How to Choose the Right Rug Size for Your Dining Room

Placing a rug in your dining room not only instantly changes the look of the space, but also the feel. Rugs add warmth to a space, absorb sound, and add a luxurious texture to walk on. But how exactly do you know what size rug to choose for a dining room? After all, the rug needs to comfortably accommodate moving chairs and high traffic without posing a tripping hazard. 

A dining room rug that is too small for the space can be a trip hazard and can look awkward. On the other hand, a rug too large for the dining room can easily overwhelm the space. To strike the right balance, you should consider the size and shape of your dining table, chairs and other furniture in the space, and the orientation of your room.

How Your Dining Table Influences Your Rug Choice

The size and shape of your table has a large bearing on the size and shape of the rug you choose. In general, the rug size should be based on the dining room table size.

For the best fit, be sure the rug is wide enough to allow spaces to pull out all the chairs, without the legs landing on the floor beyond the rug. This minimizes the chance of the rug becoming a tripping hazard. Adding at least 24 inches to all sides of your dining table will give you a good idea of how large the rug should be to comfortably accommodate the chairs. 

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a rug size is whether or not the table has leaves. Do you only use the leaves once or twice a year, or do the leaves come out most weekends? Ideally, it is best to measure with the leaves of the dining table fully extended so that the rug accommodates the table at its largest dimensions. If you rarely use the leaves, you may wish to choose your rug size based on how the table is set up on a routine basis.  

The shape of the table also greatly influences the rug you pick. Choosing a rug that complements the shape of your table keeps the space feeling harmonious. For example, a long, thin table looks best with a long rug. A round table looks best with a round rug. However, feel free to mix up this rule if you are going for a more eclectic vibe. In this case, a square rug could be used to contrast the round table, or an oval rug could be used with a rectangular table.   

How to Choose the Right Size Rug 

Adding a rug is a great way to add flair and personality to a space and is a great expression of personal taste. But no matter what kind of style you like, keeping a few things in mind for choosing dining room rugs may save you from choosing the wrong size. Even though that rug may be just the style you were looking for, it might not work well in your room if it doesn’t follow these general guidelines.  

• Size to the Table: Sizing your rug based on your dining table is the best way to ensure it properly fits the space. This will help you avoid trip hazards and a rug that seems too small or too big for a space.
• Always Accommodate Chairs: The guideline to pick a rug that is 24 inches larger than your dining table is a game changer when choosing a rug. This ensures that the chairs can slide in and out without catching the edge of the carpet. If the rug is smaller than this, it can not only become a nuisance but can ruin both your rug and your dinner party. A rug smaller than this can become caught, wrinkled, or buckled much easier, ruining the rug over time. And no one wants their guest tripping or getting hurt because of a snagged rug corner. 
• Consider Other Furniture in the Space: When deciding on the size of your dining room rug, you should definitely plan around any other furniture that may be in the space. If at all possible, avoid having the rug be so large that it must be put under the front legs of other objects, like a dining room sideboard or china cabinet. This not only makes the space feel off, but it also tilts these pieces of furniture off balance.    

Where to Place a Rug in a Dining Room 

When placing a rug in your dining area, it is always best to center it with the dining table. This brings your attention to the main feature of the room, the dining space, as well as grounds the room. So wherever your dining table is centered, that’s where the rug should be also. 

By keeping these sizing and placement tips in mind, you will be able to confidently pick out a rug for your dining room and give your gathering space a finished feel.