Your Guide to Placing a Rug Under a Dining Table
Posted On April 25, 2023For some people, dining areas are functional and perfunctory spaces that solely exist for quick meals. But for others, a dining room is an intimate place where families gather and spend time together, and thus should exude the perfect, coziest mood and atmosphere in terms of design and styling.
There are plenty of ways to make your dining room feel homey and elegant, from filling it with sophisticated furniture to adding pops of color and art on the walls. But decorating your dining area with an exquisite hand-knotted rug is one of the best ways to elevate the ambiance of your dining room.
But should a rug go under a dining table in the first place? Today, we’ll give you the lowdown on why you should consider decorating your dining space with a rug, how to pick out the best one, and how to determine the size of your area rug under the dining table.
Should a Rug Go Under a Dining Table?
Some people might find the idea of a rug under the dining table a bit of a hassle. Rug owners might be concerned about wearing out their beloved handmade rugs due to the table and chairs scratching the surface. Pet owners might be worried about the fur and dirt that would accumulate on the rug. Plus, spills from food and drink can be a nightmare to wash out.
This begs the question, should a rug go under a dining table?
Anyone who enjoys a visually appealing dining room knows that all of those are a small price to pay for the comforting and luxurious ambiance a rug under a dining table brings. It adds elegance and beauty to the room, yes. But it also has a ton of other benefits, like:
It ties the dining room together
Most hand-knotted, artisanal rugs are eye-catching and show off an intricate design pattern that reflects the culture of the region they originate from.
Rugs are an excellent accent piece to add to a room that feels like it’s missing something. They’re the perfect centerpiece to tie the look and feel of your dining space together, thanks to their captivating effect.
It defines the dining space
Adding a rug under your dining table is a great way to define how ample your dining space is, especially if you have an open floor plan. Rugs can also create room “sections,” which are useful for smaller dining areas that share a space with the kitchen or living room.
It protects your flooring
Draping an exquisite rug under the dining table isn’t just about the aesthetic beauty it brings. It also has a more functional purpose: keeping your wooden floors scratch-free and pristine. In addition, a rug can protect your beloved floors from noticeable wear from dragging the chairs and tables over and over.
It adds cozy comfort to the room
A rug adds extra comfort for anyone walking over it. There’s nothing like coming home from a long day at work, taking your shoes off, and walking over a soft, plush rug to have dinner with your family while basking in the comforting ambiance of your dining room. In short, rugs add an element of relaxation to the dining space.
How to Place a Rug Under a Dining Table
If you’re convinced that adding a rug under the table is the best styling move for your dining room, the next step is to know how to place a rug under a dining table.
But we’re not here to teach you to lift your furniture and drape your rug across the floor. How to place a rug under a dining table has to do more with stylistic prowess and understanding the vibe you want your dining area to give off.
The key is to ensure that the rug you position under your dining table makes sense with the overall style and aesthetic of the room. If you want the space to feel light and neutral-toned, you can choose a minimalist rug. If you don’t like a room that looks stiff and plain, select a carpet that features bold colors or an eclectic pattern for a more relaxed, bohemian look.
Placing a rug under your dining table is all about intention. Here are other ways to place a rug in your dining room:
- Add a colorful, graphic rug if you want your room to have a fun personality
- Choose a big rug with deep red and brown hues to add warmth and coziness
- Go for light-colored rugs for a neutral or romantic touch
How Big Should Your Rug Under the Dining Table Be?
Aside from the style of your rug, you should also be concerned about rug size. So, how big should the rug under your dining table be? The simple answer is: it depends.
Nobody wants a rug that is too small because it can create uneven flooring between the table and chairs. It also doesn’t look elegant. On the other hand, a rug that is too large is also nonsensical, as all it does is make the room look like it’s being swallowed up by a carpet.
When asking yourself how big should your rug under the dining table be, try to picture what would be most comfortable for the people dining there. The carpet must be big enough for people to freely slide their chairs without scratching the floor or tripping the rug. It’s best to get a rug that is bigger than the entire dining space.
How to Determine the Size of the Area Rug Under Your Dining Table
The last step is how to determine the size of the area rug under your dining table. The general rule of thumb is to measure the space that the table and chairs occupy first and then add about 20 to 30 inches on each side. That way, you never have to worry about chairs snagging on the rug during meals.
It would be best if you also considered any furniture near your table and chairs, like cupboards. Make sure your rugs don’t drape over or extend past these items.
Rugs Can Effortlessly Elevate Any Dining Room
Rugs are the perfect interior design centerpiece for adding an opulent yet cozy touch to your dining room. When placed under the dining table, it defines the space, adds a layer of comforting homeyness to your room, and even protects your flooring.
Finding the perfect rug to go under your dining table can be taxing and overwhelming. Luckily, you can’t go wrong with Cyrus Rugs’ wide selection of stylish, artisanal dining room rugs. They come in various sizes, colors, and patterns, so there’s a little something for everyone, depending on your preferred dining room style!
