Placing a Rug Under a Dining Table: The Advice You Need

Many people will say that you can’t put a rug under the dining table. However, this simply is not true. The arguments that the rug will suffer wear and tear from constant footfall and people pulling out chairs, that rugs make it harder to pull chairs out, and that it’s harder to clean rugs under dining tables can all be avoided by simply choosing the right rug.

If you want to add a stylish finish to your dining room with a rug, we have a guide here to help you find your perfect fit. We’ve been supplying top-quality rugs across the UK for many years, including rugs for dining rooms, and we know exactly what it takes to bring your space together through its flooring features.

Do You Need a Rug Under a Dining Table?

You don’t “need” to put a rug under a dining table, but there are many benefits to doing it anyway:

• It can pull the room together: the right rug can compliment your dining set, from the table and chairs to the colour and styles in the rest of the interior. Rugs can also be paired with other accessories to make a truly bold statement.
  
• It can “ground” the dining set: this means it can make the dining set feel like it belongs in the room, that nothing is missing and the space doesn’t feel lacking. Putting a rug down can help remove that sense that the space is slightly bland.
  
• It can define the dining area: if you have an open-plan living space, having a dining room rug can help to define where the dining area is in relation to the kitchen and the rest of your living space.
  
• It can help take care of your floor: a rug can help to protect wooden floors from getting scratched, which is much more difficult to sort out and maintain than a wipeable or washable rug.
  
• It’s comfortable underfoot: a rug is a warm, comfortable thing to have underfoot, especially if it acts as a barrier between your feet and wood or tile floors. It adds to the comfort and relaxation of having a meal in your own home.

Are There Rules on Rugs for Under Dining Tables?

While there aren’t technically any “rules” on dining table rugs, there are some guidelines you might want to follow:

Size Guidelines for Dining Table Rugs

Your space can easily be swallowed by having a rug that’s too large. To avoid this, try to keep at least 24 inches of bare floor around the edges of your rug.

This being said, you should also try to match the size of the room. If there is space available for an area rug, this will fit all your dining furniture on it. Aim to use a rug that’s large enough to fit all chairs on when pulled back. Having a larger rug will also make the room look larger.

If you’re working with a smaller space, a short piled rug may be a better option. This ensures your furniture is kept balanced and does not lean or shift when in use.

Shape Guidelines for Dining Table Rugs

You might want to choose a rug that’s the same shape as your dining table. For example, a circle rug may complement the design of a circular dining table more easily. 

Other Things to Bear in Mind for Dining Table Rugs

There are also some other things that we would recommend you keep in mind when choosing and setting down your rug:

Avoid Light Colours

Naturally, placing a rug under a dining table will lead to the possibility of stains. Light hues such as white, grey, and beige all run the risk of easily getting stained, so if this worries you, try to avoid it. 

Exceptions to Shape Guidelines

There may be times when you can choose a rug that’s a different shape to your dining table. For instance, if your table is a circle shape and you have a square rug in a square room, the table becomes the centrepiece and the room is made pleasing to the eye. 

There are ways that this won’t work as well, though; if you have a square dining table and a circle rug in a square room, the effect can be jarring.

Choose a Low Nap Rug and Underlay

Using a rug that’s either a low nap or smooth is essential for stopping guests from catching their chairs. Indoor/outdoor rugs and rugs made of natural fibres are great options for this because they offer a smooth, durable surface.

Another way to help the rug be as safe as possible is using an underlayment (also called a rug pad). The weight of the dining room table and chairs can damage the floor underneath the rug as small bits of dirt scratch at it. An underlay will prevent this from happening and also stop the rug from slipping at any point.

Think About Longevity

There are multiple rug fabrics and materials to choose from – each with its own unique function. A dining room rug needs a tough and durable material that can still add style to the room. Short-pile or flat weaved rugs are most recommended for this because they have good longevity and prevent your chairs from damaging the material.

Natural fibre rugs such as wool and cotton are also easier to clean, but make sure to avoid any synthetic fibre blends as they tend to trap dirt. Depending on the style or design you would like, indoor/outdoor rugs are a durable and stain-resistant option that is easily wipeable and washable.

There are Alternatives

If you would like something different for your dining room, then you can also use carpet tiles. These interlocking squares are generally used as a carpet alternative but can also work as a practical dining room rug. They come in many patterns, textures, and hues to match any décor, and each square can be removed for cleaning. They are also easily replaced if you do find a stain that is neither wipeable nor washable.

Find the Perfect Rug for Your Dining Room Table

We have a wide variety of high-quality rugs in many different shapes and sizes, for almost any room in a home. This means that we are bound to have the rug that will suit your dining room, and go perfectly under your dining table. Whether you want a circle rug to suit a round dining table or a long, rectangular rug for a long, rectangular table, we will have it in stock.

You can shop by category, including style, shape, and colour, and find the one that guests will compliment at your next dinner party today. We can then deliver it for free, and you may even get to take advantage of our next-day delivery service.