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.

Why Rug Size Matters in the Dining Room

The first step in finding your perfect dining room rug — a rug that sets the stage for a stylish dining session, meal after meal — is to find the right size.  

How to Measure a Dining Room Rug

Here are some tips to keep in mind when determining the right size for your dining room rug.

Arrange your furniture first

Arranging your dining room table and chairs first will give you a more accurate view of the space you have to work with. 

Measure your dining table

Then add about 24 to 36 inches to each side. This will give you enough room to pull out chairs without damaging your floor. To help visualize this, pull out the chairs as you normally would. You want to make sure that all legs are still on the rug, not on the rug’s binding.

Use tape to create an outline of your rug

Painter’s tape is perfect for this task as it usually peels away easily and is less likely to leave a residue. Using tape to create an outline lets you visualize how a rug will look in your dining space. If the size or shape doesn’t look right to you, simply pull up the tape and try again.

When in doubt, stick with standard sizes

For most dining tables, an 8x10' or 9x12' rug will work. A 5x8' rug is often too small.

Consider the size of your dining room

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.

Consider a custom-sized dining room rug

If you have an unconventional setup or dining room, consider a custom-sized rug to make it work.

Choose a Dining Room Rug That Goes with the Shape of Your Table

Match the shape of your rug to the shape of your table. Circular rugs go well with round-shaped tables. Square rugs go well with square tables. And rectangular rugs go well with, you guessed it, rectangular tables, though oval rugs can sometimes be a great choice for rectangular dining tables, and vice versa. 

Styling Tips and Ideas

Once you’ve figured out the shape of your dining room rug and how big it should be, now comes the fun part: Finding a style that fits your space and your taste. 

Designing your dining space from scratch? Your rug’s color and pattern is an excellent inspirational starting point for your dining room’s overall decor. 

If you’re like most people, though, you’re working with a space that’s at least somewhat decorated already. In this scenario, a contrasting style can really accentuate and liven up your existing decor. For example, a bold pattern can add personality to a room with a neutral color palette. Or, if your space is already vibrant, a simpler design might work better. 

You’ll also want to consider the style of your existing furniture. A vintage-styled rug can highlight the elegance of classic furniture, or it can create an eye-pleasing contrast with a modern table. If your dining space is already filled with contemporary furniture and decor, consider a geometric or abstract pattern.

Remember, your dining room rug will visually anchor your room, so make sure to center your table and chairs. This will allow you to create a cohesive and defined dining area. 

Best Materials for Dining Room Rugs

For a dining room, you need a rug that is both fashionable and easy to clean. Here are a few timeless options that fit this description.

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure that your rug and space look amazing, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when selecting a dining room rug. 

Choosing a dining room rug that’s too small

Choosing a rug that’s too small can make it more likely that you’ll eventually damage both the rug’s binding and the flooring surrounding your rug. Plus, needing to sit lopsided or lift chairs over the edge of the rug is a pain. 

Placing rugs too close to walls

A rug that’s too big, or too close to the walls, can overwhelm the space and make it look cramped. If the size of your dining table makes it impossible to keep your rug away from the walls, you may want to consider downsizing. A smaller table and rug may also allow for better traffic flow throughout your dining area. 

Choosing delicate fibers that can’t handle spills

No matter how well-mannered you are, your food and drink will eventually find the floor. Be prepared for spills and keep your dining room rug looking great by choosing a stain-resistant fiber. 

Dine in Style

Now that you know how big your dining room rug should be and what styles and fibers work best in this space, you’re ready to find your perfect match. Browse our extensive collection and find a rug that brings lasting beauty and style to your dining area.