Choosing the Right Rug for your Dining Room

Dining rooms are an important area of the home. However, they receive a lot of traffic and the occasional spill. It's important to choose rugs that can tie into the style of the room but are also practical. With so much going on in dining rooms, you'll need a rug that is easy to maintain and keep clean. A dining room rug must be durable and able to handle things like chairs being pushed out, spills, food droppings, pets and kids.

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we offer a large selection of rugs from top brands. Visit a store to see our rug selection in person or shop online and get free shipping on all area rugs.

Consider the Room

As you delve into dining room rugs ideas, consider the layout, size and style of the room. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and complements your dining room's decor.

Size of the Dining Room and Measuring the Space

Before you start browsing for rugs, take a moment to assess the size of your dining room. A well-measured space will help you avoid overcrowding or leaving awkward gaps.

To determine the appropriate rug size, measure the dimensions of your dining room and your dining table. If the rug will be under your dining table, add at least two feet to each side of the table. This allows enough space for chairs to slide out comfortably without catching on the rug's edge.

Consider Furniture Layout and Dining Room Style

Think about how your dining room is arranged. Is it open to other spaces, or is it more enclosed? The layout can influence the shape and size of the rug you choose. A round table might pair well with a round rug, while a rectangular table suits a rectangular rug.

Your dining room's style — whether traditional or modern — plays a crucial role in your rug selection. Traditional spaces may benefit from ornate, patterned rugs, while modern dining rooms might favor sleek, minimalist designs. Consider how the rug can complement or enhance the existing decor.

Choosing the Right Size Rug

In addition to the traffic in the room, you'll also need to consider the overall size of the space and your table. If a rug is too big, it might overcrowd your space. But, if it's too small, then it may make pulling chairs out difficult or look awkward. 

The key to getting the right size rugs for a dining room is to allow enough space for the chairs to be pulled out. If your table is square or rectangular, then you can measure the perfect-sized rug by adding two feet to each side of the table. 

Material Matters

As you start rug shopping, it's a good idea to understand what type of material and style of rug will best fit your needs. Spills and messes are practically synonymous with dining rooms, so you'll need a carpet material that resists stains and is easy to clean. Likewise, when you choose a color or pattern, you'll want to consider what can hide stains, furniture imprints and discoloration well if your dining room is a high-traffic area.

Some popular options for rugs for dining rooms include:

• Polypropylene: Polypropylene is durable, stain-resistant and washable, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas. This polypropylene rug is perfect for your space as it will provide the durability you need, as well as an elegant design you'd want in the dining room. 
• Nylon: Nylon offers resilience and is easy to clean, making it another great material choice for high traffic areas. This traditional rug is a blend of nylon and polypropylene and is perfect for dining rooms thanks to its durability and intricate pattern that hides messes well.
• Wool: It can be expensive, but worth it as wool is naturally dirt and water-resistant. Wool is also a great balance of luxurious plushness and practicality, as wool rugs are easy to clean. This elegant blue-patterned wool rug is a great choice for a dining room. 
• Cotton: Cotton is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for area rugs for dining rooms. However, they're not quite as durable as wool rugs for the dining room, so they are not the best for high-traffic areas. The con is that it's less durable for high-traffic areas.

Considerations for Durability and Maintenance

Choose a material that suits your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, opt for stain-resistant materials. Consider how often you'll need to clean the rug and the ease of doing so.

Style and Design

When it comes to the style and design of your dining room rug, there are several factors to consider that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. From patterns and colors to seasonal considerations, each element plays a significant role in creating a harmonious environment.

Patterns and Colors

Selecting colors and patterns may be the most fun part of rug shopping. You'll get to consider the overall style and aesthetics of your dining room and try to tie a new rug into that look. However, when considering colors and patterns, it can be a good idea to think about more than just style. 

Dark colors and intricate patterns tend to work best in dining rooms that get much traffic. They're able to hide stains, marks, and debris better than light colors or solid patterns. This traditional rug provides an interesting design and dark color scheme. However, if your dining room doesn't get a lot of traffic, you might want to mix it up a bit. You could try a light-colored rug with an intricate pattern, like this one.

Texture and Its Impact on the Room's Feel

Texture adds dimension to your space. A plush rug can create a cozy feel, while a flat-weave rug might contribute to a more streamlined look. Experiment with different textures to complement your dining room's style.

Practical Considerations

When you consider the pile length of a rug, you're looking at how easy it will be to clean and maintain. Low-pile or flat-weave rugs are generally the best for high-traffic areas and places where you'll be eating and drinking. 

For dining rooms, having a high-pile rug, like a shag carpet, will be a pain to extract food or stains from, as they tend to trap small pieces of food easily. Though high-pile may feel plush and soft, its high-maintenance and cleaning issues make this type of rug not a good choice. 

For dining rooms, stain resistance is a must. Look for rugs treated with stain-resistant technology or made from naturally resistant materials. Also, set a budget that reflects the size, material and design you desire. Remember that investing in a quality rug can pay off in durability and aesthetics. 

Explore Our Dining Room Rugs

A well-placed rug can anchor the dining space and create a cohesive look while providing comfort underfoot. With the right rug, you can transform your dining room into a cozy gathering place that reflects your style and invites comfort.

With excellent customer service, a wide variety of rug options and shipping available anywhere in the USA, Carpet & Tile Mart is your one-stop shop for all your flooring needs. Visit a store near you today or contact us online to learn more about our dining room rugs.