Choose The Ultimate Area Rug for Your Dining Room

In the market for a dining room rug, but not entirely sure how or where to start? Here are six suggestions to help keep the search short and sweet.

1. Take your cue from the shape of the room

If a neat and orderly space for entertaining is your goal, opt for an area rug that mimics either the shape of the room or the shape of the dining room table, which should be centered on the rug.

Pro-Tip: For a more eclectic look, pair a round table with a square rug, or vice versa. If your table is centered but your rug isn't, all-over designs (no borders or focal points) are best.

2. Bigger is always better

Measure the width of your dining room table — the rug should extend 24 inches beyond each side of the table so shifting chair legs won't catch the rug's edge.

Pro-Tip: While your rug should always be larger than your table, keep floor space visible by creating a break (about 18 inches) between the edge of the rug and your floorboards.

3. Be resourceful

If you have a long dining room, try placing two narrow rugs top to bottom to increase length without compromising width.

Pro-Tip: Not a fan of your flooring? Downplay it by selecting a large rug –– with a richer, livelier pattern –– that can withstand the added foot traffic.

4. Stay on the simple side of cleaning

Prepare for spills by choosing a rug that has a finer, smoother surface and can endure a good scrubbing. Or, choose an indoor-outdoor rug that is already treated to repel spills and stains.

Pro-Tip: Natural materials are typically easier to scrub clean than blends. Darker colors and patterns will help conceal those inevitable oops moments. Check fabric instructions before using any cleaning agents.

5. A design state of mind

When furnishing a dining room, start from the ground up. Focus on making a rug selection first, setting the tone for your remaining choices of furniture, colors and decorative flair.

Pro-Tip: If your rug has a pattern, consider pulling one of the more subtle shades for the walls. Use bolder colors to guide your hunt for accent pieces, such as chair covers or artwork.

6. Playing with patterns

Neutral rugs serve as an anchor for more adventurous colors and textures elsewhere in the room. If your furniture is fairly subtle, try a rug with a pattern. If it's ornate, opt for a rug in a solid color.

Pro-Tip: Smaller rugs with bold patterns can help make your dining room look larger and open. If the rug has a focal point, remember that it will be covered by the dining room table.