Choosing the Best Rug for Your Dining Room

Area rugs can spruce up any room, especially if you have hardwood or any other type of hard surface flooring. They add a personal touch of character and can tie into any interior design concept. Ever looked at your dining room and felt that something was missing or that the room looked a little incomplete? A simple area rug can help transform your space, liven up the room, and add an added bit of warmth, especially during the colder months.

There are a few things you need to take into consideration when buying an area rug for the dining room, especially since rugs in dining rooms will likely be subject to crumbs and spills. It may seem overwhelming, but the team at Jabara's is here to help with these tips on how to select the perfect area rug for your dining room!

Analyze the Space

Before purchasing an area rug, take into account the size and shape of your dining room table. You want to make sure that all of the chairs around the table will fit comfortably on top of the rug when they are pulled out. An area rug that is too small will cause the chairs to snag on its edging.

The general rule of thumb is to make sure your rug is at least 24 inches wider than the dining table on all sides. This ensures that there is ample room for the chairs to be pulled out. To ensure you buy the correct size rug, measure your dining table first and then add 24 or more inches to each side. You can mark the floor around the table with painter’s tape to get a better idea. The tape will also give you an idea of how the room will look with the rug.

Once you’ve determined the size of your rug, you’ll need to match the shape of the rug to your table. Square or round rugs pair perfectly with round dining tables. Oval or rectangular tables pair well with rectangular rugs. Square tables generally pair better with square rugs, but a round rug will also work. Just make sure you keep the measurements mentioned above in mind when selecting the shape of your rug.

Consider Style

It’s much easier to pick a rug first and then accessorize according to the design of the rug. However, sometimes that is not possible. If you already have furnishings and a color scheme, then you should pick a rug that will match what you already have in the room. Think of your rug as a piece of art that you place on the floor instead of hanging on the wall—it should complement your decor and add a unique touch of style. Oriental rugs are usually safe for a more traditional and formal look. However, you will still need to ensure the color of the rug will complement the color scheme of the room. A geometric print area rug can also transform the entire feel of the room, but you will need to make sure the geometric pattern does not compete with any other patterns you may have in the room.

Another tip to use when looking at colors is to avoid any light or white colors, since accidental spills and crumbs are more likely to show up on a lighter rug.

Choose the Best Material

When choosing a material, opt for a short pile or flat weave rug in the dining area, as they are much easier to maintain in the wake of inevitable crumbs and spills. These rugs also make it much easier for visitors to pull out their chairs. Rugs with a high pile or thicker material are better suited for a living room or bedroom. You might also consider a rug made of natural fibers, such as cotton and wool. These fibers are extremely easy to clean and will ensure that crumbs don’t get trapped. Sisal, seagrass, and jute rugs may prove to be trickier when it comes to removing crumbs because of their texture.

Need help choosing the perfect rug for your dining room? Visit Jabara's in Wichita, KS. Our flooring experts are ready to help you bring your design goals to life!