When it comes to the interior design of your dining room, selecting the appropriate dining room rug will be one of the most important decisions you have on your plate to make. If you choose your rug well, it has the potential to bring the entire space together, as well as to produce an atmosphere that is cozy and welcoming for your guests.

Though as you probably know, there are so many dining room rugs available nowadays, both online and in-store; how are you supposed to choose the ideal one for your space? When it comes to finding the perfect dining room area rug for your space, there are a handful of different factors that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you make the right choice. We here at Decorsify are here to help, and with this blog series we’re making pit-stops in all the important rooms in your home, to help you decide how to best amplify its decor. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about choosing a dining room rug.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Size Rug

Before you go out and buy dining room rugs, it is imperative that you first decide on the appropriate size for your area by measuring its dimensions. A rug that is too small will not give adequate coverage and can look out of place, while a rug that is too large will dominate the space and make it feel like it is too small for its intended purpose.

Your dining room rug should be at least two feet larger than your dining room table on all sides as a general guideline for dimensions. If you do this, you will have sufficient space to pull out chairs without worrying about your legs getting caught on the edge of the rug.

When choosing the size of a rug for your dining room, it’s essential to consider the amount of foot traffic passing over it. For example, if your dining room is placed beside a corridor or another high-traffic area, you may want to choose a rug on the smaller side so that it doesn’t obstruct the flow of foot traffic.

On the other hand, if you're going to make your dining room the focal point of the room and want to create a warm ambiance, a larger rug that goes beyond the table and chairs is one thing that can help you achieve that look. 

Shapes Galore: Choosing the Right Shape Dining Room Rug

After establishing the appropriate dimensions for your dining room area rug, the next step is to consider its shape. Although rectangular rugs are the most popular option, you do not have to limit yourself to just that selection. For example, if you have a round dining table, you might want to consider getting a round dining room rug to go with it. This will help to emphasize the circular nature of the table.

While choosing the shape of your dining room rug, another factor to consider is the configuration of your actual dining room. Basing the shape of your rug off of only your dining room table won’t always work, especially if you have unusually-shaped rooms, any arched doorways, shelves, or other furniture that has to be taken into account. Take note of everything in your dining room when you’re choosing your rug, to make sure that it won’t clash with any of your already-existing items.

Style Savvy: Picking the Right Style for Your Dining Room Rug

Your dining room rug style can be anything you want it to be, so the possibilities are endless. Though we know that’s not exactly the most helpful information, so we’ll narrow it down a little further for you. There are a wide variety of dining room rug ideas available, ranging from classic Oriental carpets to more contemporary geometric designs.

Take a look at your dining room and its contents, and pay attention to the theme that you want to achieve. If your furniture is hardwood or bronze metal, or you have a lot of exposed-wood accents, then a more rustic-style rug might be your best choice. On the other hand, if you have a lot of silver accents and your furniture is more minimalist and neutral, then a contemporary rug might work to your benefit. The style options are indeed endless, but if you have a goal in mind for the scheme of your dining room, that makes your decision-making a whole lot easier.

Color Cues: How to Choose the Right Color Dining Room Rug

Last but not least, give some thought to the hue of your rug for the dining room. The colors in the rest of the space should be complimented by the colors in your rug, which will also bring everything together.

A daring and colorful rug is a great way to inject individuality into a room, even if the walls are more subdued. If, on the other hand, your walls are already a vibrant color, a rug with a more muted tone might be a better choice for the room to provide a sense of equilibrium. You never want your rug to overpower the rest of your decor, or for your decor to overpower your rug and make it unnoticeable. Balance is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size rug should I choose for a dining room?

A: The length and width of your dining room rug should primarily be determined by the size of your dining room table since this will be the room's focal point. For your rug to fit correctly below your table, the table should be at least several inches wider on all sides than the rug. A larger rug will free up enough space for chairs to be brought out, and when those chairs are used, there will be enough area for everyone to sit comfortably. If you choose a rug that is too small for the space, it may make the room out of balance. Also, it may make it difficult for guests to draw out their seats and sit comfortably.

Q: Can I use a smaller rug in my dining room?

A: Even though it could be tempting to go with a smaller rug to save money, choosing one large enough to fit your dining table and chairs is crucial. The rug will serve as a foundation for the room's aesthetics. It will be challenging to draw out chairs and relax comfortably if the rug is too small for the room. This will give the sense that the area is unbalanced.

You can use a smaller rug in your dining room as an accent rug, however. Use a larger one underneath your table, but use a smaller 2x3 size rug to place in front of any bars, or by any doors to add an extra layer of depth to the room.

Whether you're in the process of re-decorating, or the idea is just on your mind, hopefully you've realized the impact that different rugs can make on the areas of your home - your dining room included. Dining rooms a rea focal point of the home, and a highly-trafficked area, especially for those with larger families that eat around the table more often. A rug might seem like a waste of effort due to the risk of spills or dropped food, but really your dining room can't be complete without an area rug underfoot. 

Take a look at Decorsify's online listings if you're starting out on your dining room revamp, as we have a large number of rugs available that might end up being the perfect fit for you. As long as you follow the tips in this guide, and pay attention to the different factors that go into your choosing, you're guaranteed to pick the perfect rug for your space. Good luck, and happy shopping!

If you need any other tips and tricks for redecorating the different areas of your house, be sure to take a look at our other blogs. Also follow us on social media for all the inspiration you could ask for!