Put a rug, or not put a rug under the dining table?
It is quite a contentious topic. For some, the inclusion of an area rug in the dining room is absolutely essential.
In contrast, many people favor a minimalist design in dining rooms and prefer not to put rugs under the dining tables. Others simply aren’t sure. Rugs add a beautiful, luxurious touch to any space. And in the dining room, placing a rug under the dining table and chairs instantly creates―a feeling of warmth!
If the rug has a plush texture or fetching pattern, eating meals with a rug in the dining room is a whole lot more enjoyable.
Here are a few wonderful reasons your dining room should have a rug:
- Rugs define the dining area
- Bring color to your dining room
- Their texture adds comfort
- Create a more cohesive look by tying everything together
- Provide a layer of insulation against heat and sound
- Adding a rug is more affordable than installing hardwood or tile
Though putting a rug under dining table has some cons, too ― like
- Rugs can get caught in chairs
- Droppings and spills can make rugs soiled
When positives abound, negatives must also exist ― yet if we weigh up these considerations, it is fairly safe to say adding rugs have more pros than cons, so you should consider putting a rug under your dining table!
Here are a few tips on how you should choose a rug for your dining table:
Follow your dining table shape
Even if it sounds basic, you should choose a rug that matches the shape of your table. A round rug goes with a round table. A square rug goes with a square table. And so do other shapes.
The combination of a rug and a table that breaks this rule and looks good is rare.
In a room with a round rug, a square table will appear out of place because its corners will become the most noticeable feature. The same applies to a rectangular rug on a square table.
So, the first thing you should consider when it comes to adding a rug under your dining room table is the shape of the table itself. Don’t miss match shapes!
However, round tables on square rugs can be an exception here―if the room is square also. In this case, clean lines on the rug would mirror the lines in the room.
So, the square rugs would contrast nicely with the round table. But, if you don’t want to risk the round dining table rug idea, choose a rug that matches the shape of the table. You simply can’t go wrong that way!
Buy a larger size
Rugs come in so many sizes. So, it is common for people to have issues while choosing rug sizes, particularly in the dining room.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not buying a rug that’s big enough. Most of the time, you enter a store and guess the rug’s size, or you measure your table and buy a rug that is similar in size.
However, both of these approaches do not work well when choosing a rug for the dining room table. Take this into consideration, when the chairs are pulled out of the table – they should rest comfortably on the rug.
The most common mistake people make is not leaving enough room for the dining chair to be pulled out of the table.
Keeping this in mind, choose a rug that’s 50cm wider and longer than your dining table.
Have a supporting layer
Using rug pads in all rooms is a good idea, but dining rooms benefit the most from them. Due to all the movement and sliding chairs, dining room rugs often slide, wrinkle, and buckle.
And the problem is that it looks bad and can cause serious tripping hazards in messy rooms.
Using a supporting layer – like rubber-backed rug pads under your dining table – you can avoid these potential problems.
In addition to providing extra cushion, pads encourage airflow through the rug, making it easier to clean and keep smelling fresh.
Pattern & color is key!
The color and pattern of a rug under the dining table is an important factor to consider.
There should be one focal point in each room of your home, a dominant feature that stands out. A bedding, artwork, a rug, or a feature wall could be the item. Your space is defined by that one moment, whatever it may be. Visually, everything else in the room supports it.
In your dining room, make your rug the center of attention! Pick a rug with a bold pattern or color. However, opt for a rug in a more subdued color or pattern if the room already has loud features (such as art or a pendant).
Also, as much as possible, avoid light hues. Light and pale colors will show dirt, crumbs, and spills more quickly than darker, richer colors or patterns.
Choose material wisely
A rug’s material makes a big difference. Practicality is essential when it comes to choosing the material for the rugs under dining tables.
While choosing rug material, first of all, take a moment to think about your dining chairs. What is the weight of the chairs? Are they heavy enough that dragging them across a cowhide rug will cause them to ripple? Are your chair legs thin and pointy that could get caught in rugs?
Choose something hardy while keeping your furniture weight in mind.
Pick a material that is easy to wash. Stay away from high-pile rugs since they tend to trap food. Low-pile, flatweave rugs are the best. They are easy to move your chairs over and can be washed easily with synthetic materials. And when considering the convenience of washable rugs, wool and synthetic materials like polypropylene offer the best durability, ease of cleaning, and softness. They are a good choice of material for dining room rugs.
Wrapping up
Putting a rug under your dining room table can add an extra touch of luxury and zone the space. However, remember to choose the right color, shape, and size.
Be sure it reflects the dining table above it, and don’t choose a material that will wear away quickly. Choose a stain-covering material that is easy to clean.