides the same level of comfort as woolen rug wood. It is very durable and easy to wash, which makes it a great addition to the dining room table.
A dining room rug with geometric prints
Image source: Lilium Designs
Why not? Geometric prints are very playful! The right color can easily warm and energize the space, especially if your furniture is simple and neutral. Give it a go – you won’t regret it!
Traditional rugs
Image source: Susan M Stella Design
If you want the dining space to be more formal and serious, traditional rugs are your winner. They come in multiple colors and designs, but the tone they set is subtle and inviting. We would particularly recommend them to homeowners who like entertaining and throwing parties.
When we say traditional, we mean fabrics such as silk or wool. While it is good to preserve a calm mood, you can pick rugs with intricate designs and warm tones. Common choices include red, yellow, and green.
Image source: BWArchitects
The most important feature of your traditional rug is its size. The dining room rug needs to be tailored to the room, and follow the overall theme and setting. If we assume your dining room is more of an informal space for casual gatherings, the design should be much simpler.
Once you go shopping, read the descriptions on the rug. This will help you understand whether the dining room rug is easy to maintain.
Bamboo Rugs
Image source: IKEA
Bamboo rugs are the perfect companions for your dining table. They are not as large as other rugs but have a comparable effect on the room. Most homeowners opt for a hand-loom rug but you can also pick a machine-made rug to cut the costs.
The true value of these dining room rugs is that they are stylish and substantial. They come in many different shapes, so you can even get a runner under your dining table.
Carpet tiles
Image source: SHED Architecture & Design
Consider interlocking carpet squares to enhance the natural look of the room. You can customize these rugs any way you want them. They come in all shapes, sizes, patterns, and textures.
Most importantly, if a piece of the rug gets stained, you can easily replace it without replacing the whole rug.
Nylon rugs
Image source: Pro Care
Nylon rugs are very similar to polypropylene and are therefore very durable and firm. They are even softer and more appealing under the dining table.
Their stain resistance may be lower compared to polypropylene rugs, but you can treat and clean them just as easily. Upon need, you can wash the entire rug and remove all food spills at once. This is a quality that should not be ignored.
FAQs on placing a rug under the dining table
What size rug should I get for my dining table?
If you’re shopping for a rug to go under your dining room table, experts say it should be at least 8 to 10 inches bigger on both sides of the table. The chairs may be easily slid in and out of the area thus created.
Should the rug under the dining table be centered?
The rug under the table should be positioned in the middle of the room. This guarantees that the rug is visible from all angles and produces a harmonious overall effect.
How much rug should show around the dining table?
Chairs should be able to slide in and out from under the table without getting caught on the rug’s fringe. Having 8-10 inches of rug visible on all sides of the table is the norm and highly recommended.
What shape of rug works best under a dining table?
Under a dining table, you’ll most often find a rectangular or square rug. Nonetheless, if the room isn’t too formal, a rug in a round or oval shape can do just well.
Can I use a patterned rug under a dining table?
Using a patterned rug in the dining room is a great way to spice up the space. Nonetheless, you should pick a design that works well with the room’s existing decor and does not stand out too much.
Should the rug under a dining table extend beyond the chairs or stop at the edges?
A dining room rug should surround the table and drape over the chairs on all sides. This helps to establish the table and chairs as permanent fixtures in the room by giving them a distinct physical location.
What materials are best for a rug under a dining table?
Rugs placed under a dining room table should be made of a stain- and wear-resistant material, such as wool, nylon, or polypropylene. If you want to avoid damage, stay away from silk and viscose.
Can I use multiple rugs under a dining table for layering or to create a cohesive look?
Indeed, a room can benefit from having more than one rug under the table. You may make a bigger, neutral rug the focus of the room by overlaying it with a smaller, patterned rug.
How do I clean a rug under a dining table?
Maintaining a rug in front of a dining table requires regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Sometimes it’s best to bring in the pros to do a thorough cleaning.
Can I use a rug pad under a rug under a dining table?
A rug pad placed underneath a rug placed beneath a dining table might help to prevent the rug from sliding about. More comfort for your feet is another benefit.
If you enjoyed reading this article on what rug to add under the dining table, you should check out this one about ideas for rugs that go with grey floors.
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