6 Rules for Choosing A Dining Room Rug + Pretty Rug Sources

Follow these 6 savvy, tried-and-true interior designer tips to confidently choose a dining room rug for your home. Plus, discover a variety of beautiful rug sources.

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An area rug in a dining room adds comfort, warmth, style, and color. It can also frame the dining room table, making the entire room visually pleasing! Rugs are soft pieces of furnishing that cover the area under and around the table, grounding it and the dining room chairs. Here are 6 rules to help you choose the PERFECT dining room rug!

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My Dining Room Rug Story

I’m the right person to write this post. I’ve made the best rug decisions. I’ve also ignored the rules and guidelines I know so well and made one very bad decision! Here’s my cautionary tale. Before we even moved into the Tanglewood House, I found a rug I adored for our dining area. To save money, I opted for a smaller size, thinking it would suffice. Big mistake!

Follow the advice in this post, NOT what I did when purchasing a dining room rug that was too small.

The image on the left was taken just a few weeks after we moved into Tanglewood. As you can tell, the rug is way too small for the table, the chairs, and the room. It makes the room look small and cramped!

The right image shows the dining room with a bigger round table and a larger rug—the same rug but a bigger size. And what a difference, right? The dining room looks more spacious, and the rug is the right size for the table and the room. I hope this is a big visual lesson you will remember! I know it was for me!

Now, let’s talk about 6 tips to help you choose a dining room rug.

Arrange Your Dining Room Furniture Without A Rug

Before you add a rug to your dining room, take this opportunity to arrange and rearrange ALL of your dining room furniture. Getting everything exactly where you want it will make measuring and picking the right rug much easier. Because our dining room is very open, getting the size right was crucial!

Find The Perfect Dining Room Rug Size

Here’s a great rule of thumb: Measure your dining table and add 20-30 inches. That’s your perfect rug size. Some recommend measuring with the table leaves extended and then adding 15-30 inches. I say it depends on how often you dine with the table extended. If it’s rare, the rug may look overwhelming.

I measured my table without the leaves and chose a larger size within the recommended range. The rug extends about 25 inches on all sides, making it very comfortable and visually pleasing.

The Right Shape For Your Dining Room

The shape of a dining room rug basically depends on three things…

• the shape of your dining room
• the shape of your dining table
• your personal preference

Let’s discuss a rectangular rug first, as it is the most common shape of rug in a dining room. No wonder a rectangular rug is the most popular shape; it usually looks effortless in most dining rooms because they are usually rectangles or squares. You can use any shape table with a rectangular rug.

An oval rug can also look beautiful in a rectangle-shaped room as long as the room and the rug are big enough to follow the rule of thumb for keeping the chairs on a rug when they are pulled out for someone to sit down.

An oval rug does not look as nice as a round table because the proportions will be off. Use an oval rug with a rectangular table.

Round rugs for a dining room can be very chic and unexpected in a good way if we consider a couple of things. A round rug in a rectangular or square room will look fabulous under a round table. But not an asymmetrical or round-ish room. A round table, in a round room, with a round rug under the table is not very interesting!

A square rug can work nicely with a round table! It will work best in a small room.

The Right Shape For Your Dining Room

Choosing the right shape for your dining room rug depends on three key factors:

1. The shape of your dining room
2. The shape of your dining table
3. Your personal preference

Here are the specifics of each rug shape to help you make the best choice for your space.

Rectangular Rugs

Rectangular rugs are the most common and versatile choice for dining rooms. Their popularity is no surprise since most dining rooms are either rectangular or square. A rectangular rug can effortlessly complement various table shapes, including rectangular, oval, and even round tables. This shape typically creates a balanced and curated look, making it a safe and stylish option for most dining room layouts.

Oval Rugs

Oval rugs can add a touch of elegance and softness to a rectangular-shaped room. They work well with rectangular tables, as their curves can contrast beautifully with the straight lines of the table and room. It’s important to make sure that both the room and the rug are large enough to follow the rule of thumb: keep the chairs on the rug even when they are pulled out.

Round Rugs

Round rugs can be a chic and unexpected choice for a dining room, bringing a unique look to your space. A round rug looks fabulous under a round table in a rectangular or square room, creating a focal point that draws attention. However, be cautious about using a round rug in an asymmetrical or round-ish room, as it might not create the visual interest you’re aiming for. Avoid the predictable combination of a round table in a round room with a round rug, as it lacks contrast and can appear monotonous.

Square Rugs

Square rugs can also be an excellent choice, particularly in smaller rooms. They work nicely with round tables, providing a geometric contrast that adds visual interest. A square rug in a compact dining area can create a cozy and well-defined dining space, making the room feel intimate and inviting.

By considering the shape of your dining room, the shape of your dining table, and your personal style preferences, you can select the perfect rug shape that enhances your dining room’s overall look and function.

Let Your Room Breathe

Your rug should not be so big that it covers your entire dining room. Let the edges of your room breathe! Ideally, you might like to have at least 6-18 inches of floor showing all the way around the room. This will define your eating space and supporting furnishings.

If your room is small, make sure your flooring shows at least a little bit.

Choosing The Right Rug Pattern And Color Scheme

Experts recommend choosing your rug first and then coordinating and styling your room around it. That is great advice, but what if you already have all your furnishings? I had a dining room table and four upholstered chairs. So, I looked for a rug that coordinated with the colors in my room and chose a patterned rug that would not compete with the patterns already in the dining room. 

Choose the colors of your rug with your whole house color palette in mind. I can’t stress how important this is. We all want a beautiful and cohesive home. We should choose a dining room rug that works with the color palette and style of the rest of our home in mind.

Think of a rug as art that goes on the floor! A rug can set the tone for the whole room!

Choose A Low-Pile Or Flat Rug For Your Dining Room

I am the queen of texture, but a rug with lots of texture may not be the best choice for a dining room rug! Low-pile rugs or ones that are relatively smooth will work best. A flat-weave rug is a great choice. Many flat-weave sisal and natural fiber rugs are perfect for a dining room.

Indoor/outdoor rugs are my dining room rugs of choice. They are easy to clean, low-pile, durable, and come in fabulous colors and patterns. Many are very suitable for even the most formal and elegant dining room.

If you love plushness, go for low-pile rugs like orientals in a dining room. There are some beautiful traditional and not-so-traditional oriental rugs in the market.

More Tips For Choosing A Dining Room Rug

Here are a few more tips that might be helpful…

• It’s okay to go without a rug- just make sure to put felt pads on the legs of your chairs.
• A cut carpet remnant with bound edges works great as a dining room rug
• Always use a rug pad.
• Sideboards, china cabinets, bar carts, and other decor accents in a dining room do not need to sit on the rug. They are fine standing on the flooring.

Shopping

Here are some great choices for dining room rugs. Many styles come in a variety of colors.

Choosing the perfect dining room rug will be much easier now that you know these 6 savvy tips!