How Big Should a Dining Room Rug Be?

How Big Should a Dining Room Rug Be?

When decorating your house, it's important to find the right rug to fit every room, including your dining room. Adding a rug to your dining room can bring warmth, color, and visual interest. But, as you begin to look at styles, you may wonder how big should a dining room rug be? Here are some tips and good rules of thumb to keep in mind.

 

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Dining Room Rug Measuring Tips

The first step to figuring out how big a dining room rug should be all comes down to measuring. While all dining rooms are a little different, here is some guidance to help you figure it out.

  • To get an accurate picture of how much floor space you have to work with, arrange furniture first. 
  • Measure your dining table, then add about 24 to 36 inches to each side. This will provide room for you to pull out chairs without damaging your hardwood floor. To help visualize this, a good rule of thumb is that you want all of the chair legs to be on the rug (not binding) when they are pulled out as if someone is sitting in the chair. 
  • Use tape to outline the rug shape around the table to get an idea of how it will look in the room.
  • For most dining tables, an 8x10' or 9x12' rug will work. A 5x8' rug is often too small.
  • To create a nice frame for your table and to make your room appear larger, leave about 18 inches of flooring uncovered on each side. 
  • Match the shape of your rug to the shape of the table. A circular rug would go well with a round-shaped table, while a rectangular table would look much better paired with a rectangular rug. 
  • If you have an unconventional setup or dining room, consider a custom-sized rug to make it work.

What Type of Rug Works in a Dining Room

Once you’ve figured out how big should a dining room rug be, you can move on to the material you want to use for your rug. For a dining room, you need a rug that is both fashionable and is easy to clean. Here are a few good options to look into.

  • Stain Resistant Sisal - The name says it all. You get the beautiful look of a natural fiber sisal rug, with the added bonus it can stand up to any spills.
  • Jute Rugs - If you’ve been wondering if a jute rug works in the dining room the answer is yes! Soft, durable, and easy to clean. Jute is an excellent option.
  • Polypropylene Rugs - Often used outdoors, polypropylene rugs work just as well indoors. They are both stylish, and you don’t have to worry about stains.
  • Seagrass Rugs - Seagrass is a natural fiber rug that comes in so many designs, and it’s meant to stand up to heavy usage.

Dining In

Now you know how big should a dining room rug be and what types of natural fiber rugs work in this part of the home. The only thing left to do is start looking for the perfect match. You can browse our extensive collection of rugs to find the perfect match. And don’t worry about the sizing. We offer custom size rugs to fit your dining room.

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